There are several techniques for catching crappie, but perhaps one of the more surprising is the use of a drop shot rig. Despite its obvious advantages, there are many who may never have considered using a drop shot to go after crappie and other panfish.
Drop Shot Fishing For Crappie
What is a Drop Shot?
While many who fish for crappie will use a jig, a drop shot offers several advantages that make it an excellent choice for nabbing crappie. The rig itself is a combination of soft plastics, live bait, sinker, and a floater is relatively simple to operate.
You’ll need a comfortable rod of about 10 feet in length. Add to it a ½ ounce bell sinker at the bottom of the line. A little less than two feet up is the hook using a small tag line. Bait the hook and you are ready to go.
The sinker lets you feel the cover that the crappie may be under. By guiding it through the cover, you can drop the sinker below and the hook will follow. The rod you use better be sensitive enough to allow you to feel the sinker on the cover, otherwise, you are just guessing the right location.
One issue is getting hung up which can be common when the hook slides into the cover. Using two hooks may actually be worse since it may spook the fish and cause them to run. Using a spider rigging technique, you can place the hook where it will do the most good. Under the cover where many crappies can be found.
Why Does It Work for Crappie?
There are good reasons why the drop shot is great for crappie, especially if you have been having difficulty reaching the fish which are often undercover.
Depth Control: Crappie tends to stay at certain depths even when feeding. The drop shot offers excellent control when it comes to selecting the right depth where the crappie is located. After all, your bait cannot do its job if the crappie is not there to see it.
Visible: A drop shot is quite visible and shines whether in shallow or deep water. The reflective nature is important because crappie reacts to something that is bright and inviting. This is a good reason why the drop shot is so effective when used the right way.
Soft Baits: Another advantage of the drop shot is how it activates the soft baits. The almost seductive nature of the activation really helps to lure the crappie in. When combined with the heavy feel that lets you better control the rig, this is a great combination for catching crappie.
Of course, to get this system to work you will need to be patient. The trick is to locate the cover that the crappie is under and work the sinker through so you can reach the bigger fish.
If you have not been having much luck with traditional jigs and want to try something different, the drop shot may be the answer. It offers several advantages, is easy to deploy, and when you hit the right depth you may be able to pull one crappie up after another.
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