Page 6 - Crappie NOW | August 2015
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Stumps & Snags
often determine the required technique. For
example, thick standing timber calls for jigging.
A field of submerged stumps might be best
slow trolled. Anything in between has to be
determined by the situation, conditions and the
crappie’s preferred presentation for the spot.
Old vs. New Wood: Old wood is easier
to fish because only the larger limbs remain.
It can still be outstanding for holding crappie.
Live wood like a new laydown or fishing flooded
shoreline wood can present tougher fishing but
excellent results. The key is being in the right
depth of water.
Clouds/Sun: Sun is preferred because it
pushes crappie tight to the cover for shade.
Water Color: A stain or tint is preferred by
jig fishermen. Less visibility allows a fisherman
to get close without spooking the fish.
Wind: A little ripple means better fishing
because the fish are less spooky. The ripple
Don Brooks with a Truman Lake crappie The Right Stuff for Jigging
taken from wood cover using a jig. Pole: Sensitive-for feeling bites; lightweight-
for less fatigue; rear reel seat-for balance;
great summertime choice. Straight minnows 10 to 12-foot for control yet keeping bait
on light-wire hooks with a ½-ounce sinker in away from boat. Example: BnM 11-foot Sam
between the hooks is a popular choice. Jig- Heaton.
minnow combinations are also a good pick Line: 8-pound test mono- easy handling,
when fish want a little color. Single hook rigs versatile; or, 10- to 15-pound braid- for better
are easier to fish because of fewer hang-ups. sensitivity, fewer break-offs. Example: Power
The most important part of slow trolling Pro; Vicious; Spiderwire.
is boat control. Experts often go against the Jigs: Johnson Crappie Buster Shad Tail;
wind. This allows a very slow presentation Panfish Assassin Tiny Shad; Bobby Garland
and the trolling motor can be stopped when a Slab Slayer; Muddy Water jig.
bush is found or a fish caught. This stops the Jigheads: Weedless 1/8-ounce; 1/16-oz- for
boat right on the spot. Strong winds call for slower presentation; 1/4-for quick fishing and
going with the wind using chains, drift socks, reaction bites. Examples: standard ball head;
Drift Paddles or some other device to slow the Mo’Glo; Rockport Rattle (with sound beads
boat and keep it straight. built in).
Factors for Stumps & Snags The Right Stuff for Slow Trolling
Thick or Scattered: Presentation will Pole: Sensitive- for seeing bites; strong- to
handle light to medium weights; forward reel
seat to fit holder. Example: 12 or 14 foot, BnM
BGJP; Mr Crappie Troll Tech.
Line: 8 to 12-pound test monofilament.
Rigs: Single jig rigs 1/8- to 1/4-ounce. Double-
hook minnow or jig/minnow combos.
Pole holders: Driftmaster or Tite-Lok
6 Crappie NOW August 2015
