Professional crappie angler Gerald Overstreet says when October rolls
around, one of his go-to methods for locating crappie is using a
dropshot rig. (CrappieNOW Photo)
Crappie Basics: Drop Shottin’ Fall Crappie
by Tim Huffman
October is a transition month for crappie. That means some fish are still hanging on deep structure while others might be moving shallow in search of bait.
Gerald Overstreet, tournament fisherman and Alabama fishing guide, says no matter where they are, the key is still about getting a bait to the fish.
“The drop shot is a great rig in the fall and winter,” says Overstreet. “Going vertical is the best way to drop down to them.”
The first step is to find the fish with electronics. Look at the cover and where the fish are positioned. Mark the spot and move in to drop to the fish.
“I want a precise presentation and that’s the best way to do it,” he said. “I’m using a short rod so I know where my bait is positioned.”
Overstreet’s rig consists of a weight on bottom that matches the depth and any boat movement or current. The key is to have the weight just heavy enough to keep the line vertical. He says a 3/4-ounce weight is what often works best when fishing deep with a slight current, but it’s best to use the lightest weight possible to do the job.
“The crappie don’t want a bait moving around a lot,” says Overstreet. “Drop the bait down and hold it still. The fish will move to the minnow real slowly, especially as temperatures drop. They will ease up to the bait and just ease off with it.”
Action really gets good when the water temperatures reach the mid-70’s or high-60’s.
“Fall spider rigging is when I have good success using Road Runners tipped with minnows,” said Overstreet. “My drop shot rig will often be a straight minnow. Show them different baits and let them pick what they want.”
CrappieNOW senior writer and Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame member, Tim Huffman, has several books, including his newest, Papermouth, Modern Fishing Techniques, available in Kindle or paperback at Amazon, or link from his website, www.monstercrappie.com
