In that shallow of water You could use a reg old cane pole and attach a "jug" to the butt end and a couple hooks and a weight to the other just throw the whole thing in the lake and keep and eye on them.. that way the kids could just chase it down and grab the cane pole and fight the fish or fishes to the net .
Not sure how you caught the crappie you mentioned but I don't think it's legal to keep crappie or any game fish besides catfish caught on Jug lines

I dont know what it is about jugs but i can catch fish on a jug 9 times out of 10, when i use rod and reel maybe 4 times outta 10....

I'm the same way Budward, I don't have any luck with a fishing pole. If I put some jugs out, I never leave empty handed.

I'd be interested to know why this is the case. Anyone have a good reason why jugs seem to catch more fish?

Bud all I can say is when i get a bite I jerk and like you said sometimes i miss the fish. Maybe that old jug has more patience.

Yup!

snob fishermen. It is ok even golf has high brow types.

So what is everyones preferred bait for the jug lines?

fresh shad, cut shad, perch, frozen cut bait or shad,, shrimp, lil" smokies,

I start fishing with jugs when it starts to get hot weather about the time native nightcrawlers come up. Or I use Catalpa worms. Not after a world record just good eaters.

Still new to jugs but gonna hit it hard soon. Getting boat soon i hope. Btw, thx Bittercreek for introducing me to jug fishing!

You're welcome. Ready to go when you are! No bent hooks at the boat this time.lol.
Hollar when you can.