The average person who goes crappie fishing will find a brush pile, drop a minnow under a float in the middle of it, and sit there until a fish bites, or doesn’t bite.

They will usually catch a few crappie if they sit there long enough, but that is boring.

When crappie tournaments started gaining popularity and they could only weigh a few fish, it became necessary to catch larger fish if you wanted to win any money.

I have talked to some of the top pros and guides and they have shared some of their secrets with me.

When fishing aluminum boat docks in 5 to 10 feet of water, use the smallest slip-float possible.

Adjust to different depths until the comfort zone is found. Cast past the dock and retrieve very slowly, pausing frequently. After a cold front retrieve even slower.

In cold weather when water temperature is in the mid-40s, fish ledges and the side points with weighted 8-pound test line and small jigs on drop leaders. Fish directly under the boat.

Dock shooting requires a 5 ½ feet rod with 6-pound test high-viz line and a small jig head. Hold the jig by the head, not the hook.

Point the rod under the dock.

Pull the jig back causing the rod to bend like a bow and arrow and release the jig and line. This should shoot the jig far back under the dock. Allow it to sink and retrieve slowly.

Use a small slip float. Fish in 5 to 15 feet of water. Keep the boat away from the dock.

If the boat gets close to the dock push off with your hand.

Don’t let the trolling motor blast water under the dock.

Try to find docks out of the wind. Fish shady spots under and around docks.

Corner posts on docks are usually good.

Remember to fish slow and set the hook hard so the fish will be hooked in the tough area in the top of the mouth.

Jig colors should be changed frequently if the fishing is slow.

On bright, sunny days use light colored jigs – blue, green or pink. On cloudy days, use black, purple or brown.

Give something different a try.

I have tried these methods and they really do work.