DOCK SHOOTING For Crappie In A Kayak!

Crappie are one of the most popular sport-fish among light line anglers. I have caught plenty of Crappie in my day, but have never devoted a lot of time to learning about this species. In this series, I intend to target both Black & White Crappie in an effort to learn more about them and share that knowledge with all of you. Stay tuned for more episodes of Slab Stories in the future!
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In today's episode, the Crappie were still set up in a traditional summer pattern. They were suspended underneath relatively deep docks. The docks I was fishing ranged from 10-16 feet of water and the Crappie were 6-10 feet down. This required one of my favorite techniques - dock shooting. Dock shooting is an incredible way to target Crappie (as well as other species which relate under docks). Simply grab your jig, create a bow with your rod, and shoot your jig at the proper angle underneath a dock. From a kayak, it is even easier than a boat because of the angle from a seated position.
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Dock shooting is hands down one of the best crappie fishing techniques I have found. I have caught fish on this pattern from early spring into summer and it seems to be holding out into the early fall as well. I highly recommend trying this crappie fishing tip.

[@anthonyanticouni9293]

I grew up in Oregon, and would be on the snake river crappie fishing every weekend of the summer. We could catch as many as we wanted from the dock most of the time. It was like an endless supply of crappie. As a kid, i was forever hooked on fishing. Im 59 now, and still try to fish at least once a week.

[@FishAnything]

That is epic. Love the story, Anthony.

[@RamonOutdoors]

I love to "dock shoot" inbetween trees and bushes from the bank. Great way to sneak up on some fish that aren't targeted that often.

[@FishAnything]

I have seen you do it. Great stuff man. It can come in handy in many more places than just docks. But I tell you what, you gotta try this in your neck of the woods. Find a deep marina and I can almost guarantee you find Crappie. Best part is that you don't have to be getting beat up on the main lake.

[@rayhall3010]

It doesn't matter how many fish we catch, the ones we lose are the one's that stay on our minds,, I'm a ultra light fisherman,, the one's I lose are the one's that stay on my mind,, you are a true ultra light fisherman,, I'm 64 and have always in joyed catching fish on lite equipment,,

[@FishAnything]

Ultralight is so hard to beat. And you are exactly right... Most of the memorable fish I have are the ones that got away haha

[@mattbrown5511]

I would have never thought of using this technique. Very cool indeed. Also, thank you for keeping the channel family friendly. I watched it with my 14-year-old daughter. She gets exposed to ugliness of the world too much as is. Big respect.

[@FishAnything]

The ugliness of the world is way too easy to access these days. Happy to be a positive influence in a world of negativity. Thank you Matt. Your kind words and support are enough motivation to keep the videos rolling :)

[@mattbrown5511]

@@FishAnything God bless.

[@RoamingWhispers]

“I’m gonna be thinking about that fish for the rest of the weekend” I know that feeling too well, except I have fish I remember from months ago.. and they get me to go back to those same areas to try again.

[@FishAnything]

That is exactly it. Motivator to get back out!

[@FishingWithZach]

Yea I know the feeling too. I lost my first musky and it was out of a river that no one would of ever expected to catch. I'm hoping that just maybe I'll get another shot

[@Charsept]

They call them "crappy" here. Not as a joke, just a different pronunciation. But we get to make the joke about having "a crappie day fishing" 😆 And yes, I agree, they are pretty fun. They don't fight as hard as other species but they are pretty and taste good.

[@FishAnything]

They fight pretty decent on ultralight but yeah I agree. I think the way you target them is just very fun though. Dock shooting or fishing suspended fish in general is such a hoot!

[@fantomphoenix6170]

I just found a pretty interesting rod at a tackle shop. Diawa crossfire shorty, 1/16 oz to 3/8 is and it’s 3ft. Definitely tempted to pick it up for $20 and use it for saltwater mangrove snapper fishing from my kayak!

[@FishAnything]

Haha that rod sounds insane! 3 feet long with those ratings is bonkers lol

[@chancegivens5825]

I broke off a big bowfin in Florida almost 2 years ago and I still can't let it go. Great video Ethan!

[@FishAnything]

That would be a tough one to let go!

[@anthonyanticouni9293]

Oh, and thank you very much for altering my "dad gum" vocabulary forever. I bet i say that 20 times a day now!! 😂😂😂 And I bet im not the only one!!

[@FishAnything]

Honestly I can't stop saying it. It just comes natural.

[@chrispuchi5750]

Awesome video Those new jig heads are gonna produce quality catches for everyone.

[@FishAnything]

They have started to catch me a lot of big fish lately!

[@davidrauschenbach6871]

Now I’m hungry for some 🌮! Some really nice crappie! Looking forward to the next generation Tatula LT.

[@FishAnything]

Heck yeah David! I should probably load my freezer one of these days.

