Three Way Rigging Crankbaits for Fall Crappies
In fall, crappies drop to the bottom in moderately deep basins. Three way rigging small crankbaits covers water to locate and catch crappies on the prowl.
Fall is a great time to chase after crappies, and it’s a species that can be found doing a lot of different things during this timeframe. In late September, the water temperature is still fairly warm at around 65 degrees, but it’s dropping quickly. This fall window can be deceiving, as a lot can happen very quickly and crappies tend to move quite a bit in a short period of time in preparation for the winter months.
During this time, the shallows cool quickly at night, forcing some fish to start evacuating the flats. Some fish in mid-levels start moving deeper, while others become more structurally oriented. This mass exodus of crappies from shallow to deep and from open water to structure is the early stages of aggregation.
To effectively search for crappies during this time, it’s important to have a good set of electronics, a lake master map, and a fast fishing presentation. One technique that has been incredibly productive for big slab crappies is a modified version of the traditional 3-way rig used for walleyes. This technique allows anglers to hunt and find crappies on the prowl with micro crankbaits.
In this article, we will explore this unique presentation delivery system and how it can help you catch more crappies during the fall season.
Hunting for Crappies
When targeting crappies in the fall, it’s crucial to be flexible and adapt to their changing behavior. As the water temperature drops, crappies start to move from the shallows to deeper areas and become more structurally oriented. This movement can happen quickly, so it’s important to stay on top of their location.
To effectively hunt for crappies, having a good set of electronics is essential. A Humminbird Lake Master map can also be a valuable tool in identifying potential hotspots. By using these tools, anglers can cut their search time significantly and increase their chances of finding big slab crappies.
The Modified 3-Way Rig
The modified 3-way rig is a presentation delivery system that is typically used for walleyes but can be adapted for crappie fishing. This rig allows anglers to cover a large area and search for actively feeding crappies.
To set up the modified 3-way rig, start by attaching a three-way swivel to your main line. From the swivel, attach a dropper line with a weight at the end. This weight will keep your bait near the bottom where crappies are often found during the fall. Finally, attach a leader line with a small jig or bait to the third eye of the swivel.
The Seek and Destroy Mission
When using the modified 3-way rig, the goal is to seek out and destroy the crappies. This means actively searching for fish and determining their size, location, and behavior. By doing so, anglers can increase their chances of catching big slab crappies.
To start our seek and destroy mission, we meander up and down the break, anywhere from 20 to 35 feet of water. We manually control the speed and depth that the baits are running in using the MinnKota Trolling Motor. This allows us to have better control over the presentation and target the biggest pods of active fish.
When we hook up with a fish, we immediately throw down a waypoint on our GPS to mark the location. This helps us keep track of where the fish are and allows us to tighten the noose even tighter on the school of crappies.
It’s important to note that the speed and depth are critical when fishing with this technique. We fish into the wind for better speed and depth control, and we adjust our speed based on the conditions and the depth we’re targeting. The key is to fish as slow as possible while still maintaining a good presentation.
The Importance of Speed and Presentation
When using the modified 3-way rig, speed is critical. You want to find the right speed for the wind and the depth you’re fishing. Going too fast can cause the bait to spin and lose its effectiveness, while going too slow may not attract the attention of the crappies.
To determine the right speed, you can watch your depth finder and adjust accordingly. Once you find the sweet spot, you can fish as slow as possible while still maintaining a good wiggle in your bait. This slow and steady presentation is key to enticing crappies to bite.
The Results
By using the modified 3-way rig and actively searching for crappies, we were able to dial in on the fish and catch some nice slabs. While not every fish was a giant, we were able to consistently catch crappies and have a successful day on the water.
The key to our success was being flexible and adapting to the changing behavior of the crappies. By using our electronics and lake master map, we were able to quickly identify potential hotspots and locate the fish. The modified 3-way rig allowed us to cover a large area and search for actively feeding crappies. By adjusting our speed and presentation, we were able to entice the crappies to bite and catch some nice fish.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fall is a great time to chase after crappies. During this time, crappies undergo a lot of changes in behavior as they prepare for the winter months. By being flexible and adapting to their movements, anglers can increase their chances of catching big slab crappies. The modified 3-way rig is a unique presentation delivery system that can be incredibly productive for crappie fishing. By actively searching for fish and adjusting the speed and presentation, anglers can dial in on the crappies and have a successful day on the water. So, if you’re a crappie fisherman, give this technique a try and see the results for yourself.
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