Line Size?

[BrianF]

Crappie - I'll admit I rarely target them when fishing open water and usually catch them by accident. They are fun though and I always appreciate any fish I catch (and release).

I know of some ponds that I will be targeting them in this year with my son. I find them less in the clearer waters I fish and more of the stained / tannic waters. Not sure if this is because it is usually on heavier line (8 - 10 pound) or lure selection is more particular in clear water. I would like to figure them out better and I will be changing both in efforts to find them more this year through the ice.

My question is, how lite of line should I go down to? Is 2 lb too small? Is 6 lb too big? I know this is subjective but looking for your experience with either.

Thanks in advance,
Brian

[fishingking]

2lb or 3lb would be best if your a little paranoid about breaking them off then stick with 3lb

[PWR BAIT]

I use 4lb fireline with 3lb gamma fluorocarbon as leader strikes are more noticeable if leader breaks go to 4lb leader.

[Crappiekiller]

Just keep in mind Brian that no matter what pound test you use the almighty crappie is notorious for cutting lines.  They have a soft mouth but razor sharp gills.  I personally use anywhere from 2#-4# Trilene XL.  It's a monofiliment line that has brought in several 14" slabs for me over the years.  Plus I don't have to switch over once the gilly's quit bitting!  Good Luck!!!!!!!!
Crappiekiller

[oldken]

i use 4# suffix the crappie line from bass pro both in yellow. my eyes are not the best and i can see it better. also i use a 4# leader of vanish line old ken

[IceRover]

2lb or 3lb would be best if your a little paranoid about breaking them off then stick with 3lb

I agree with the king. Maybe you should start with the 3lb and let your results and style dictate going down to 2lb or up to 4lb. I like 3lb in cover and 2lb in open water, although 3lb can be iffy in cover. Columbus took a chance so just go for it. Remember they have soft mouths and use a very sharp hook. Good luck BrianF
ID

[camo_fish]

Remember they have soft mouths and use a very sharp hook.

Ya mean No Jack'n there Jaw.  Yea, I was watching a guy one day think he was bass fishing pig-n-jig style of setting the hook. It was a funny sight. 
I go with 4#, I'm still a rookie.  8)

[IceRover]

I go with 4#, I'm still a rookie.  8)

Yeahhhh, but they still fear you!

[Crappiekiller]

I completely agree with Camo the hook has to be sharp!  A sharp hook means a softer hook set.  Because we sure don't want a bunch of lipless crappies out there swimming around! Good luck!
Crappiekiller

[Tommyboy18769]

4# cajun red ice...cant go wrong...pulled a couple small pike up last year with it...

[holeinhide]

4# cajun red ice...cant go wrong...pulled a couple small pike up last year with it...

Go with the 4# strong enough for most big fish light enough for most pan fish. Its a good place to start and work up or down from there.

[A- bomb]

vanish 2#  remember floro is tougher than mono for abrasion. I sight fish ginclear and about 2' down so floro is a must. Haven't tested but 2# floro seems like 4 mono to me

[fishuhalik]

i've really fallen in love w/ the 3 & 4lb trilene micro ice.  really flexible, gives great action to small jigs and handles nice fish very well, pulled in a nice little 12lb pike last year with it, couldn't of done it w/o my symetre!