Crappie (Main & Leader Line)

[Bryan Cassidy]

I'm very new to fishing and just figuring everything out at the moment. A lot of information out there and I'm learning and changing everything as I go to figure out what works for me. 

 

I'm currently using 10lb super line (Power Pro Braid) in hi-vis yellow on a 6.5 ft. Medium Power/Fast Action rod. I'm fishing from the shoreline (Old Hickory Lake). In Hendersonville,TN with two peninsulas. Not a lot of public access that's worked for me so far. I'm typing the 10lb. braid yo a swivel and using 10lb. mono ad a leader. Slip bobber setup with jigs at the moment. The mono was just something I had laying around and not too happy with my choice so I want to try a different approach.

 

I was thinking about giving Suffix Nanobraid or Suffix Elite a try. Do I even bother with the leader/swivel setup and just run the main line straight to the jig? I love the ideas of a leader line so I can setup a few jigs the night before and just tie to the swivel and go. Any recommendations for a beginner just starting out?

[Bryan Cassidy]

Just ordered Sufix Siege 6lb. in Smoke Green. Ordered from Amazon. It was $10/330 yards.

[MN Fisher]

I'd forgo the swivel. On my jig/bobber rig I'm running 8# Hi Vis Sufix 832 to 6# Sufix Seige. about 10'-12' of leader line. If I want to swap jigs, I just cut off and tie the new jig on. That swivel going through the guides can damage them.

Just now, Bryan Cassidy said:

Just ordered Sufix Siege 6lb

 

10# braid to 6# Siege is very doable...

[TOXIC]

Call me silly, but braid and leader for crappie?  Really? 

[MN Fisher]

26 minutes ago, TOXIC said:

Call me silly, but braid and leader for crappie?  Really? 

I get smoother, longer casts with braid as the mainline cause it's limper than running straight mono.

[Team9nine]

Really 😎

 

 

Just about everyone I can remember that has ever spent a day in the boat with me crappie fishing ended up going home and stripping off all their old line (nylon/copoly/fluoro) and replaced it with braid. If you’re a live bait or bobber guy, it’s not near as critical. But, if you’re a jig caster, it makes a world of difference.

[MN Fisher]

5 minutes ago, Team9nine said:

But, if you’re a jig caster, it makes a world of difference.

Micro-cranks and jerks as well.

[Bryan Cassidy]

Just took the swivel off and will tie the braid/mono together directly when I get the Sufix Siege. I've been wanting to try this setup anyway. Kind of been avoiding it because of the knots. Tying these knots have been a real struggle but I'm getting there. Definitely not the kind of a man who's afraid of a challenge and something new. Enjoying every minute.

 

Definitely have enjoyed the castabity with braid and Rocket Bobber. First time I cast the Rocket Bobber I snagged it immediately... 😂 Those really do cast like a "Rocket"! Definitely plan on fishing jigs and micro jerks/cranks. If I'm happy with the end result of the new setup, I think I'll keep this for me Bobber setup and start in a new rod/reel combo for jigs and go from there.

[TOXIC]

I dunno…I can cast 6lb mono with a 1/16th jighead (my preferred weight) and a 2in tube or curly tail grub farther than I need to.  I’ve never felt the need for braid.  Of course the lightest braid I use is 35lb test.  😂

[gim]

Arguing with @Team9nine on crappie fishing doesn’t seem like a wise idea. Dude posts slabs bigger than half the bass on this forum.

[MN Fisher]

34 minutes ago, gimruis said:

Arguing with @Team9nine on crappie fishing doesn’t seem like a wise idea. Dude posts slabs bigger than half the bass on this forum.

We've already acknowledged Brian as 'Maven of the Ned' - we have to add 'Whiz of the Crappie' as well?

[gim]

Record Holder

Crappie Whiz

Jeanie Holemaster

[Team9nine]

5 minutes ago, gimruis said:

Record Holder

Crappie Whiz

Jeanie Holemaster

So I’ve pulled off the BR Trifecta? 😎

[Bryan Cassidy]

Well, Team9nine (Brian?) definitely has me there. Hope to catch more that size as time goes on. I love learning from people with experience. I also can't wait to get a canoe. Really debating between restoring an old Grumman or getting something new to get on the water sooner... Caught a few this size this morning. Not bad for starting out. I'll take it but work for better!