Page 9 - Crappie NOW | June 2016

Crappie Q&A

fish when they turn on. So I try not to leave one spot I know is holding fish and is a good
area, to go to another spot.

Brian Sowers - I came from a bass background so I’ve learned crappie fishing is very

different in that you have to be patient. Fishermen must also adapt to different conditions
and be knowledgeable in electronics. The biggest tip is to take my time and don’t leave fish
too quickly. I’ve seen the result of this many times when a fisherman or team leaves an area
too quickly and not give the fish time to bite. Others come into the area and catch fish when
they turn on. So I try not to leave one spot I know is holding fish and is a good area, to go
to another spot.

Bobby Dale Gaskin - When I started working tournaments seven year ago I really didn’t

know how to spider rig. I listened and learned how the fishermen work different depths, tie
rigs like the double-hook rigs, and the importance of different size weights. Spider rigging
takes practice but it really isn’t that hard to do. By watching the top teams this technique is
by far what works best on the majority of the lakes. For me it’s more fun watching pole tips
than casting or jigging where you have to be working all the time.

Crappie Basics

Crappie Basics #113

Removing a pole from a holder when spider rigging isn’t difficult but is often
a problem for many fishermen. There are two stumbling points. First, when
grabbing the pole lift up while letting the handle stay in the back of the holder. As
soon as the fish is hooked, push forward on the handle to get it free. (The wrong
way is when the bite takes place is to try to remove the pole before setting the
hook. Maybe the pole is buried? It’s still best to lift up and then get the pole out
of the holder.)
The second problem may be the biggest reason for lost fish…slack line.
When pulling the pole out of the holder do not drop the rod tip that gives the fish
slack line. It’s so easy to do but don’t do it or you’ll lose a lot of fish. -TH

9 Crappie NOW June 2016