The simplest crappie rigs seem to be the most effective. A single hook tipped with a minnow and suspended under a bobber and split shot, a mini crank bait, or a small jig are examples of simple crappie rigs. Sometimes a slightly more complex rig is required. Here are two examples.
The first crappie rig is called the Stack Rig. This is a double-bait crappie rig that is being used by more and more crappie anglers. This Stacked Rig works on finicky crappies all year round.
To build the Stacked Rig, attach a size 4 or 6 standout walleye finesse hook 24 to 36 inches above the end of the line. To the end of the line, tie a 1/16 ounce chin-spinner jig. Dress both hooks with the appropriately sized soft plastic. These can be the same or different style of bait. If the crappie are extra finicky, lip-hooking a live minnow to one or both of the hooks is recommended.
This crappie rig can be fished the same as swimming a jig. Using a slow, straight retrieve, swim the rig past suspended crappies, or fish that are staging near a point or hump. An undulating, lift and drop presentation can also be very effective.
The second rig is called the Tailwater Tandem Rig. Spawning river crappies moving upstream often congregate near riprap, wing dams, and other rock structures. The Tailwater Tandem Rig is perfect for searching the fast water that brings in threadfin shad and other forage fish.
Tie a size 8 3-way swivel to the 10 to 30 pound test braid main line. This line will provide sensitivity and abrasion resistance. Tie a 6 inch leader of 10 pound braid between one of the eyes of the 3-way and a floating jig with a size 2 hook. Attach a 24 inch length of 10 pound braid to the other eye. The other end of this line will be attached to the split ring or round-bend snap of a 1/16 to ¼ ounce blade bait. Some blade baits have more than one line attachment holes. Connecting the line to the rear hole will usually produce a wide, slow wobble. The forward hole will usually produce a tight wiggle. A grub or tube bait on the floating jig will complete the rig.
The Tandem Rig should be cast near rock structures such as riprap and wing dams. Allowing the rig to sit on the bottom will cause the floating jig to dance in the current. Jigging the blade bait will cause the floating head to move very erratically. To draw attention, jig aggressively, then twitch to entice strikes.
Either one of these crappie rigs should help to increase your catch.
The first crappie rig is called the Stack Rig. This is a double-bait crappie rig that is being used by more and more crappie anglers. This Stacked Rig works on finicky crappies all year round.
To build the Stacked Rig, attach a size 4 or 6 standout walleye finesse hook 24 to 36 inches above the end of the line. To the end of the line, tie a 1/16 ounce chin-spinner jig. Dress both hooks with the appropriately sized soft plastic. These can be the same or different style of bait. If the crappie are extra finicky, lip-hooking a live minnow to one or both of the hooks is recommended.
This crappie rig can be fished the same as swimming a jig. Using a slow, straight retrieve, swim the rig past suspended crappies, or fish that are staging near a point or hump. An undulating, lift and drop presentation can also be very effective.
The second rig is called the Tailwater Tandem Rig. Spawning river crappies moving upstream often congregate near riprap, wing dams, and other rock structures. The Tailwater Tandem Rig is perfect for searching the fast water that brings in threadfin shad and other forage fish.
Tie a size 8 3-way swivel to the 10 to 30 pound test braid main line. This line will provide sensitivity and abrasion resistance. Tie a 6 inch leader of 10 pound braid between one of the eyes of the 3-way and a floating jig with a size 2 hook. Attach a 24 inch length of 10 pound braid to the other eye. The other end of this line will be attached to the split ring or round-bend snap of a 1/16 to ¼ ounce blade bait. Some blade baits have more than one line attachment holes. Connecting the line to the rear hole will usually produce a wide, slow wobble. The forward hole will usually produce a tight wiggle. A grub or tube bait on the floating jig will complete the rig.
The Tandem Rig should be cast near rock structures such as riprap and wing dams. Allowing the rig to sit on the bottom will cause the floating jig to dance in the current. Jigging the blade bait will cause the floating head to move very erratically. To draw attention, jig aggressively, then twitch to entice strikes.
Either one of these crappie rigs should help to increase your catch.
Chester is an avid fisherman who enjoys being outdoors and going fishing.
Everyone likes to catch fish. If you want to find tips and resources to catch more panfish check out my latest website at Pan Fishing Tips.
Everyone likes to catch fish. If you want to find tips and resources to catch more panfish check out my latest website at Pan Fishing Tips.
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