Hello all, I'm out of Crossville Tennessee, and I have a few questions. I haven't really fished since I was young, and now that I have a son of my own I'm getting back into it. ive been trying for crappie, and I haven't been successful. i know the bait I'm using is correct, because i get at least ten hits before the lure makes it out of the water, but when i set the hook i always lose the fish. i don't know if I'm using the wrong hook, or if I'm setting the hook too hard. Any kind of advice at all would be much appreciated!

Those hooks look to be the perfect size for crappie... maybe your getting smaller sunfish nip at your lure?

 

Or maybe your setting the hook too hard (crappie have extremely soft mouths)?

There are many possible reasons why you cant hook up

Try minnows under a pencil cork.I use a # 4 wire bronze eagle claw hook.Hook the minnow though both lips.Hook the lower lip first.You will need to adjust the cork until you find the right depth.I also use a bb shot weight about 5 inches or so up from the hook.

The fish will usually pull the cork under slowly and at an angle.Just pull steadily but not hard in the opposite direction.

Brush piles will often hold fish.If it's deep,you can use the rig minus the cork,but expect to replace some hooks etc.

Keep us posted on the results.

Mike

What setup (rod/reel/line), are you using? 

Most of the time for crappie you just kind of reel into the fish  while lifting the rod tip