If I’m using a tight lining technique – is it better to attach the bait to a leader or with a knot?

     The leader of your fishing line is the part that runs from the sinker to the hook. Your hook will ALWAYS be attached to some kind of leader. A leader can also be a short section of line running off of the main line.

     There are many types of rigs for crappie. Since crappie are not particularly good fighters, and seldom twist and flip-flop, a swivel leader is not necesary. The best all-around crappie rig is the ‘Fish-Finder rig. You place 5 or 6 small split shots at the bottom of your line. About 18″ above that, make a dropper loop and attach a #2 or #4 Aberdeen hook. Make another dropper loop about 18″ above that one and repeat the process. You can even add a 3rd loop and hook if you are fishing really deep.

Using this rig allows you to fish at different depths, and different baits at the same time, and it is not uncommon to hook two fish at a time. This is an adaption of a commercial long-liners rig. To make a dropper loop, simply make a double over-hand knot in the line where you want the dropper. If the doubled line will not fit through the eye of the hook, then clip one end near the main line, and thread it through singley.

Another advantage to this rig is that it keeps your hooks off of the bottom and away from snags. If one of the split shots become trapped, just pull and it will come off, saving your rig, your fish and the rest of your rig. It also allows your minnow to swim freely, attracting more strikes. It’s just a great rig for everything, from catfish to crappie and even walleye.