When you want to catch crappies, a simple, effective rig is the Kentucky rig. The Kentucky rigs is also used to catch catfish. The Kentucky rig is a vertical rig with several jigs attached to the mainline. You can either buy this rig already assembled from a fishing store, or if you have some skill, try making it yourself. To make the Kentucky rig, you need is a main line, a base sinker, a leader line, and several jigs.
There are several ways you can make this rig. One way is to take a 12-18 inch leader line, and attach it to a 40-60 lb. test main line. Then, add the jigs to the main line by using loop knots. You’ll want to space the jigs about five inches apart.
Some anglers use three-way swivels with their Kentucky rigs. The swivels attach the jigs to the leader lines. By using swivels, anglers cut out the need to learn how to tie the loop knot. At the end of the rig, is attached the base sinker by either tying a knot or using a single swivel. The main line is kept tight using a bobber. The bobber also helps keep the leader lines at the optimal depth to catch target fish.
The Kentucky rig is a favorite among anglers who like to fish crappie because of its ability to avoid snags in muddy waters with low-visibility. By adding weighted sinkers, the main line stays tight, while the leader lines with jigs are used to troll for crappie.