Every crappie fisherman wants to catch a big, wall-hanger slab. Sometimes it just happens. A youngster is minnow fishing off a dock and a big one hits. A bass fisherman is throwing a chatterbait, and he catches a lake record crappie. However, most big slabs are caught by fishermen who are fishing with the right bait, with the right technique, in the right spot. Consider the following tips:

1. Go to a lake with big crappies. If a fisherman has four days off, it’s better to spend two of those days traveling to and from a big-fish lake, and fishing two days, than to spend four days fishing at a lake without big fish.

2. The right areas are critical. Lakes have a history of big-fish areas. You can find that information through a little research. Another key is to fish fertile areas. The upper end of a lake (the area farthest from the dam) is the place to start the search. Fertile water usually has more and larger fish, but weather conditions and seasonal movements play a factor, too.

3. Fish the right season. It’s no secret that pre-spawn and spawn are good times for catching big females. Pre-spawn is probably best because the females are positioned in staging areas just outside of typical spawning locations. The holding areas are often on the first break line out from the spawning area. A rule-of-thumb that fishermen sometimes use is to position the boat a casting distance from a spawning bank, then turn around and fish toward the deeper water, to catch staging crappies. Use electronics to find fish before putting a bait into the water.

4. Fish a pattern, not just spots. Don’t make a habit of jumping around from 4 feet to 20 feet, and to 10 feet. It’s okay to fish different depths when searching for fish, but when they are found, stick with the general depth you find them. If you learn the depth, what structure they are on and the presentation they like, then you have a pattern. If the fish are at 10 feet, on breaks, and they are hitting a purple and yellow curlytail jig pulled slowly, you can likely fish that pattern anywhere on the lake to catch fish.

5. Equipment. Nothing is worse than to hang a big crappie and have the line pop. Having all gear in good condition is important. For example, a weekend fisherman should buy fresh line each season. Fresh line and properly tied knots greatly reduce the chances of a broken line.

6. Stealth. Not paying attention to noise is another common problem. Fish can be caught when making noise, but the bigger fish are more easily spooke. Therefore, avoid slamming a livewell lid or dropping anything onto the floor of the boat. Walk soft footed. If waves are slapping the boat, reposition the boat for less noise. Noises travel a long distance in water. Work for stealth fishing.

7. Be mentally prepared. Fishermen should expect a big fish bite at any time. A fisherman must set the hook immediately with a jig. A minnow is different, but you should still set the hook as soon as the line or float starts moving away. If you expect to catch a big fish, you’ll be less likely to become over-excited and panic when you know you’ve hooked a big one.

8. Get a good hookset and keep pressure applied. Small fish have soft mouths, but a big crappie has a tough, bony, upper lip. The key to landing most fish is to never allow slack in the line. A limber rod and/or light line requires the use of a net. Never try to lift a big crappie into the boat or the hook will likely pull from its mouth. However, using a stiff pole and 15-pound test braid allows a fisherman to swing crappies into the boat like a bass fisherman. Since most fish are lost at the net, the swinging technique makes sense, especially for jig fishermen.

Everything must go your way to catch a big fish. Good luck is often created by making good decisions and being prepared. Bad luck usually happens when a person isn’t focused, prepared or the bite is unexpected. Unfortunately, sometimes, bad luck just happens.

Looking for some new fishing techniques to try this season? You’ll find plenty of suggestions in every issue of MidWest Outdoors. Subscribe on our website.