I am new to crappie fishing and was wanting to know what type of hooks, baits, bobbers, and weights do you guys use. I normally fish for catfish and have never entered the world of crappie fishing. Can anyone give me some basics? Thanks a bunch!

Further, live minnows vs artificial? I am mostly bank fishing. I am just wondering which is the most effective way. Thanks!

I fish from a boat, so can't help on the bank fishing part. I don't use minnows, all jigs for me. I'm new to this myself, so can only speak from my experiences. Almost exclusively 1/8 oz. unpainted jig head, with salt and pepper colored Crappie Magnet jig body. I use braided line on a 100 size spinning reel right now, but have some inline ice fishing reels ordered. Gonzz turned me on to these. 8' pro angler rods. I started fishing for crappie at the end of August this year. I have done pretty good so far with this setup. Hopefully some of the more seasoned Crappie anglers will chime in on some bank fishing tactics. Good Luck, that thump is addicting!

Minnows and jigs are both effective. Minnows are a hassle to me so I mostly jig fish. You can get set up with a variety of plastic jigs fairly cheap. 1/16 and 1/8 jig heads are probably the most common used. As for bobbers, go with slip corks....easier to cast. For minnow hooks, a package of Eagle Claw snell (#2 size, I think) are cheap and work good. The best way to get started is go out with a guide one day. He/she can show you what you need to get started, how to catch and where to catch. Good Luck to you but be warned, IT'S ADDICTIVE.

If you're banking, the feeder creeks might be an option soon. Long pole and dipping jigs here. You'll just get frustrated trying to cast into spots you want to fish.

Used to fish minnows....and wait for the pole to bend or the cork to go under. Then i felt the thump. Hallelujah. Since then I have professed my faith in the Jig.....

Amen Brutha!!! Can I get a witness. Hallelujah!

Bank fishing will be easier when they move in to spawn in the spring. Try some waders to get you closer and away from over hanging trees.

Good luck out there!

Student if you are a bank angler you are about to encounter some very good fishing in a few weeks.Some of the feeder creeks in our region ,after Thanks Giving, will become a bank anglers paradise.I would suggest ,since you are new to this insanity,you seek out one Carey Thorn aka "Tarpon Fly" on this forum, and book a trip with him .You will be a better fisherman for it. He will instruct you in all things creek fishing & creek catching.He is Darn GOOD.

PM sent

Is Carey planning on coming off Texoma? I haven't heard about anything local from him for awhile.

I`m sure he will eventually.

That's good advise on the creek fishing. For the summer and fall nothing much doing for Crappie from the bank. However, don't give up, get a tube if you don't have access to a boat. There is access to good fishing near ramps and bridges in the area. Bridge fishing from a tube is very effective and comfortable in the warmer months. Your in the shade, partly in the water, wind is usually not a problem. Good luck and forget the minnows, too much trouble and jig are better anyway.

PS: with Christmas coming up it's a good time to add equipment to your wish list.

Those are all some good tips!! Thank you so much! I cannot afford to get with a guide at this time due to $$$. I have been seeking creeks, bridges, and docks as well.

Get a 12 -14 foot rod and learn how to slip cork.