[@brianathern9154]

Like the dock shooting technique, works well for overhangs and multi species as you touched on. You do need to become an expert line watcher. Great video Ethan. Will be using this technique soon in Northern WI.

[@FishAnything]

Heck yeah Brian! It is such a fun way to catch fish. Good luck :)

[@bayoustateoutdoors9650]

I been shooting for 12 years, I agree, I use 1/32 heads….I’ve caught fish 15-20ft down, I use 4-6 lb test hi vis , 5 1/2 BnM sharp shooter

[@FishAnything]

Sounds to me like you could probably teach me a thing or two. Such a fun dang technique!

[@stevenm6301]

Got my PB crappie this summer from my kayak on a 1.5" minnow imitation. The business end? A black mule jig. 🤟

[@FishAnything]

That is what I like to hear!! Tight lines, Steven.

[@JoeNajorFishing]

I could see me shooting one ten feet in the air and landing in someone’s boat. Love the technique and I’m definitely gonna give it a shot this fall but I’m gonna practice on open water first. 😂

[@FishAnything]

Practice around really high docks like those first few I fished. Open water is honestly harder to practice on because it doesn't help you focus on a specific target. You can always practice with an old worn out jig that you don't mind losing.

[@JoeNajorFishing]

@@FishAnything good point! Thank you.

[@BrianKuhl]

Nice to see you on a body of water where the fish are a little healthier. I know you have nothing to do with the ecosystem but I know I feel a lot better when I’m catching fat fish. Thanks for breaking down your dock shooting technique; I always appreciate a tutorial.

[@08alexnyc]

Questions 1. What state do you live in? I NEED to move there! 2. Do you work in radio? You have the voice for it.

[@FishAnything]

1) Michigan! It is a wonderful place for outdoorsmen & women. 2) No I don't but I would love to do a podcast someday. I also have a face for radio XD

[@kenappleby8481]

Another great video. I know I'm in good company when I'm listening and just start singing along :) You might like Ozma's album from the same era also, dunno.

[@FishAnything]

Hmmm I will have to check it out! Thanks Ken :)

[@ralphkidwell6526]

Thanks for sharing,as always love your topics.get some more stock,patiently waiting😎

[@FishAnything]

Almost here ;) working on it all weekend. I would expect jigs to be back within the next two weeks.

[@ralphkidwell6526]

@@FishAnything thank you so much. But when you have such a wonderful product it's hard to keep them in stock because everybody wants them. Thanks again

[@samcash123]

We dont have crappie on the UK but i love the blue on their backs

[@FishAnything]

They are a really cool fish. Someday, I hope you have the chance to catch some.

[@timothythompson6549]

Beard's looking epic e dawg!

[@FishAnything]

Thanks Tim lol I try

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Great video - as always. Never done too much Crappie fishing - caught my first few this year. And I do beleive the largest was on a Mule mninnow. :P Too bad you missed a few bigguns.

[@FishAnything]

Heck yeah Aaron! Get out there and find some more. They are growing on me like a weed. Quickly becoming one of my favorite fish to target.

[@fishingwithvin]

You out there finding them thick boys! I hope this trend continues to the next video. Tight lines man😁

[@FishAnything]

Thanks Vin :) Yeah I have a pretty cool video in the works. Dock shooting is sooooo fun

[@BurqueMD]

What a cool technique! Thanks for taking us along

[@FishAnything]

It is definitely one of the most fun ways to catch fish. Happy you enjoyed it :)

[@BurqueMD]

@@FishAnything I actually went out today and tried it out. I caught the biggest longear, bluegill, and Ozark Bass I have ever caught. Thanks so much!

[@pauls3616]

Always appreciate the videos Ethan. 👍

[@FishAnything]

Thank you Paul!

[@RicardoReview]

Another banger, keep the good work 👍

[@FishAnything]

Thanks Ricardo!

[@seizedcarcass8440]

I’m wanting to learn dock shooting but not so much for docks. For under overhanging trees!!! I can’t stand when it’s a hot summer day and I have no choice but casting up under trees trying to get a fish but most of the time snag the jig in a tree

[@FishAnything]

100% good point. Shooting a jig is for far more than just docks!

[@losingbigfish9473]

Really enjoyed the video I wish I had more docs around where I live

[@FishAnything]

It is a ton of fun. I hope you get a chance to try it!

[@5.7.0bassin2]

I believe from what I heard that daiwa kage is exactly the same as the daiwa tatula but they just put the Japanese writing on it because you can only find them at local bait shops I guss they weren't sold online I have the tatula and love it I wanna pick the kage up just cuz it does look cool with the Japanese lettering

[@FishAnything]

Not sure if they are the same or not! I am sure they are very similar though. Most of the reel companies make about 10 reels that are all nearly the same thing haha

[@tennesseecreekangler9660]

Great video! I myself haven't had much luck with the crappie recently, haha. Would you mind sharing what your favorite colors for the Horsefly and Donkeytail Jr are? I'm looking to pick some up for creek/river fishing... specifically smallmouth and panfish!

