Help with clear water fishing @ Reel Foot

I will be coming up to Reel Foot in October to fish the Crappiemaster Classic. I have never fished in clear water for crappie before. As my handle indicates I'm from MS and our water is far from clear. Also most of the fish I catch are white crappie and I would guess most of the crappie in Reel Foot would be black crappie. May be wrong just a guess. Anyway can some of you guys who fish this lake give me some pointers. I just want to make sure I have the tackle and set-up needed to catch fish. I currently am set up for trolling using 14 foot B&M trolling poles, I jig fish, and troll crankbaits. I hear people fish using 20 foot trolling poles. Is this necessary or will my 14 footers be fine.

Clear water?
I guess I have never been on the Foot when the water was clear. I would guess you can see a foot if that.
More like Sardis.
Pete

Well I guess the guy who was telling me about Reelfoot was wrong in his clear description. That makes me feel a little better about going.

Good grief, man! I bet he told you there were crappie in that lake as well. Shoot. I wouldn't believe a word he said...

Reel Foot lake is not a clear water lake. It's a little more stained than Kentucky Lake. I would say that there are more white crappie in that lake than there are black crappie.
Good luck at the Crappie Master Classic.

I live in Atoka Tn. about an 1hr and a half away. There is no way you can troll in Reelfoot it is the stumpiest lake you have ever seen and I to fish Sardis every week and the Crappie are half the size there. I would fish minnows with a fly rod or crappie pole straught down in deep water do not expect fish like we catch in goood ole MS.

Here is a picture of reel foot.
Wish Pickwick had water this color again.
Pete
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6.../camper020.jpg

I live about 30 minutes from Reelfoot. As mentioned above it is not a clear water lake. You can find some clear water in the shallow areas of the lake where there is vegatation. Spider rigging with 12 to 16 ft poles is the norm on Reelfoot. I would expect a 2 day total of 21 lbs will get you close. Good luck and I hope you finish 2nd right behind me:D