Reply With QuoteIf i were you, i would go to a locally owned bait and tackle store, and ask them. They can show you different rods, reels, and all the other tackle you need. Most I have dealt with are eager to help!
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Minnow
New Crappie Fisherman...
....well not completely, but pretty much.
I've been hunitn' all my life. My fishin' has mainly consisted of crickets for blue gill when I was younger. We have a place @ Norris, but mainly ski and recerate there.
I have been wanting to get into Crappie fishin' for a little while. A lot of things have slowed down in life and now I have time to do it. I've caught a few crappie on some small crankbaits, but don't really know nothing about the sport.
My question(s) for you 'experts'.
First, what do I need to buy? ie. Pole size, reel size (I like open face), line type size, tackle, anything at all as far as gear.
Second, bait and how to fish it? What are some commons that work well as far as bait, depths, etc. I'm really not interested in trolling, so I geuss info related to casting would be more benificial to me.
Third, I am going to Watts Bar the 1st weekend in April. Does anyone have any info, tips, advice, etc? We are staying at a place called Arrowhead Lodge (I think). Anyone know of some good areas around there? We will be fishing Fri, Sat, Sun. Comin' down with 2 guys that I work with. Just lookin' for some relaxation and hopefully some fish to fry up saturday evening.
Responders,
please don't hesitate to make your responses very simple and elementary. My feelings won't be hurt. As I stated above, I don't know much about fishin' for Crappie. This looks like as good a place as any. I'm sure there is a wealth of knowledge floating around in here.
Thanks in advance for all those who share.
m
Trophy King
If i were you, i would go to a locally owned bait and tackle store, and ask them. They can show you different rods, reels, and all the other tackle you need. Most I have dealt with are eager to help!
"They bitin' up river on that topwater"
Slabmaster II
Well if your going to be casting i would get an ultra light rod and spinning reel and try casting 1/16 Roadrunners. However this early the fish might be lethargic so a bobber and jig or roadrunner could be fished slower. try to find some brush or laydowns or visible stakebeds. Minnows hard to beat this time of year too. bass pro has big sale this weekend. Might get that ultra light cheaper. i like 7 foot. Good luck.:D Not familiar with watts bar so asking locals cant hurt.
God is good...all the time.:D
Crappie Wall Hanger II
There are so many ways to fish for crappie, and such a wide variety of equipment and tackle. To me, for someone just starting out, Midwest Crappie is an excellent place to start. Russ' shows cover virtually every possible method, and he gives really good, detailed information on the equipment and bait used, as well as specific techniques. Here is one like that will allow you to watch the shows over the net...
Midwest Crappie | MyOutdoorTV.com
Once you decide what method you want to use, then you will probably get tons of opinions on here, with regard to equipment options.
Slabmaster II
well ya came to the right place to learn. just do a lot of reading. I will be at Watts bar at that time also..I hope. Get you some jigs and slip bobbers, i prefer 4lb test line open face reels medium duty poles....just my 2 cents. Welcome to the crappie fishin forums....
Fishy Fishy in da brook, come bite on Grandpa's hook!
Crappie.com Legend
look for some posts by "special K", he did up a real nice crappie 101 and 102 a week or two ago, very informative and might lead down a good path to follow. look in the NC forum as that's where he lives.
GO BIG ORANGE !
I meant to behave, but there were just way too many other options available at the time.
Slabmaster II
also go to middle tenn crappie fishing form and read all tips by gonecrappiefishing....this guy is very helpful
Fishy Fishy in da brook, come bite on Grandpa's hook!
Crappie.com 1K Star General
x2 on all of that, just cause you don't wanna troll doesn't limit you to casting, vertical jig fishing with a long, light, sensitive pole is the most fun way to crappie fish for many people, myself included!!
I clever quip fishing ironic statement crappie!
Minnow
Crappie.com Legend
IMHO get a Shimano 1000 series reel..a Sedona is fine but you can move up the series and pay more and get better if you like. Purchase an ESP 7 foot Power Light Rod....it is a great rod for many species but especially Crappie. Use some P Line CX Premium 2# or 4# test line and get you some Crappie Magnets in the 1/32 and 1/16 size and you will be set. You are going to get a multitude of what to fish with. The Shimano reels hold up...I fish 5 days a week 52 weeks a year and have never had one let me down. The ESP Rod is new but after using one...I bout 2 at the same time.....I am purchasing 5 more. I have much more expensive rods but they do not hold a candle to the sensitivity and casting distance and accuracy to that rod. It is better to buy once than have to buy twice because you bought wrong the first time...I know all too well because it took me a while to learn that. Good luck with your fishing.
Regards
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