Page 6 - Crappie NOW - February 2018

WINTER DOCKS

More Winter Dock Tips

>Don’t hesitate fishing the
cables running up from anchoring
points to a floating dock. These are
often used by crappie as cover.
>Keeping a bow in the line
when using a lightweight jig gives
a good strike indicator. Any jumping
of the line indicates a strike.
>In general, the further back
you get a jig the better the chance
of catching a big crappie.
>A lightweight head and a big
plastic body gives a slow fall rate.
Great shooting jigs do not easily
slide down or foul the hook. They
skip. A few good examples are:
Muddy Water Jig; Bobby Garland
Shooter; and Brewer Crappie Slider
Grub.
>No matter the season, a cold
front will slow the bite.
>The clearer the water the
further a crappie will come to a bait.
>Put a tube body inside the
head or use a solid plastic body. Obstacles are everywhere around a dock
>A good rod is important when so it is not unusual for a fisherman to go to
shooting. It should be sensitive while a fish to get it landed.
being somewhat stiff to allow power
shooting of very light jigs. Example, strike zone is important because a float can
BnM Sharpshooter Six. be used to maintain the right depth.
>Electronics can be huge for Baits with actions tails can be good but
winter dock shooting. A side scan in the cold water a tube jig, shad with a straight
is a good way to eliminate many tail or other less-action bait might be best.
unproductive docks. presenting different baits will show which the
>Crappie may be at two feet fish prefer.
from the surface but deep water Probe corners and areas under the dock.
under or near the dock or very close Shade can be critical but so can sunshine in
is important. the winter. Hit both sun and shade areas at
>Repeat casts to a spot that each dock.
produces. Pitching equipment includes a 7- to
>Don’t stay with a dock that is 10-foot pole rigged with a spinning reel. A
not producing. There are others that lightweight, sensitive pole is very important
will be productive. for less fatigue, easy handling and maximum
sensitivity. A shorter rod is best for short

6 Crappie NOW February 2018