Page 10 - Crappie NOW - March 2018

FIRST BITE

The jig and live bait combination is
fished in conjunction with a fixed bobber. Angler dabbles small jig along blow down
Cast it out and let it rest for 60 seconds. in a protected bay on Pymatuning Lake.
Then begin a very slow retrieve for two
or three feet. Pause again for a minute or
two. Then retrieve it slowly two more feet. stained, go with Mo’ Glo Screamer or Black
Repeat pause. Cricket. And don’t forget to tip it with two
To assemble this rig, first affix an maggots!
adjustable weighted bobber to your line Rod/Reel and Line: I’ve experimented
allowing about two feet below the float. with many different rod and line
Then tie on the jighead and body. combinations over the years for specific
Ice-out crappie casters have long crappie presentations. For casting a
favored a 1.5 inch white or yellow split- float with minnow, I’ve found the perfect
tail grub as the jig body. But when Bobby combination for me: B-n-M 8-foot Buck’s
Garland brought out the 1.25-inch Itty Ultimate.
Bit Swim’R, I made the switch to this tiny This rod has just the right action for
minnow profile plastic. propelling a slip-float/minnow into cover
I fish the Itty Bit Swim’R on a 1/48 from a distance with accuracy. In a pinch,
ounce Overbite Sickle Head. Select a you can use it as a dabbling pole if dipping
minnow color such as Pearl White, Crystal tight to cover. The 8-foot length provides a
or Monkey Milk if the water is moderately good sweeping hooket.
clear. But if the water is dirty or heavily When fishing around the intense

10 Crappie NOW March 2018