OPENING CAST
Wow, this year is moving so fast, I can’t believe it is summer already. The weather has been so non summer like in many parts of the country. Hot one day, cool the next. The crappie fishing has been on a roller coaster as well but most of us are in post spawn.
I look forward to crappie fishing in July. The crappie is usually in the mood to eat regularly and pulling crankbaits and Roadrunners is on. Crappie of all sizes will be following schools of baitfish along ledges and creek channels.
My recipe for success includes:
OffShore planer Boards and their matching #1 Tadpoles. I specifically use the OR12s and the Awesome Crappie Boards. This allows me to cover a lot of open water without disturbing the fish.
BnM Silver Cat Rods teamed with usually Abu Garcia line counter reels. The bigger rods allow me to handle the Offshore boards and fish.
Gamma Fishing Line – 10lb test hi vis for the main line and 8lb copolymer clear leaders.
Driftmaster two-tier rod holders mounted on the Driftmaster rear rod racks. They are the best made.
Garmin electronics to include LiveScope, Clear VU and Side VU to help target the schools depths, locations and movements.
Terminal tackle includes Thundermist three-ways, swivels and 00 clips, Bandit and PICO crankbaits, Roadrunners and Bobby Garland Crappie Bait’s Hyper Grubs and Stroll R’s. These products work for me.
The new Precision Trolling Data app which now includes crappie baits and techniques is a must and simplifies the whole process for pennies a day. No longer do we have to guess on line out for certain baits, depths and speeds.
As to boat equipment and rigging beyond the rod holders and electronics, I use the Garmin trolling motor matched to MTechLithium batteries and advanced wiring switches and harnesses installed by Transducer Shield and Saver. I now never worry on power for even trolling all day.
Be sure to check out several videos and articles coming to CrappieNOW social media channels and the website.
Sue and I have had a lot of success with this setup. Hope you can too.
God Bless,
Dan Dannenmueller, Publisher
