Shooting boat docks is an outstanding summer technique, but when fishing clear water it is wise
to stay farther away from the dock than you might in dingy water. (Photo: Richard Simms)
Most crappie anglers despise extremely muddy water OR extremely clear water. Both ends of the spectrum can be problematic. In extremely clear water crappie are more sunlight sensitive and spookier.
CrappieNOW Senior Writer Tim Huffman says, “When trolling or spider-rigging in clear water, using longer rods 16 to 20 feet long. That can help ensure crappie see your lures or minnows before they get spooked by the boat.
He says fishing deeper water is another option. Rod length doesn’t matter as much, especially in water 15 or more feet deep. Deep brush piles are prime summer holding areas and jigs might work best because they are easier to work through the brush. However, in clear water sometimes crappie demand live bait.
Finally, single-pole fishing and shooting boat docks is an excellent technique in clear or dingy water. But in clear water you are wise to stay farther away from whatever dock you are fishing which requires more expertise to shoot your jig into those hard-to-reach spots.
More on this and other great tips available in Huffman’s book “Limiting Out for Crappie.”
