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Crappie Tips #13723115 10/07/20 04:55 PM
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Pops0598 Offline OP
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Gents,

I'm making the slow transition to give crappie fishing a try (to fish more w/my 70 yr old dad and 17yr old son). Here's what I have so far (not much) and what i need recommendations/help with.

I've bought:
1. 2 10' Crappie Maxx Pro Series poles from Bass Pro

What I need recommendations on:
2. I need to buy 2 spin cast reels to work with the poles in #1. I'm trying to stay in the $100 per reel range.
3. I want various size jigs from 1/32 to 1/4 in #2 and #4 hook size. The problem is, if i buy them off the shelf at various stores (Bass Pro, Cabela's, Academy) as the weight gets heavier, the hook gets too big. Does anyone recommend somewhere where i can order something online?

Thanks for any help.

Last edited by Pops0598; 10/07/20 05:22 PM.
Re: Crappie Tips [Re: Pops0598] #13723248 10/07/20 07:27 PM
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Bryan Williamson Offline
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I use the Pflueger President reel on all of my rods. Very smooth reel and I’ve never had any issues with them. Depending on the spool size they are either 50 or 60 dollars at Bass Pro or Cabela’s. For the jig heads, check out Constant Pursuit Outfitters or Bonehead Tackle.

Re: Crappie Tips [Re: Pops0598] #13723270 10/07/20 08:01 PM
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Crappie Husband Offline
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I second the Pflueger President reels. I have about 6 of them and they are great. Academy carries them as well.


-Kyle Campbell-
Blue Wave 2000 Pure Bay
Predator PDL
Re: Crappie Tips [Re: Pops0598] #13723749 10/08/20 02:56 AM
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Bassman_78 Offline
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The President is as big of money as you need to go. It covers all your bases and does them well. It will continue to if you take care of it. I also have a Pflueger Trion that is smooth and can't complain at all for $30. There's nothing wrong with a baitcaster for vertical jigging duty either, if you already have one that will work with lighter line.

Go with a jig/jighead maker from the included forum or some regional fellas. They usually build to order. I usually buy my jigheads from Steve at Limits Tackle. Good prices and you can customize jighead to hook size to order. For instance, my last order I bought (x) amounts of 1/32 and 1/16 with a #4, (x) amounts of both with a #6 hook, and some 1/8 with a #4 I believe. I also buy his plastics. I like the handties from Chris at Slab Syndicate. Limits is making handties now as well. There are others that do good work too. The Thump Chubbies from Lane at Constant Pursuit are great too. I think he makes some heads also.

Last edited by Bassman_78; 10/08/20 03:00 AM.
Re: Crappie Tips [Re: Pops0598] #13724125 10/08/20 03:13 PM
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KEGracing Offline
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First, welcome to the crappie world. I am far from an expert - very much still learning this game, but will share some of my learnings from last couple of years.

First, you ask for spin casting reels. If you really want the closed face spin casting, then zebco makes a mini and a closed underspin reel. Pretty cheap, and good starting point. If you want higher end closed face, the market gets smaller in a hurry. IF you really want open faced spinning reels then there are a ton of good reels out there. Go with brand you want, but my suggestion is to get a reel with instant anti-reverse. So when the reel is stopped, it does not have any back turns - line is always tight.

JIGS - use a sickle hook jig. Fish stay on better. They are called "paper mouths" for a reason, and the sickle hook helps. Also, crappie have large mouths... not like bluegills, etc. They have no problem getting the larger hooks in their mouth (if they are any size of fish at all...). Even on my lighter weight jigs, I order them with larger hooks. There are some good names mentioned in post above. Lane Palmer has been good to offer a lot of tips and updates on here, and I have some of his Constant Pursuit jigs. Great plastics, really last a lot longer than Bass pro and some of the box store brands. You can also ebay crappie jigs, and there are several different people on there selling jig heads. They will pour what you want, weight and hook size, etc.

Good luck, enjoy the time with your family! I just posted some pics recently with my 79 yr old Dad and 13 yr old son, Blue Cat fishing. Precious memories!

Stay safe - tight lines.

Ken


2014 Premier Alante 235 RF tritoon. Momma's boat. But I get to fish on her.

A country boy will survive... but those who cross him?

Cedar Creek personal best:
Blue Cat 31.55 lbs
Hybrid 6.2 lbs
Crappie 2.1 lbs
Re: Crappie Tips [Re: Pops0598] #13724791 10/09/20 01:26 AM
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Pops0598 Offline OP
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Thanks everyone!! Lots of info and a little overwhelming. I can’t wait to put in the work and catch a few fish. It’ll be fun learning with my dad and son. I hope to post some pics of slabs soon.

Re: Crappie Tips [Re: Crappie Husband] #13725483 10/09/20 07:37 PM
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Spiderman Offline
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Originally Posted by Kyle Campbell
I second the Pflueger President reels. I have about 6 of them and they are great. Academy carries them as well.



Me too.

Buy the smallest size they have I think it is a 1000 size.


The Truth is six of the seven Dwarfs are not Happy!
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