Ice Fishing Crappie: An Expert’s Strategy

The "One-Two Punch" Strategy

Jason uses a tag-team approach where one angler uses FFS to actively locate the school suspended beneath the ice. Once the fish are spotted, the angler then "walks" the second angler directly over the school.

This precision targeting lets you direct your partner exactly onto the fish, leading to much faster hooksets and catching them more quickly.

FFS for Finding, Flasher for Fishing

This strategy is incredibly efficient with a small team. Here's the breakdown of roles:

• Forward-Facing Sonar (FFS): Use the FFS primarily to break down the water column and locate the active schools. This is your "search" tool.

• Flasher: Use your flasher unit at the hole to quickly monitor the fish activity and confirm your presentation is working as you move rapidly from one promising hole to the next. This is your "fishing" tool.

Pro Tip: How to Target Larger Crappie

Want to single out the slabs? Jason shares one last tip for targeting larger crappie.

"Try fishing higher in the water column than where you observe them," he advises. "Using a larger jig or bait profile than you might typically use will encourage the fish to rise."

The reason? If multiple fish are approaching your bait, the one with the biggest tail—the most aggressive, largest fish—will likely reach it first.

By using FFS and a flasher as a team, you can spend less time searching and more time catching. Make sure you're geared up for your next trip and stop by your nearest SCHEELS to check out the latest in ice fishing gear.