I was at Lake Fork this weekend crappie fishing under the 515 bridge. I noticed a couple of fishermen using what looked like a hula-hoop to tie to a pier. Does anyone know if this correct and if not what did they use. It looked pretty easy.

interested myself.... i was thinking about how this could be done easier than slinging a rope around the columns and hopefully catching it.

People been doing it for years this way. Cut in half run the rope thru it and tie a knot in the end. Main reason for it is to protect the rope and easier to get it around. In the past also used rebar heated up and made hooks out of them. Hook one side of bridge then the other and tighten the rope to center under the bridge by the pilings. This way your not hitting the piling with your boat and no drifting around to fish straight down easier

Great idea!!! My grandkids aren't gonna be pleased when I get 2 & cut them. Might have to get a couple extras.

The boat fenders that are used to keep your boat from rubbing the piers is great for this as well. Already has a hole in the end for a rope, it floats, and gives the rope enough weight that it is easy to toss around the piers.

I don't know how to pull up previous post,but a good friend of mines on here,squeaky,explained in further detail,what marktx mentioned above....it works,i've seen it in action firsthand.

A 10' piece of 1/2 pvc, heat and bend in a u shape. Run your rope through it, pull up to bridge and slide it around the column. Fits inside the edge of the bow of your boat and only costs a couple of dollars.

what if that's my lunch money darnit

Welcome! Just use your trolling motor. I think tying up is a waste of time.

I have taken a soap bottle with a handle on it and put about 1/3rd full of water and tie a 3/8's rope in the handle leaving about a foot with a loop at the end to put over a cleat after you pitch it around the pier. catch it with your crappie net and tie other end on the other end of boat or if your by your self just tie both ends to the same cleat.
Jim R

Tying up isn't a waist of time if your killen em .. Im to make me a few ..

I used a hula hoop with a line through it... Snap swivel on one end and a loop knot on other end... Then used one of those swim noodles kids use in the pool and duct taped it... So it floats as well.

Some really good ideas.

If there's any metal exposed (rebar, beams etc.) a large magnet can be used to hold your spot, too.

Their are times for both. I usually dont tie up much but if you know the Crappie are there especially in Timber it is nice to get a break from the trolling motor.. Especially when its a bit windy. I have noticed in Timber the fish come and go. So sometimes it pays off really good if you just stay put for 15-30 minutes. Might catch a couple of Barndoors just shy of 2 pounds like these.