Kyle Peterson shows us a cool springtime crappie technique where a “new school” cane pole is almost a must to get a bait in their face, and just as importantly, pull them from the dense cover.
Crappies flood shallow water cover like bullrush beds, laydowns and brush piles once spring water temps push the 60-degree mark. They usually make residence in the thickest, gnarliest patches, making it difficult to get a bait in front of them let alone get them clear from the cover – this is where a telescoping rod comes into play. Kyle demonstrates the ease in which he’s able to drop a finesse plastic on their nose, then vertically lift them from the cover. This tactic also works wonders when bank fishing. Realistic finesse plastics often produce as good as live bait. Kyle selects hi-vis colors so he can see the bait as well as watch it disappear, indicating a bite.
Shallow water crappies are extremely spooky so stealth is a must. Kyle explains how he uses a shallow water anchor in conjunction with his bow-mount trolling motor to pivot the boat a full 38-foot radius. Add a 16-foot bait drop off the bow in both directions and you’re able to cover a 70-foot radius, a real benefit when you find a sweet spot or when others are trying to move in on you!
FEATURED PRODUCT:
- Minn Kota Talon Shallow Water Anchor
- Minn Kota Terrova i-Pilot GPS, 60” 24v
- Mr. Crappie Custom Graphite 16 Foot Multi-Piece Crappie Rod
- Mr. Crappie Wally Marshall Black Tuxedo Spinning Reel
- 13 Fishing Coconut Crab Superior Soft Plastics
- Lund Boats 1875 ProGuide Tiller
- Mercury Marine 90hp FourStroke Engine
- Costa Del Mar Reefton Sunglasses
