Slow Trolling for Crappie - Depth Control

[Dorado]

Lure: 1/16 oz jighead w/ 2" Kalin's grub

Line: 6# FC Sniper Fluorocarbon

 

Scenario: In my kayak, start marking schools of stacked crappie suspended at 25'.    If I'm paddling very slowly, say 1 mph as a guesstimate, how much line would I have to let out to stay in that 25' depth zone? Sounds like a math problem to solve, but the answer can't be "not enough information".

 

I understand that variables such as: line diameter, line type, how much line is out, speed, lure size, and other nuances all attribute to variances, but is there a general rule that can get me in the proximity? I can vertically let out line and get pretty accurate to the 25' mark and use a slip bobber stopper to use that as a bench line; however, the moment I start to slowly paddle, the entire presentation is going to quickly rise within the water column. 

 

Thanks in advance for the replies, but I'm really struggling.

[TnRiver46]

When I slow troll I let out as much line as I can get away with. Always err on the side of too much line out, that’s why they call it longlining. Might try some of that myself before the super bowl, have some crappie appetizers for the party

[Team9nine]

I'm not sure you'll ever make 25' moving any speed with a 1/16 oz jig above a crawl. You'll probably need to up the jig head weight, or go with tandem 1/16 oz jigs. Lots of variables as you mentioned. Length only gets you so far before line drag overcomes jig weight.

[Dorado]

24 minutes ago, Team9nine said:

I'm not sure you'll ever make 25' moving any speed with a 1/16 oz jig above a crawl. You'll probably need to up the jig head weight, or go with tandem 1/16 oz jigs. Lots of variables as you mentioned. Length only gets you so far before line drag overcomes jig weight.

1/8 oz would help or tandem 1/16 oz like you pointed out. Maybe I should just video game em and fish vertically 

[Team9nine]

At that depth, I'd try going vertical first if suspended. Maybe even a slow drift, or a spider-rig type setup. 

[Dorado]

I absolutely agree. A spider system on a kayak would be a sight to see LOL! Vertical and slow drift it is. Thanks

[Scott F]

You can always add sinkers above the jig

[Dorado]

40 minutes ago, Scott F said:

You can always add sinkers above the jig

Good point. I have some mojo rig sinkers and Carolina keepers that would do the trick. Keeping it in that 25’ zone would be trial and error still 

[Crappiebasser]

Unless you're in very muddy water you don't need to get down to 25' to catch them. They'll meet you halfway at least. I troll 1/16th heads on 2lb mono. For line length I cast as far as I can and lock the reel.

[Dorado]

22 minutes ago, Crappiebasser said:

Unless you're in very muddy water you don't need to get down to 25' to catch them. They'll meet you halfway at least. I troll 1/16th heads on 2lb mono. For line length I cast as far as I can and lock the reel.

Interesting. I’ll experiment and try that. Post spawn at the reservoirs I frequent for crappie still are murky from the spring run off. Fall is a different story with clearer water. 

[JustJames]

I'm following this thread, but have a suggestion, how about two of 1/16 oz jig head about 1-2' apart? You can only do 2 jig one bottoms one suspended, or do like drop shot by having a heavier weight on bottom to get you down deep.

[Dorado]

1 hour ago, JustJames said:

I'm following this thread, but have a suggestion, how about two of 1/16 oz jig head about 1-2' apart? You can only do 2 jig one bottoms one suspended, or do like drop shot by having a heavier weight on bottom to get you down deep.

Since I’d utilize both an Owner Crappie jig with a Lil Fishie/Crappie Tube/Crappie magnet and a Roadrunner underspin with grub both with hook eyes located directly on top of the head (traditional jig style) what knot do you recommend tying for the suspended presentation? 

 

A palomar knot only works effectively for circle hooks, drop shot hooks, mosquitos, etc to bolster a horizontal position 

[JustJames]

Since you lure gonna be moving, any loop knot should work or dropper knot. The top one I normally use light jig head like marabou jig or 1/32 jig head to keep it flowing.

I only drift for crappies once and and that setup I used. I didn't fish as deep as you so don't count on me.