The Three-Way Rigging For Crappies Method
The three-way rigging technique for crappies is similar to the technique used for walleye, pike, and lake trout. The only difference is that the tackle is downsized to fit the species at hand. The main line used is a six-pound test Sufix 832 braid, which helps detect light bites at great depths.
The setup begins with a three-way swivel, which is naturally downsized for the small rig used for crappies. A 1/2 to 3/4 ounce lead is attached as a dropper about 2 feet below the swivel. This weight helps get the bait down and maintain constant contact with the bottom, which is crucial for success. The line from the swivel to the lure is approximately 3 feet of mono, which floats and keeps the bait up and moving.
At the business end of the system, the original Rapala floater is used. This lure is a number three, meaning it is three centimeters long. The important thing about this lure is that it is a floater and runs shallow. This buoyancy allows the lure to stay up in the water column and not dive too deep, which would defeat the purpose of the three-way rig. 
Benefits of Three-Way Rigging for Crappies
Using the three-way rigging technique for crappies offers several benefits. Here are a few:
- Covering a lot of water: This technique allows anglers to cover a large area quickly, increasing the chances of finding active fish.
- Catching fish of all sizes: When crappies start bunching up, you can catch fish of various sizes, from small ones to two-pounders. It’s exciting to catch a variety of sizes in one spot.
- Fun and efficient: Three-way rigging is a fun way to fish for crappies. Once you have the system dialed in to the depth, spread, and speed, it can be like assembly line fishing, with one catch after another.
Tips for Success
To increase your chances of success with three-way rigging for crappies, here are a few tips:
- Use light tackle: A six-foot-three medium-action rod paired with a size 10 reel is ideal for this technique. The small Quantum reels work well, and using six-pound test Suffix braid for the main line helps detect light bites.
- Keep the bait at the right level: Using mono line for the leader helps keep the bait higher and away from the three-way swivel and weight. Fluorocarbon line should be avoided as it pulls the bait down. The goal is to keep the bait at a natural level in the water column.
- Control your lure speed: It’s important to find the right balance between a heavy enough weight to maintain bottom contact and control the lure speed. Adjust the weight as needed to achieve the desired speed.
- Stay patient and persistent: When hunting for crappies, it’s important to stay patient and persistent. Keep moving and searching for active fish until you find a productive spot. Once you locate a school of crappies, you can sit on them and fish them slightly differently.
- Learn from your mistakes: If you lose a fish or make a mistake, take it as a learning opportunity. Reflect on what went wrong and make adjustments for next time. It’s all part of the learning process and can help improve your success rate.
Conclusion
Using three-way rigs for crappies is an effective and enjoyable technique for covering a lot of water quickly. By downsizing the tackle and using the right setup, anglers can increase their chances of catching crappies of all sizes. Remember to use light tackle, keep the bait at the right level, control your lure speed, and stay patient and persistent. With practice and experience, you can become proficient in this technique and enjoy a successful day on the water.
Remember, fishing is not just about catching fish, but also about enjoying the experience and appreciating the beauty of nature. So, get out there, try out the three-way rigging technique for crappies, and have a great time on the water!
