Most of the time a crappie can be caught with a slow methodic presentation. It makes sense because the most baitfish and insects are not going full speed in front of the fish. They are usually ambushed by a crappie hanging out beside a bush, limb or other cover.
Summer can be different. Schools of baitfish are often the key to feeding. Therefore, pulling crankbaits and trolling jigs give more speed to baits, offers multiple baits and covers more water. The best bait speed is as fast as possible that still allows you to get bites. A faster speed lets you cover more water therefore offering baits to more fish. Once you start catching fish, slowly increase your speed until you no longer catch fish, then back off a little to the best fish-catching speed. -TH
