Page 6 - Crappie NOW | September 2015
P. 6
Points
A rocky point near a channel on Truman
Lake, Missouri, mixed with good underwater
cover, is a good place to find baitfish and
crappie.
popular tactic in the fall. The method makes Both fishermen say 12-foot poles are
it easy to follow schools of shad or target easier to use but 14-foot poles are a good
specific covers situated on the points. choice to keep pole tips separated and
Speeds can be super-slow or fast and baits baits away from the boat. “A sensitive tip
depths can be varied when searching for is needed to see light bites,” says Gillotte.
a pattern. There are so many advantages “BnM Jigging poles are my favorite and I
to this method it’s a great choice for fall believe they give me extra fish because I
points. see more bites. I set the hook semi-hard
“Crappie use points as runways to go so I leave my drag loose enough for 3 to
up and down the depth ladder,” says Jones. 8 inches of line to pull off while setting the
“Temperatures, light penetration and other hook. This keeps the hook from ripping out
factors determine when, where and how yet lets me set it hard enough to get the
crappie use the points. Slow trolling lets hook through the lip.”
baits be presented is whatever style is “One more important factor for point
needed to give crappie what they want and fishing is current,” says Gillotte. “Crappie
to put the baits at the exact depth of the don’t like current. The backside of a point
fish. It’s a good technique for the weekend is best during times of current. The slack
fisherman to put a lot of baits in the water water areas are best and are usually
making it easier to cover all the water on a identified by brush because brush washes
point.” into the slack water areas and stays there.”
Gillotte agrees. “Slow trolling is good Jones has one final tip. “When using
for covering water and to fish different a jig I like a big hook. I use a #1 hook
depths. Once a spot is found a buoy can whether fishing a 1/4, 1/32 or something in
be tossed on a brush pile or other cover.” between. I’ll usually fish a larger body bait
6 Crappie NOW September 2015
