crappie tech

[MikeT]

Guys,
I'm heading out on a hunting trip next month in south-central Oregon. I've heard that a nearby lake has lots of big crappie, and "they go nuts for a white jig". I'm planning to give them a try, but I've never fished for crappie.

A little advice would be appreciated. Given that I know nothing about the lake or crappie, how should I prepare? Planning to take a light spinning outfit, but should I bring bobbers, jigs w/ skirts, jigs w/grubs, feathered jigs, bait, or what??? Is there a particular size or stye of jig works best for these fish?

Any advice for a novice would be appreciated.

thanks....Mike

[ 09-18-2002, 02:14 PM: Message edited by: MikeT ]

[takentime]

Small jig with small grubs work for me. My sons have caught many with just the jig and no grub. I also put on a light weight to help in the casting department. The color has never seemed to matter. So I just use white.
Can be fun using ultra light gear.
Good luck

takentime

[Born to Fish]

I like the smaller jig heads - color hasn't seemed to make much difference. Then I add a smal twister-tailed grub - either white, or a chartruise/black [also often heard that red/white is good altho' I rarely had to resort to that]. Finally, I have noticed that I have had my best luck by adding a yellow or chartruise croppie niblet to the hook. This treat always seems to make a big difference for both crappie and the inevitable smallmouth bass you'll get into. I always have slip bobblers along since sometimes that may become necessary depending on location, depth, presentation, etc.

Good luck! :smile:

[Crashin' Bait]

Try a 1/16 to 1/32 oz insider jighead with a 1 1/2" or 2"l rubber tube jig body. Bring a selection because sometimes color does make a big difference. Orange/pumpkin pepper, red/silver sparkle, and white sparkle seem to work for me. Fish your jig under a small bobber and fish it real slow by moving it a few inches and then pausing. Sometimes the pause just drives 'em crazy. Tight lines.

Cootis

[Plugcutter]

Good advise above. Try wax worms from your local specialty foods section in the local pet supply store. Don't put them in the refrigerator, you'll kill them.

What's the name of the lake? Are you going to be in a boat? Let us know how you do on the Crappies. E-mail is fine or post a reply.

[MikeT]

Thanks for the help guys.

The lake is Flagstaff Lake, down near Hart Mountain. I'll probably take a small boat since I suspect the lake is shallow and bank access may be difficult.

regards....Mike

[GutshotApe]

Hey MikeT - Flagstaff Lake may be dry. Years ago I hunted geese on it from a duckboat (even then it was only 18" deep) but the last time I was there it was dry & dusty. If so, check out Hart Lake, a few miles south. It will probably have water; you can fish from the roadside and at the NE corner outlet structure. GSA

[Crashin' Bait]

Plugcutter, I thought you were supposed to store them waxies between your cheek and gums. Grosses thing I ever saw til' I tried it. Kinda nutty tasting. :shocked: :grin:

[diamondfish]

The best, most effective jig in my arsenal is a hot pink jig head with a white Mr. Twister body. I have caught more crappie than I care to count on this rig. I have also caught some nice trout on this jig. The smallies love it too. The best time of the day, I have found this time of year is late afternoon a couple of hours before sunset. Whn you cast this rig be sure to get the slack out of the line quick.....the smallies will nail it.

Good Luck
Shawn