[VIDEO] Fishing Docks for Crappie (Top Techniques)

Featured Product

• PLASTIC – Z-Man Micro Graph ShadZ: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
• JIGHEAD – Z-Man Micro Finesse ShroomZ Jighead: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
• ROD – G. Loomis GLX Spinning Rod: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
• REEL – Shimano Vanford Spinning Reel 2500 Size: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
• BRAIDED LINE – Sunline Braid (11 lb): Shop Sunline at Bass Pro Shops
• FLUOROCARBON – Sunline FC Sniper Fluorocarbon (5 lb): Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA

Finding Crappie Around Deep Docks

When winter sets in, depth becomes the most important factor. Walker looks for docks positioned near creek channels, steep banks, and drop-offs that fall beyond 10 feet of water. These areas naturally funnel bait and provide stable conditions for crappie to gather. Even better, many docks also hold brush around their support poles, creating the perfect combination of overhead cover and underwater structure. When you find one crappie, you often find many more sitting close by.

Presenting Baits Under Docks

One of the most effective techniques shown is letting the jig pendulum naturally through the school on a tight line. When fish hold tight to cover, Walker also uses a slingshot shooting method to launch small jigs far back under docks where normal casting cannot reach. Crappie rarely nibble. When they bite, it is a sharp thump you can feel instantly.

Color Choices and Jig Setups

Natural colors dominate in cold water, especially translucent shad patterns and subtle purples. As seasons warm, brighter chartreuse and white combinations come into play. Paired with braid, a fluorocarbon leader, and a short accurate rod, this setup delivers sensitivity and control when fishing tight dock cover.

Boat Setup

• FISH FINDER (Console): Lowrance HDS-12 PRO: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
• FISH FINDER (Bow): Lowrance HDS-16 PRO: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
• TROLLING MOTOR – Lowrance Ghost Trolling Motor: Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
• OUTBOARD – Mercury Pro XS 250hp: Check out at Mercury
• BOAT – Ranger Z520R: Check out at Ranger