Page 9 - Crappie NOW - April 2019

TIP OF THE MONTH

Big Baits & Stealth: By Kent Driscoll

“I’m still looking for a three-pound crappie. Arklabutla
is the farthest north of the Mississippi lakes, so their
spawn will be last, usually in April. I’ll be slow trolling
16-foot BnM Pro Staff Poles because we are catching
bigger fish and I want the stiffness of those poles.
“Big baits are important. I’ll be using one or two
1/4-ounce jigheads, including a Crappie Magnet Thin
Fin to add flash. My colors will be bright like orange-
chartreuse, lime-chartreuse or black-chartreuse because
the water is usually muddy in the spring. With a straight
head I’ll be using a Muddy Water bait because the glow
and built-in scent sets them apart. I will still tip with a minnow. I believe a couple of
good scents are good by enhancing the chances of a big bite.
“A key to fishing shallow is to stay in a stealth mode. Be quiet and move slowly. I
try to stay off my trolling motor. I’ll go with the wind and use a windsock.

Kent Driscoll is pro staff manager for BnM Poles and regularly competes in regional
and national tournaments.

9 Crappie NOW April 2019