got a couple questions. we was at Bridgeport fishing, catching some crappie, using minnows. my questions are

what size of hook do you like, bare hook with a split shot, we like.
or use of a jig head size, and color?

what size of line you prefer?

ever use a slip bobber?

they not hit it hard, tap tap type of hit. but then every now and then we get a sand bass or a hybrid. and they will hit it hard, but always seam to break it off. I wound not mind getting some of these in the boat too.

what size of line or hook can I/we use and still do good catching crappie in the boat and yet try to get them bigger fish in the boat?

thanks for your time and thoughts.

It's a bit hard to follow exactly what you are asking for but I will try.

I use 6 lb Mr. Crappie Hi-Vis line with a 1/8 or 1/16oz jighead with a #4 hook. The weight of the jig depends on the wind. With minnows, most of the bites will be pretty light and you will just have to weed through the little fish. You may try moving location and/or depth to find the bigger fish.

If you are getting the fish hooked and the line keeps breaking. Sounds to me like your drag is to tight. Using 6 pound test line, set the drag loose enough so if a stronger fish gets on, it can run without breaking the line. Then as you are reeling in the fish tighten the drag a little but if the fish makes another run drop your pole a little and loosen the drag at the same time so the fish can run again without breaking the line. Keep doing this till you can net the fish. Light line you need a net for heavier fish instead of trying to swing them in boat. The above takes practice but once you learn how you will loose a lot less fish. If you are using minnows I would use a gold hook size 1 which sounds like you may already be doing. Good Luck

fishin'aholic2 I guess I asking if some else goes for crappie and also catches hybrids/sand bass at the same time. if so how of heavy of tackle can I use and still do good at catching crappie too. also I not tried slip bobbers, anyone try them before? I not mind smaller fish, just not want to loose or break line.

BrazosRiverTom yes my drag is to tight, I will loose it up some. I got a landing net now, I have tried to lift crappie in the boat and fall off or break :-( hook size been a 4.

Thanks for ur ideas and time

Why I like using braid...for the other, bigger fish. Crappie could care less on the size of the line you use.

10 lb braid , #4 hook