Hey y�all. Well I want to learn how to fish for crappie but don�t know where to start. I love in round rock just north of Austin and not sure what lakes to start fishing at. I have a kayak so i am not stuck just fishing from the bank. I know a lot of people use some small jigs and I do have some light tackle. I would love to get some slabs from time to time instead of always bass fishing. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

dozens of youtube tapes on How to that are really good. Or a trip with a good guide will really get ya started...

I also fish from a kayak (albeit a tricked out kayak). Look for standing timber you can ease up to and hook on. Drop jig down and let it sit. You can get some crappie jigs to start out at your local WalMart or tackle store. If your water is somewhat clear, go with more natural colors. If murky, more vibrant colors. Fishing bridge pilings in summer is also good. Good for you to stay out of sun, and the crappie are also looking for shade in the heat.

As for rods/reels, in a kayak, your space is more limited. You will often hear guys talking about using.8 to 10 foot rods, but that doesn�t workout too easy in a yak. I fish with 4 1/2 to 5 ft, sometimes 6ft. rods with 125 series reels.

Good luck!

Granger is good for kayaks. You can paddle up willis creek from Willis park or launch at the primitive launch just down the street from Willis park. Just start jigging brush and stumps and you�ll find some fish. I usually start with white and chartreuse with a pink head and switch from there depending on weather and water clarity.

Nekro I don't know much about lakes down your way.But I do know crappie ,they don't like currents, or real sunny weather.So when its bright & no much wind they will seek shade [bridges, timber on shady side or even larger limbs underwater where they can be in shade to ambush bait,also docks with shade and water maybe 10ft. or more deep]. Go to walmart and find you some BoneHead jig bodies,or order online they are quality tough plastics.Also what was suggested get a good guide for half a day, and tell him you are new at this, ask ouestions. it will help your learnin curve. Last but very important, WATCH your line always. Sometimes you wont feel the bite, try to learn to keep in contact with jig and recognize what that feels like..I usually have a finger under my line you will feel a light bite..WHEN IN DOUBT SET HOOK. GOOD LUCK> WELCOME TO CRAPPIE MADNESS.

Find structure, timber, bridges or brushpiles. I do best when it is over 20 feet, but as summer moves on they may move deeper and deeper. Drop to the bottom with a jig or a split shot, hook and minnow. Reel up (Count your rotations) until you get bit. Take note. IF you keep getting bit at the same depth, you have a pattern. Fill up your fish basket. Hit multiple trees if need be. Sometimes different tactics will get you more fish per structure. Start with a jig. until you don't get bit. Switch to minnows until that stops working, and then use a minnow head. When you stop getting bit. Next stop. that is what I do.

Thanks input everyone I want to try something new. A guide would be good but also expensive but at least I would know the tackle and maybe find some spots to take my yak too.

Hey bud, just call up Texas Parks and Wildlife and ask them about the best crappie lakes around you. The biologists can certainly point you in the right direction to catch them.

Good info

Light gear, and I�ll say it over and over again, light line is the key. I rarely fish over 1/16 oz this time of year, and I never use more than 4lb test. If the water is clear as I�ve been told it is around Austin, you�ll want to add a 4lb fluorocarbon leader.

i only use light fluorocarbon line