What is “crack fishing”?

Crack fishing is a technique used in Crappie fishing on a dock or other type of float.  Since Crappie prefer cover, in most cases the outer edges of a dock are prime targets for Crappie fishermen.  The innovative fisherman, however, will be able to locate a crack or opening in the dock that would be big enough to pull a Crappie through.  In most cases, it needs to be a space between 1 ½ to 2 inches wide.  Crack fishing is ideal in the fall when water temperatures begin to drop.  You’ll usually begin catching the Crappies at around 70 degrees but the best activity comes when water temperatures are in the 60’s.  In shallow areas, you can even crack fish in water temperatures that have dropped into the 50’s.  While Crappies seem to hang out under wood docks more than their noisy metal counterparts, the key is the amount of algae that is growing under the float.  Since algae draws baitfish and baitfish draw Crappie, it stands to reason that more algae ultimately means more Crappie.  The weather may also be a factor when crack fishing.  In stormy or windy weather, you’ll have more luck on docks that are closer to deep water.  In calm weather, the opposite is true and you’ll find more Crappie under the docks over shallow water.