Be aware of the weather. Weather and barometric pressure can have great impact on where the crappie will be, and how they'll bite. Crappie often will bite better just ahead of a cold front. However, if a high front moves through the area after a cold front, the crappie tend to not bite well. They'll generally head for deeper water and hold tight against the brush.

If a cold front moves through during the spawn, look for crappie in 8- to 10- feet of water. Minnows are the best bait to use in this situation, since the minnows will naturally work themselves into the cover where the crappie are holding, rather than you trying to get them there.

Also, try casting a 1/32-ounce jig, and retrieve it slowly with your spinning reel. As the line on the reel comes back in, gently touch the line with your index finger to cause the jig to twitch just a little. That small, erratic motion makes the jig look more lifelike and often will make tight-lipped crappie bite.