We have been compiling techniques from people who fish for crappie a lot. These guys know how to catch them. I have asked them to drop me ideas they think are keys to being successful in consistently catching crappie so I can share them with others. What impresses me about these people is their willingness to share with others their techniques and ideas. They don’t have that “secret’ lure syndrome or “secret” syndrome spot. They want everyone to have the fun they are having.
–Bill at OFC
Techniques of a couple of great crappie fishermen, Bob Mitchell from Texas and Perry Brunner from Mississippi
“The Puddle Jumper is the most versatile jig I have ever used. I have specialized in crappie fishing for more than 25 years and Puddle Jumper is by far the most productive of the many lures I have previously used.”
–Bob Mitchell
- Use 7-7-1/2 ultra lite to lite rods and light weight open face spinning reels.
- Use a lite line generally 4-8 lbs.
- Measure and mark your rod so you can “measure” the amount of line going out.
- When fishing vertical, set drag light and pull the line off 1-2 feet at a time so you know how deep his lure is.
- In shallow water (4-6 feet) you may use a slip cork.
- Keep the lure level. See our “Keep Them Level” article.
- Let the lure do the work. Impart little effort to the rod because the natural darting action and buoyancy of the Puddle Jumper will impart all the action needed to attract strikes.
“When people are fishing around me and see me catching fish and they are not they usually ask me if I am using minnows. My rely is “what color of minnow are you using?” When they take that in and absorb it, I tell them Puddle Jumpers are my only choice and I didn’t even know they still manufactured minnows. Having said that I share my precious stash of Puddle Jumpers with them and a suggestion or two if they ask.”
–Bob Mitchell
Update: We got word from Bob’s wife that he passed away on August 2, 2010. He was a great guy and we appreciate his willingness to share his techniques with us. He loved life and the time he spent on the water was special to him. His favorite lake was about 85 miles away from his home and he made the trip regularly. We are going to miss Bob Mitchell.
What a Crappie!
Wilmer Sanford
Our friend, Wilmer Sanford, from Collins, MS sent us this picture of a great big crappie he caught in February, 2008 on Barnett Reservoir in Jackson, MS. The fish was 18-3/8 inches long 7-1/2 inches deep and had 2-1/4 inch shoulders. Weighed 3-3/4 pounds. Wilmer says he caught it on a MOTOR OIL 2 inch PUDDLE JUMPER. He says this “I have used PUDDLE JUMPERS since the late 79′s and it produces 80% of crappie catches. Some of the colors I use are milky blue ice, motor oil, root beer glitter, smoke glitter, chartreuse and black.” He goes on to say he would like to see more stores carry the lure so more people would have a chance to use them