Side pulling for crappie is not a well-known method of crappie fishing, but those who use this method of long-line fishing, it often results in a huge success. It is believed that side pulling for crappie originate in Alabama and this type of fishing is more often seen in the south than in other regions of the United States.
Side Pulling For Crappie
What is Side Pulling?
Side pulling for crappie is a method of long-line fishing in which fishermen place the trolling motor on the side rather than the back of the boat. The boat is then pulled sideways through the water.
Side pulling allows you to pull lines through a wide span of water. Most fishermen use jigs when side pulling and they can pull the jigs right through an entire school of crappie. You need to keep in mind that when using side pulling as a method of fishing for crappie you need to fish in the deep water of at a minimum of about 20 feet deep.
Fact About Side Pulling For Crappie
The fisherman who is skilled in side pulling for crappie has made the following observations about fishing by this method.
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- Crappie that is caught using this method of fishing tends to be larger than with other fishing methods. (Quite possibly because you pull the jigs through a large school of crappie and the larger crappie tends to grab the bail first.)
- When side pulling for crappie, some fishermen believe you are more apt to catch other species of fish such as large perch as well as crappie.
- Side pulling for crappie works best on calmer days, windy days make it more difficult for this type of fishing.
- Jigs with minnows work the best for side pulling fishing, but other types of bait will work.
- Side pulling fishing works best if you place two hooks per rod between 12 inches and 18 inches apart.
- Fishing at a depth of 10 feet to 20 feet seems to work the best, but on darker days the crappie tends to swim higher in the water, and on bright sunny days the fish may be deeper.
- Long limb rods work the best for this style of fishing. You also need quality rod holders to keep from losing your water.
- Speeds for side pulling trolling can range from about .6 miles an hour to about 1 mile per hour.
Things to Consider Before Side Pulling for Crappie
- Make sure that side pulling for crappie (or any other fish) is legal in your state or area.
- Check and make sure you know the correct number of rods each fisherman in the boat may have. Using two many rods can result in huge fines.
- Check to make sure you know how crappie you are allowed to catch per day in your area or state.
Side pulling for crappie may seem to be awkward at first, but once you get used to it you may find that this is a fun and productive way to fish for crappie.
