You would be amazed by the number of crappie that getaway from you and you don't even realize it. This is not isolated to just certain parts of the country it happens all over every time crappie fisherman don't use some basic crappie fishing tips that are needed to be successful. We have complied a few of the most important tips below.
TIP#1 Use a line that blends in with the water. The cleaner the water, the more you need to camouflage your line(use a color that matches the water).
TIP#2 Don't try and "muscle" the fish after you set the hook...unless you want to brag about the fish lips hanging on your hook.(you can sit around and speculate how big the "rest of the fish" was!) Instead,you've got to wait to set the hook. Crappie like to swim a little before trying to swallow... give it a few seconds, then give a quick jerk to set the hook. Once thats done , it is a give and take process to tire the crappie out. Don't ever pull hard. This one of the most important crappie fishing tips you will learn.
TIP#3 recommend using a net to bring them into the boat or shore. Why risk separating the fish and his lips while you pull them out of the water?
TIP#4 Use a rod with a lot of action. Set the drag so that you can give a little line before you rip the fish's mouth off. If all you get is are fish lips, you might have your drag set too tight. Just loosen it up.
TIP#5 Wear him out before you bring him in. Think of it as a "tug of war" match! You Gotta pull hard then let up.... a reel there..stop a second.. wear him out. You've got to find a balance on your drag settings. You want to set a little tension to tire out the crappie-but not to much so the line breaks. After he's worn out, you can put him in the net without to much resistance.