How To Fish Jerkbaits For Crappies

Nolan headed to Minnesota to crappie fish with FishUSA Pro Staffer and owner of Roach's Guide Service, Tony Roach. Tony showed us how he likes to target big crappies using a unique and very fun technique - casting jerkbaits.
These pre-spawn crappies were keyed in on young of-the-year perch, minnows, and bugs near the surface, making a jerkbait an excellent option for catching their eye and making them commit.
Tony was using his Lowrance Navionics mapping to keep the boat positioned on a main lake point with emerging cabbage vegetation. His Lowrance Active Target allowed him to pick out the greatest concentration and better quality fish.
We want to thank ‪@Wired2Fish‬ for filming this piece for us!
Products used in this video:
Rapala X-Rap - Sizes 4 and 6 in "Yellow Perch" Color - www.fishusa.co...
Tony's Setup:
Rod - St. Croix Legend Walleye Tournament Spinning Rod - 7'1" Medium www.fishusa.co...
Reel - Seviin GX Series Spinning Reel - 3000 - www.fishusa.co...
Nolan's Setup:
Rod - FishUSA Flagship Bass Spinning Rod - 6'10" MLXF - www.fishusa.co...
Reel - Okuma StormRunner Spinning Reel - 1000 - www.fishusa.co...

[@jakeclarke8706]

How does this work with warmer water in the summer? Like 70+ F
I imagine these jerk baits don't go deep enough except at dusk or dawn then?

[@FishUSA]

It can actually be even more effective in warm water months based on a couple of factors. Dawn and dusk are typically the best times as the fish will tend to be suspended high in the water column eating bugs or baitfish. This technique can also be effective when worked over weed beds in the summertime.

[@tylerjames1716]

New to the area, are there any good public fishing spots around Presque Isle Bay? I've tried out the public dobbins landing and Lampe marina/south peir area but both times have been filled with inconsiderate anglers who leave trash everywhere and have no sense of giving people space. Id love to get out on the water to catch some perch :)

[@FishUSA]

There's lots of public fishing access on the peninsula! North Pier and Misery Bay are both excellent options, but there are plenty more places to fish there as well. Stop in our Pro Shop in Fairview and the guys will be happy to share some more info!