[@FishAnything]

Of course! Thanks for the support. I like Dakota Sunrise for clear water Crappie. True Chartreuse is always a good one for panfish in general. Straight black is good for dingier water or low light conditions. I use them all though. Most can be semi-universal.

[@tennesseecreekangler9660]

@@FishAnything That is exactly the information I was looking for. Thank you for the help! Also, do you know when the 1/32oz Mule Jigs will be back in? Keep up the great work!

[@OGAmmoMonkey]

Would love to see you catch like a 16 to 19 in.

[@FishAnything]

That would be an absolute unit!

[@vrodoutdoors2846]

Do you loop knot your jigs? Awesome Video like always!!😁

[@FishAnything]

Only on vertical focused fishing usually. For dock shooting, I just go ahead and run a palomar knot personally. I find that it is stronger on the 2lb test I use. If I was using 6lb mono, I may go for the loop because it has a bit more strength.

[@shawneldridge4465]

😟 unfortunately I do not have a big lake where we have boat docks like this. The good news is I do have a canal that's in my area and we have a lot of crappies in there, may not be that big butt still have then to catch. Also people tell me to go to the river to catch crappies but the thing with River fishing you just don't know what you're going to get and if you do catch fish like that you don't know if a bigger one's going to come along and try to take it, happened to my cousin once. He must have at least a nice six or seven pounder on and a musky came along and ate half of it. I start busting out laughing but I know it wasn't funny but it was. Anyway crate fishing video and also great information too, especially for those of you who do have boat docks like this in your area.👍👍👍👍

[@FishAnything]

Awesome! Nothing wrong with canal fishing :) And a Muskie destroying another fish would make me laugh too haha

[@shawneldridge4465]

@@FishAnything 👍👍

[@theangleraquarist]

Is that the 6 foot tfo? Awesome video!

[@FishAnything]

7-foot!

[@5wisher5weet]

Shimano S factor and the gulp scents have scientific studies behind then to say they work. I use S factor because the gulp doesn't spread as well.

[@FishAnything]

I have been enjoying the Pro Cure. Seems to help and it works really well with my Mule lineup.

[@5wisher5weet]

@@FishAnything yea and applying it is good too with the bottle

[@davidrobledo7481]

Do you have or can you do a video of the reels you use for ultra light im curios to see that black reel that sounds really good Thanks to you I ordered a revrose and I love it

[@FishAnything]

I have a recent video on ultralight reels you might want to check out. I use Shimano or Daiwa size 1000 in all price points.

[@5wisher5weet]

That net is cool, I have a feeling you ha e a soft spot for that colour like me?

[@FishAnything]

Bright green always appeals to me. I especially like bright colors on kayaks to stay as visible as possible. I don't want to get run over by a drunken pontooner lol

[@rascalnicough7376]

Beard lookin good 👍

[@FishAnything]

Haha thank you :)

[@Tree-vis]

Great content, dad gummit

[@FishAnything]

Thanks Travis :)

[@OGAmmoMonkey]

I know that you have mentioned scouting fishing areas quite a lot. Are these all public fishing areas listed by the state? I am just curious because I have like maybe 5 or 6 public locations in my county that are stocked, but a lot more actual bodies of water then that. Some are private associations, but some are just parks etc that have ponds. I am just wondering if you fish private or unlisted locations that are not stocked as well and if you have advice on how to handle that.

[@FishAnything]

I just look at Google Maps and if it has a public access spot, I go for it. Any public park with access to a pond/lake is typically fair game. Any time I see "Private" or "No Fishing", I respect that and stay away. If you know people on a private body of water and they give you access, that is fine too.

[@ronaultmtd]

Do you ever use Pro Cure scents on your UL plastics? I have found it sometimes makes a difference inshore salt water fishing...

[@FishAnything]

I use them quite a bit. Seems to work primarily when the water is a bit colder, but I don't think it ever hurts to add.

[@AGuyNamedRicky]

Ethan do you think you will qualify for KZbin fisherman Beard of the Year?

[@FishAnything]

I bet I wouldn't even make top 10 XD

[@jonathanwogsland9537]

What kayak do you fish on in looking to buy one for fishing

[@FishAnything]

I fish out of an Old Town Sportsman PDL 120! Good luck, kayak fishing is a blast :)

[@ronaldreynolds9815]

How many fish are in the water

[@FishAnything]

I wish I knew the answer to that question haha

[@22lbsboost]

What is that blue braid?

[@FishAnything]

Sufix 832!

[@Lemurs]

What line is that pink one?

[@FishAnything]

Spro finesse braid. It is really nice stuff but not cheap. That and J Braid X8 Grand are my favorites so far.

[@chiccenhawkc]

💯🔥💙👍

[@FishAnything]

You da man!

[@Tightt88]

Great video!

[@FishAnything]

Thank you :)