Page 6 - Crappie NOW - October 2017

ROCKS & BOULDERS

from monofilament to braided line. The rocks or other cover so they can ambush
8-pound test braided line has small diameter bait when it floats by. So look for a current
and limpness needed. The huge advantage break and present your bait where it looks
is better sensitivity. He says being able to natural.
feel the bottom, cover, distinguishing a
bluegill bite and other advantages of better - Tim Huffman
sensitivity has made the move worthwhile.
Presentations are more productive because
of the feel.
Another presentation ‘game changer’
has been a Quick-Set jighead in 1/16 and Equipment for Casting
1/8-ounce. He says cover can be fished with
the weedless head in places a regular jig
would hang-up immediately. A hang-up with Rods: Berkley Cherrywood;
a regular jig usually ends the catching at Browning Airstream; BnM Sam
that spot. Heaton 7-foot Super Sensitive
Johnson prefers a pink or unpainted
head with some type of Bobby Garland body. Reels: Lew’s Lazer G; Pflueger
The colors vary with water clarity. His wife President; Shimano Sienna or
Jenni likes the Garland Baby Shad with lots Sedona
of glitter. “I’m a woman. I like anything that Baits: Road Runner; Quick-Set
sparkles so I like a sparkle body on a pink
head.” head; Bobby Garland Baby Shad

Final Tips
A big boulder or group of rocks can
provide hiding spots for crappie. You can
find spots on your electronics and position
the boat. However, to be successful the
presentation must be correct. Retrieving
while feeling the rocks, bottom and other
cover in the spot is the only way to close the
deal. Johnson says to cast past the cover,
let the jig drop to the desired depth (maybe
bottom) and bring it back paying close
attention to what the jig is doing.
When cover is found, repeat casts to
the spot watching and feeling for bites. Also,
when the jig hits a piece of cover be sure
to bring the jig just far enough so it will fall
after passing the limb, rock or whatever you
hit. The falling action gets into the crappie’s
home and triggers more bites.
Johnson says casting is a very simple
form of fishing that can be more fun than
having poles everywhere. It takes a little
practice but it’s something almost anyone
can do.
Final tip: “Crappie like a little current
but not a lot. I believe they get behind big

6 Crappie NOW October 2017