Page 5 - Crappie NOW - May 2017

into the cover) and at the right
depth is critical. Retrieving a jig
at mid-depth at a very slow speed
is another critical presentation. In
order to properly control your bait
at the correct depth around cover,
there are two basic approaches to
consider.
1. Long rod dipping. Using
an 8 to 11 foot crappie “jigging”
rod with 8 or 10 pound test line
allows the angler to reach out and
accurately lower a jig alongside
cover or through small openings in
cover to crappies below. This jig-
dipping presentation is popular in
many regions of the country. Some
northern anglers use an inexpensive
fly rod or old spinning rod. However,
rods built specifically for the
technique by companies like B’n’M
Poles are a better choice. Check out
the 10’ Sam Heaton Jig Pole or the
10.5’ Russ Bailey Signature Series
– both from B’n’M. I spool high-vis
Gamma Optic Yellow Panfish Line
on a small spinning reel. Choose a
plastic jig body that has a tantalizing
shimmy on the drop, plus a strike-
inducing action when paused and
shaken. When fishing hard cover
(wood, dock posts, etc.) my favorite
bait is a 2-inch Bobby Garland Slab
Slayer body on a 1/8-ounce Crappie
Pro Jighead. However, when
fishing over emerging grass beds,
I typically use a Bobby Garland
1.5-inch Swim’R Baby Shad or 2” lakes offer wading opportunities that can lead to
Kalin Crappie Tube on a 1/32 or success, like here at Pymatuning Lake, PA.
1/16-ounce jighead suspended
below a bobber.
2. Bobber Presentations. the bait at a precise depth setting and
Use of a bobber or float allows for a reducing the chance of snagging cover.
slow enticing retrieve while keeping Wisconsin crappie guru Matt Bichanich

5 Crappie NOW May 2017