| For most Crappie fishermen, catching Crappie in the | | | | Summer or Spring. Think light for Crappie fishing in the |
| Winter is something that is just impossible. Many | | | | Winter. Four pound test line, 6 or 7 foot ultralight rods |
| fishermen believe that Crappie can not be caught at all | | | | and small baits is what will fill you live well. When the |
| during the colder months. This just isn't so! Crappie | | | | temperature drops, Crappie want smaller baits. |
| have to feed during the Winter just like they do any | | | | I like to use a light graphite spinning rod, four pound test |
| other time of year. They're fish, not Bears. They don't | | | | line and small tube jigs or minnows to locate deep |
| hibernate! | | | | water Crappie holding in brush. My set up includes a 3 |
| The nice thing about Winter Crappie fishing is once you | | | | 8ths weight tied to the bottom of my line with two |
| find the pattern on a given body of water, they will | | | | drops space about 12 to 18 inches apart above the |
| normally hold that same pattern for many days, | | | | weight. This way, I'm able to "feel" my way around |
| sometimes weeks. Of course, a storm front may shut | | | | those deep brush piles. |
| them down for a day or so, but generally they'll come | | | | When looking for Winter Crappie, my other terminal |
| right back, hungry as ever! | | | | tackle includes small jigs, spinners and minnows. I use 2 |
| In most lakes at this time of year, Crappie can almost | | | | to 4 pound test line. If using minnows, I'll use a #6 Tru |
| always be found hanging around deep brush on | | | | Turn gold aberdeen hooks. Jigs or ice fishing spoons |
| submerged river or creek channels. Vertical bluff-type | | | | should be in the 1/32 and 1/64 ounce area. Crappie |
| structure, and manmade brushpiles in deep water are | | | | don't like large baits during the Winter, I'm not sure why |
| also excellent areas to find Winter Crappie. | | | | but I've always caught more with small baits than with |
| It's true that Winter Crappie spend most of their time | | | | big baits and heavy line. |
| hanging around brush located along deep drop offs. | | | | Don't overdo your jigging during the Winter. Crappie |
| But not always. Several days of warmer than normal | | | | won't chase down your offering, so move it very little |
| weather can cause Crappie to move up to within a | | | | and make it easy for them. One successful tactic I |
| foot or so of the surface. It may also cause them to | | | | routinely use is to just do nothing with my jig. |
| leave their deep water hangouts and move across | | | | Sometimes just holding it motionless is all it takes. If you |
| shallow flats. | | | | must move it, move the line ever so slightly with your |
| Make sure you use the right tackle for Winter Crappie | | | | index finger and keep the rod still. |
| fishing. | | | | So don't sit at home waiting for the Crappie fishing to |
| Don't make the same mistake of using the same | | | | heat up during the spawn. Some of the most reliable |
| tackle to catch Winter Crappie as you did back in the | | | | fishing for Crappie is right now! |