October is a favorite month for anglers and hunters because of the many outdoor opportunities. One species that is often forgotten in the fall is crappies.
In the 20-minute YouTube video below, Jason Mitchell and guide Grant DeVries are targeting crappies on Minnesota’s famed Leech Lake. The key is finding green weeds on the breakline. Note: While this video was filmed on Leech Lake, the tips provided in the video will work across much of the Midwest.
As for lures, you don’t need anything special. Jason and Grant are using 1/16-ounce Northland Tackle Tungsten Crappie King Jigs paired with a Pan Candy Grub. This tiny artificial combo can be slow-trolled or drifted along the breakline, or casted and slowly retrieved through the weeds in 8 to 14 feet of water. To effectively cast these light lures and detect subtle crappie strikes, you’ll want an ultralight graphite rod. Jason and Grant are using Scheels Outfitters Ultra Light Pro spinning rods.
One final tip: You don’t need to be up at the crack of dawn or be on the water at sunset to catch these weedline fall crappies. You can duck hunt in the morning, deer hunt in the late afternoon, and still hammer crappies during midday in October!
