Rigging For Crappie

Minnows can be fished using a variety of minnow rigging methods. They can be fished stationary or in motion under a cork. They can be tightline fished. They can be trolled. They can be cast and retrieved. They can be used with a combination of fishing jigs You can use minnow rigging that is set up for one at a time or two minnows in tandem. The ways in which you can hook a minnow for crappie are almost endless and are only limited by your imagination and experiences.

Some effective rigging for crappie will be discussed in some detail in the following paragraphs. Lets first discuss some basics that need to be understood on how to hook a minnow for crappie. Your first priority is to focus on not injuring the minnow before you put it under hook into the water. For example, you want to use a long shank hook style, so the minnow will slide on the hook and limit its chances of injuring it’s self when wiggling around. Such a hook is also easily removed from a fishes mouth so you do not injure the fish. Several sizes and styles can be used to hook a minnow for crappie, but the gold Aberdeen hooks are traditional favorites. It is important to decide what fish you are going to be targeting so you can get the correct hook size for your crappie rigging. For example, same as our example above, a number 4 to number 1 Aberdeen style hook should be used to hook a small to medium sized minnow. If you are after the elusive slab then you need to use a 1/0 to 2/0 Aberdeen Style hook for rigging for crappie.

Care should be used when hooking the minnow so it remains lively and stays on the hook. There are many methods that fisherman use to hook minnows, but one of the most common ways that is used to hook a minnow for crappie is called the limp hook method. This method is simple to do. Run the hook starting a the bottom of the lip, up through the bottom and top lip. Make sure the minnow slides easily on the hook and the barb of the hook is exposed. This method of hooking your minnow works well still fishing, cast and retrieve or while you are trolling. You can also hook your minnow through the dorsal fin which is a effective crappie rigging method also, and many anglers use it too.

Rigging For Crappie Tip:

If the crappie are not hitting or hitting just lightly, cast a minnow rigging that has just a minnow and a small split shot attached along the edge lines of cover. Without any weight except that of the hook and the minnow and a small split shot a minnow will sink very slowly. Twisting moving around enticing the skittish fish. Crappie’s have a rough time passing up a easy meal.