Crappie guide Kayle Ward shares his best crappie-catching tips in this Crappie Connection Podcast.
Crappie Basics: Make ‘Em Eat with FFS
Crappie guides have become leading experts in forward-facing sonar (FFS) in recent years. The new technology has led to more consistent bites, which in turn has driven interest and growth in crappie fishing. This increase in demand keeps Texas and Oklahoma crappie guide Kayle Ward busy and hungry for an edge.
Any crappie angler who has watched crappie pursue a jig on forward-facing sonar knows the anxious feeling of seeing the fish follow at a nose length for several feet only to turn away.
When Ward sees this behavior, he uses a technique he calls, “make ‘em eat.”
Ward has a fitting analogy for the strategy. He said, “It’s like if someone throws dog poop at you unexpectedly and says catch, you instinctually go to catch it. But if they tell you what it is and that it’s coming, you instinctually evade.”
He explained that if the crappie is following the jig, it has had plenty of time to assess it. They’re interested, but they’ve gotten used to the profile and signature. Once that bait abruptly changes speed and direction toward the crappie, it instinctually grabs it.
This is where Ward’s skills with FFS shine. There’s no way to feel that type of bite. It becomes a timing bite where Ward watches the jig and crappie meet on screen. Subtle reactions from the crappie’s position on screen indicate when to set the hook. This is especially important for targeting trophy fish as you typically only get one chance at a hook set.
Learn more about Ward’s techniques in Brad Chappell’s Crappie Connection Podcast.
