[VIDEO] Crappie Setup Guide: Gear and Bait Made Simple

In this video, Terry Blankenship shares his approach to building an effective crappie fishing setup. He covers everything from rod and reel choices to line, jig heads, and bait selection. The goal is simple: create a balanced system that matches shad throughout the year and helps land more fish in a variety of conditions.

Featured Product

• JIGHEAD – Apex Blankenship Crappie Jig: Buy at Apex
• BAIT 1 – Bobby Garland Itty Bit Slab Hunt’R: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
• BAIT 2 – Bobby Garland Minnow Mind’R: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at FishUSA
• BAIT 3 – Bobby Garland Live Roam’R: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
• ROD – 7’0″ Light Spinning Rod (Crappie): Shop Spinning Rods at Bass Pro Shops
• REEL – 2500 Size Spinning Reel: Shop Spinning Reels at Bass Pro Shops

Matching Baits to Shad

Throughout the year, Blankenship focuses on matching bait size to shad growth. In midsummer, when shad are small, he begins with 1 1/4-inch baits. As the season progresses, he moves to 1 3/4-inch and 2 1/4-inch styles to keep pace with shad size. Matching the hatch, he says, is essential for consistent bites. Preferred jig heads include 1/16-ounce models for skipping under docks and 1/32-ounce heads for small baits. The coil spring keeper ensures plastics stay secured during repeated casts.

Color and Presentation Choices

Color matters, especially in clear water. Blankenship leans on natural patterns because they closely mimic shad. However, he always keeps white and chartreuse handy for days when fish demand brighter profiles. For deeper water, he switches to bulkier baits, combining added weight with more profile to stay in the strike zone longer.

Versatility of the Setup

This setup is not limited to crappie. Blankenship often uses the same rod and reel for bass fishing, making it a versatile and reliable option. Whether skipping jigs under docks, fishing deeper brush, or working open water, the balance of line, rod, and bait selection ensures success across conditions.

Boat Setup

• FISH FINDERS – Humminbird APEX 13 MEGA SI+ Fishfinder/Chartplotter: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
• LIVE SONAR – Humminbird MEGA Live 2 Imaging Transducer: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
• MAPPING – Humminbird LakeMaster Premium VX Digital Map Chart Card: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Humminbird
• TROLLING MOTOR – Minn Kota Ultrex QUEST, 112lb, 36V, 52″: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
• SHALLOW WATER ANCHORS – Minn Kota Talons: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at FishUSA | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
• OUTBOARD – Mercury Pro XS 200hp: Check out at Mercury