New Guy needs hints

[baseballcurt35]

I am new here just joined today (oct. 26, 05) and would love any hints on catching crappie. I used some powerbait but I think the only thing eating it were small perch. About 70 percent of the time they would take it right off the hook as I would try to set the hook. What does this mean? Is the hook too small, too large? Are the fish too small to take the hook. I used small and large hooks. Would love some hints! Thanks

[Drew]

Hi Baseballcurt 35,

Welcome to the Forum.

Sorry I'm not into your style of fishing, but I'm sure someone will come along and help you out.

Cheers

Drew

[Omahayank]

Sorry it took so long to see your post, but patience is a virtue for a fisherman.

I don't get many crappie with power bait either. Usually only bluegill & pumpkin seed, with only the rare crappie. I like extruded Gulp night crawler in red better, or maggots in orange.

I personally never use bigger than a #4 hook, I really like Tru-turns in red. I'm starting to use more circle hooks, but they're VerY difficult to find in small sizes. I usually have to order them from www.jannsnetcraft.com

Now my best advice for crappie is live minnows!!

Under a bobber, hook them through the back so they hang level. Don't pierce the spine, so they live a little longer.
Behind a small ball jig (dressed or not) in white or yellow through the lips.
I really like drop shotting w/ live mins. Tie a hook (w/ a palomar knot), leave apx. 18" or so of tag and crimp a split shot on the end, and lip hook a minnow.

Anything that simulates a minnow: White or yellow marabou jig, Fuzz-e-grub jig....

Hints:
They arent necessary, but if those 'drop-shot' weights catch your fancy, by all means try them. (if you do tie a single overhand knot below them)
Before I crimp on a split shot, I tie a (perfection) loop. Shot grip a little better on the two leggs of the loop. (not IN the loop).
Use a couple small shot instead of one bigger one, seems to drag in less muck.
Use as small of line and tackle as you can get away with.
Good luck have fun & let us know.

[Norfolkboy]

Welcome to the forum

[FlyingFox]

Welcome to the forum mate,

sorry im unable to give you any hints but unfortunatly its not my style of fishing....but its good to read different styles and i look forward to reading your reports in the future

Ollie.

[Charter Skipper]

Welcome to the forum..... .What does a crappie look like ????

[Omahayank]

See this page Charter...

http://www.jeffsundin.com/crappie82804_KatieSundin.jpg
They're like a long sunfish w/a big mouth like a fresh water bass.