Page 5 - Crappie NOW | May 2015
P. 5
Lily Pads
“I call the openings “getaways” where crappie jig as slowly as you want and it keeps the jig
like to hold. Whatever the fish are doing, it’s at the right depth. Seeing bites on a tiny float
important to find a pattern and then a pattern is the best.”
within a pattern. For example, it’s not enough A wild-card item that works great in
just to know they are in the holes, you need the pads is a Power-Pole or Talon anchor. It
to know exactly what depth, bait and action makes it great to quietly stop anywhere you
along with preference for large holes, small want by dropping the poles into the bottom. An
holes or ones with larger or smaller pads.” alternative is a typical anchor you can quietly
Bailey says pads can be good in the ease into the water.
spring, early summer and fall. To catch them he Bailey says, “Everyone always ask
typically uses his BnM Signature Series 10.5- about jig colors. There are no magic baits that
foot pole. He uses the long pole to flip away always work best, but in clear water I’ll start
from the boat or straight down presentations. with a yellow-white jig. It use to be popular but
He believes in an extremely fast hook-set. not so much any more, but it works for me.
Equipment includes 6-pound test Vicious In dingy water I’ll use the yellow-white and
line, a 1/32-ounce Road Runner or plain ball a blue-white. I’m an old-school fisherman so
head in 1/48-ounce jig, Southern Pro Stinger when something works I stick with it.”
Shad, Berkley Crappie Nibbles and small Other Tips
teardrop floats. The float needs to be barely No matter which style of jig you prefer,
large enough not to sink. sticking with a small 1/32-ounce jig that gives a
“The float is important. It lets you work a
5 Crappie NOW May 2015
