Finally , that arctic blast couple weeks ago slowed things down for couple weeks but they are finally moving into shallow creeks caught these Thursday in 2-5 ft water
Planer board time
- Thread starter chimneyman
- Start date
very nice.
Nice
CliffordN
Well-Known Member
If they are that shallow, why do you need planers?
I'll dive in here for my take on that question. The key to trolling for crappie is to move SLOW - 0.6 to 0.9 mph, especially in low water temps. That makes planer boards even MORE essential in shallow water. If not for the boards your jigs would drag bottom moving at those very slow speeds. The boards serve two functions - they keep your jigs from dragging bottom AND they get your lures out away from the boat where crappie are less likely to be spooked by the boat.
Perhaps you are asking the question in the context of casting jigs under floats? That would definitely work as well, but the planers do allow you to get more lures in the water and cover a wider area faster. But granted, it isn't as much fun as single-poling.
CliffordN
Well-Known Member
I have only pulled cranks for crappie using boards. And we do that later in the year when they move out into open water...
I cant wrap my head around crankbaits for crappie. I know it works but seems unusual for me.
So these fish were shallow in creek channels in a lake? Not on structure? Im going friday which is the last warm day before rain and col move in friday night. Last time, i couldnt find fish on deep brush piles- trying to figure out where they went
CliffordN
Well-Known Member
I thought the same thing till a friend took me out and we killed them! In MS they often suspend over the channel after the spawn. Troll small cranks and they will smash them... Much better than long lining, and you don't lose much gear...
CliffordN
Well-Known Member
I'm trying to figure out dragging anything through them in the shallows???? So much easier to just put a jig or a minnow right in their face....
Maybe not common, but there are definitely times that crappie will set upon a mud bottom, devoid of structure, often finding crawdads and such. See: https://crappienow.com/MAG/2024/01/31/fishing-prespawn-the-devil-is-in-the-details-by-keith-sutton/
Nice !
They are on shallow mud flats not attaching to cover or structure more or less just roaming around. I used to single pole with a jig and float and we caught a lot of fish that way. But planer boards let you over more ground. True it's not the most exciting way to catch 'em but you can flat out catch your limit in a short time
It's effective, but BORING, in my humble opinion. When you catch a fish he just surfs across the top of the water like an old shoe. No fight at all. Different strokes I guess.
If you do not mind... what are you using for bait... Jigs I guess? anything specific on the tails?
yep and the lake fly hatch (bloodworms). and the mud is warmer. ive caught them with mud on their bellies.
I use 8 rods double jigs. My favorite is Charlie Brewer sliders but also use crappie magnet , Boneheads. Black or blue with chartruse tail can't be beat but sometimes solid white or pink will work. I very seldom use curly tails but a buddy won't use anything but curly tail.
Good mess Tom!
Thank you sir... I live on Melton Hill around Oak Ridge... i do enjoy catching fish but I do not eat crappie as I prefer a more firmer fish... I have been wanting to get out and try some trolling for crappie here where I live and appreciate the information.
I agree. I always fish ultra light and 16" black crappie on 2 or 4 pound test line is awfully fun
Trolling seems to work best for white crappie. My lakes have black only , and they seem to like structure
CliffordN
Well-Known Member
Anything other than holding the rod and feeling the thump takes a lot away from it for me too...
Absolutely. I enjoyed spider rigging so much more than pulling cranks, but still not the same as holding the pole feeling the thump. That's the great thing about Livescope. I can single pole and feel the thump year round.
about one month out of the year it can be productive for blacks. this is when theyll come off the cover and roam suspended over open water feeding and ripening their eggs during pre-spawn.
Use your active target move fast looking.To me I trust my livescope more than what others tell me.My reasoning is I usually don't do good when I ask for info,if I move fast I usually find a pattern.
Sweet
Exactly why I'm installing poor man's crappie brakes on my boat this weekend. You need to go fast, but you gotta slow down.
I just put a speed controller on mine.What lb motors are you going with.In my opinion most are good with the 30lb motors.We have pit 40lb and 50lb motors on also though.If you have any questions on wiring or hooking them up holler if I can help.
Thanks Jamey! I have 2 30lb motors that I use on my pond boat so I am going to try them since I already have them.
We usually run 10ga to the front,the hot leg.We usually use a 60amp breaker on our 2 trolling motor setup.If you use a th marine dtomp switch don't screw it down tight and it will work better.You gonna use some kind of mounting bracket or try to clamp them on the transom.
