High-tech fishing with multiple poles is very effective, but countdown casting helps Tim Huffman return to the basics of fishing, which makes it more fun.

Many lakes have fish shelters, both natural and manmade, including small trees, sunken Christmas trees, plastic/PVC or some other structure. The cover provides shelter for fish, but also creates a spot where a fisherman can find them.

Laydowns along a steep bank are great covers. Older trees have fewer small branches, making it possible to cast without too many hangups. Also, the underwater portion of the treetop in the deepest water is often the best place to locate fish.

A graph is good for finding underwater contours and covers. A brushpile sticking up to 10 feet from bottom in 18 feet of water is a prime example of a perfect spot for casting. This cover offers good overall depth, with cover available from 10 to 18 feet deep. Crappies can choose a variety of depths but will most likely be positioned in the top of the cover.

Also look for fish at the bend in a creek or river where wood floats and settles during high water situations.

The method

Docks, rockpiles and wood all offer potential fishing spots. A key factor is finding the right depths, and countdown casting is a very simple way to do this. Cast, count the jig down to the magic number and slowly retrieve. The countdown number controls how deep the jig falls before the retrieve begins.

Start with a low number, say two. Cast, let the jig fall to a count of two and start the retrieve. If no fish, let the jig fall to a count of four and repeat. Increase the count each time until a fish bites or the bait hangs up on cover. Now you have found the right depth, usually just above cover.

Successful baits for the countdown method are often ones with tail action. Try using a weedless jig like the Charlie Brewer Slider, specially made for catching crappies.

Jighead weight is important. A light 1/32-ounce is good for finicky fish and when fishing very shallow or ultra-clear water. A more versatile jig is a 1/16-ounce that provides good casting distance, will drop into deeper water and is easy to control. A 1/8-ounce is good for deep water, fast current or windy conditions. The heavier the jig and deeper the water, the more difficult the control.

Slow and steady

The retrieve is what triggers bites. The speed of the retrieve controls depth. A straight, steady rotation of the reel handle creates a basic, but effective, retrieve. In general, crappies prefer a calm presentation. A slow, steady retrieve allows the fisherman to maintain contact with the jig to feel bottom, cover and bites. This is an example of simple being better.

You can also add a pause, which keeps the bait down in the water. A fish watching the jig thinks it is an injured minnow. The jig may be hit on the fall or as soon as it takes off again.

Jerk and pause

The jerk-pause retrieve is performed by jerking the rod tip up 6 to 12 inches. The pause allows the jig to fall. While falling, the reel handle is turned very slowly to keep contact with the jig and to bring the jig forward one or two feet before the jerk is repeated. This is a great retrieve when the slow and steady fails to produce.

The countdown method is effective when fishing brushpiles, stakebeds and logs, but is also useful when shooting around docks or fishing over piles of rocks. Also, it is simply more fun.

For more fall crappie fishing tips, read the September issue of MidWest Outdoors, available the first full week of September at the newsstand or by subscribing on our website.