what do you guys use for spawning crappies or just catching them shallow near docks?

ive been getting tons of bites on a 1/16 oz chartreuse jig with a 2in pearl grub and then a bobber 2 1/2 feet above the jig. but for some reason, out of all 20+ bites, i only caught 3 (i only went for a half hour). what should i use (lures, sizes, and colors) and is there a way to increase the hook/strike ratio?

You can increase your hookup ratio by bending the hook point out just slightly, and adding a Berkley Crappie Nibble to the hook.

Also add some weight to your rig, putting split shot up the line from the jig, adding enough weight so that the float just barely floats. Good luck,

Cheers,

GK

how high should i add split shots above the line?

anyway thanks for the hook bending tip

You might try about  two-2.5 feet up the line. I went yesterday using the same set , and one with just a hook with minnow, while drifting in the rain.i killed the crappie, besides some aversage size, We nailed 8 14-15" er's. Nice and meaty. Good luck! Hope they bite for ya.

yesterday i caught a 2 lb crappie on a 1/8th oz. terminator finnesse jig tipped with a strike king 3x craw..... but i dont think thats very practical.... ;D

May 12-19 I will be down on Kentucky lake on the Tenessee side fishing for crappie.  Hope they are still biting.  I heard spawning will be done.  I'm packed with all sorts of jigs and will be getting minnows as well.  There will be 14 of us going and they plan to eat fish all week.

14 hungrey men + 7 dinners = a whole bunch of slabs!

Better be biting!

I love crappie fishing and all I use is a live minnow with either a 1/16 chartreuse jig or a sinker attached 12 inches up the line, I attach a bobber to the height of the water. It works very well for me during spawning season  

I usually use a white sonic rooster tail or a Mepps.  I'll take 3 or 4 of the same lure when the crappie are making a run.  These lures have been my secret weapon for quite some time when it comes to crappie.  They will start hitting them hard around 2 hours before sundown in lakes and ponds I go to.

I go the double jig route.  White up top and Chartreuse on the bottom or vice verse that should give the added weight for your float and increase your chances of catching more fish.  Biggest one I ever caught though went almost 4# caught it on a 6 inch gold red fin shad stick bait.  Also try the small spinners too like blue fox or mepps.    

i like the little tube jigs for crappie,

also the mini rattle trap.