James Lindner and Phil Laube share some tips, tactics, and strategies on how to catch basin crappies.
How to Catch Basin Crappies
As soon as the water temperatures begin to drop in the fall schools of crappies transition from the weed lines and move out into the deep muddy basins.
Throughout the winter months a majority of the crappie fishing revolves around basins.
These fish can often be found in large schools and may be found at different levels within the water column.
Location
Depending on the of the lake you are fishing there can be a number of different basins that the fish are using.
As a general rule of thumb the best basins are between twenty and forty feet of water. They best basins are also surrounded by big weed flats.
These shallow weedy flats are used throughout the summer months and crappies will use these areas until the water temperature drops.
Electronics
If you plan on trying to catch basin crappies you want to rely heavily on your electronics.
Electronics play a huge part when it comes to catching basin crappies. Humminbird’s MEGA Live is the best tool for find these roaming schools of crappies. Humminbird MEGA Live allows the angler to scan a large area in a short period of time and locate fish fast and efficiently.
Crappies typically suspended a couple feet off the bottom and are very easy to see on forward facing sonar.
Once you have a school located make the switch to a traditional 2D sonar to catch them. This will allow you to stay on the move and on top of the fish.
Baits
Typically these basin crappies are roaming around feeding on invertebrates and small minnows.
Most anglers use a two-pronged approach which consist of a small tungsten jig and a small spoon.
There are a variety of different jigs and plastics you can use, but one that always seems to produce is a Clam tungsten Drop-Kick Jig paired with a Maki plastics Jamei XL.
Both come in a wide variety of different color options allowing you to mix and match color schemes depending on water clarity.
Small Tungsten spoons are another great option if you want to catch basin crappies. Most anglers use 1/32-ounce or 1/16-ounce spoon.
If you are targeting really big and aggressive crappies don’t be afraid to up size to a 1/8-ounce spoon.
Three very consistent spoon options are the Clam Pinhead Pro Spoon, Northland Bro Bug Spoon, and VMC Bull Spoon.
All of these spoons drop down to the fish fast and come in a variety of fish-attracting colors.
If the crappies are really aggressive you can fish the spoons without the aid of live bait.
If they are in a negative and lethargic mood you should tip the treble hook with a wax worm or euro larvae.
In lowlight conditions and on lakes that have stained water glow colors seem to produce the most bites.
When fishing a body of water that has good visible natural colors seem to work best.
Don’t be afraid to switch colors often. Sometimes a subtle change can make all the difference.
Generally crappies will suspend a few feet off the bottom, but they can be found anywhere in the in the water column.
When jigging for crappies play around with different depths.
Conclusion
Once you’ve identify which basins as holding the most crappies it can be really easy to track these fish down, especially if you are using Humminbird MEGA Live.
Once the fish are located utilize a two-pronged approach of a small tungsten jig and spoon and you’ll be able to catch basin crappies all winter long.
