East Tenn. Crappie...

[Goob]

Hey guys, I am new to crappie fishing, as well as this forum. This is my official first post.
I am 15 years old, and hoping to find some key areas for crappie. I will be on the bank for the most part. I do have a canoe and access to some kayaks, but again, most of my fishing is off the bank. I am located in Knoxville, but do fish in the Louisville area as well. I fish for anything in my area, but usually I only use nightcrawlers. I am very quick to catch on, I just need to be told. So now I think it's time to step up my game and move on to throwing some lures and just try different things. If any of you can instruct me as to which lakes/ areas are best in the area and what works best to catch them I would appreciate it VERY MUCH! Thanks for your time!

[skeetbum]

Welcome from Manchester. I don't know your area but techniques are easy. Small(1/16 and 1/32oz) jigs that you aren't married to. I say that cuz you're gonna lose some. A good rod that's not too stiff, cuz the Crappie's mouth is like paper and you'll tear the hook loose quick with a stiff pole like you would use for bass. Medium action is fine, and 6'6" for length is a good start. Tie the jig on the end, with a float about 2' above it. Cast it around some cover, not too close to start. Fish just hang out in the neighborhood sometimes, so you don't need to go inside the cover. Yet. Let it set a while and then take up the slack by lifting your rod and just shake it. This will cause the jig to bounce and jiggle underwater. You might add a minnow if they're finicky, and change depth til you find em. Jigs you might use could be white, yellow or chartreuse(bright green) to start with, and maribou feathers on them help give lots of action with minimum movement. This is just a start and you will learn more of what works in your area and what suits your style of fishin. The only dumb question is the one you don't ask and that's what we're here for. There's a bunch of real good folks over your way that will probably help you get going. Tight lines, keep us posted.

[DrJohn]

Goob, welcome aboard. Get in touch with tnvol on here. He fishes the piers at Concord a good bit and he can give you some good pointers on how to catch some nice crappie there. You'll do yourself well to give minnows a try for crappie. Also, 2" grubs on a lead head and jigs with hair are good choices for crappie as well.

[SandyRidge]

Welcome, Skeetbum and Dr. John both gave you some good advice on how to fish for Crappie. I will try and throw in a spot or two for you to fish for Crappie. Since you fish the Louisville area you may want to try Louisville Park and fish the cove there, Polan Creek right below Louisville and Ish Creek a little further on down all are excellent places to fish for Crappie, if you do not have access to a depth finder to find the brush piles, then fish the docks, most will hold some Crappie. Good Luck.

[Goob]

Hey guys, thanks for the help! Keep it coming!
Ok, i've got some cream white and chartreuse grubs brand new in the pkg. from Bass Pro. So just put them on a 1/16 plain lead head? Do I use a bobber with these too? Or just a bobber with jigs?

[Festus_Haggen]

You can use a bobber with those leadheads and grubs. Some folks use a float and fly which is a feather jig under a floater. Yep, using minnows will definitely increase your chances to catch crappie. They seldom hit nightcrawlers but they sure will hit a 1" piece of nightcrawler hooked to a feather or hair jig if it's moving.

[Goob]

You can use a bobber with those leadheads and grubs. Some folks use a float and fly which is a feather jig under a floater. Yep, using minnows will definitely increase your chances to catch crappie. They seldom hit nightcrawlers but they sure will hit a 1" piece of nightcrawler hooked to a feather or hair jig if it's moving.

Does like...Wal-Mart carry the float and fly? or Dick's Sporting Goods? Or?

[DrJohn]

Wal-Mart and Dicks will have some fly's as will Gander Mountain and Bass Pro. A fairly small brightly colored float is good so you can detect light bites.

[c1bigocarp]

Hit the boat docks in your area and fish them. You will catch fish. search u-tube for dock shooting and watch the videos. You will have fun. Start with a 1/32' head and 2" grub and have at it. Good luck.

[Goob]

Do you guys have any preference of color/pattern of "Float And Fly as far as east TN. is concerned?