If a slab crappie is nearby, he might surprise you. The Tiny Trap draws smashing strikes.

SMITHWICK ROGUE
A 4 1/2-inch crankbait is too much for crappie to handle, right? Wrong! You won’t catch many small crappie on the venerable Smithwick Rogue, but 2-pound-plus slabs find this big baitfish mimic absolutely irresistible.

Power Tactic: When crappie are near the bottom on deep structure, try enticing them with a Carolina-rigged Rogue. Use the 4 1/2-inch, suspending model in a shad-like color. Place a 1/8- to 1/4-ounce tungsten weight above a barrel swivel on your line, then tie a 3- to 4-foot leader from swivel to lure.

Crawl the Rogue across the bottom. Barn doors unwilling to dart out after smaller prey find it hard to resist this sizeable entrée.

REEF RUNNER CICADA
This bladebait is a favorite of crappie anglers in many areas and is available in a dozen colors and sizes from 1/16 to 3/4 ounce.

Power Tactic: You can vertically jig a Cicada to create a subtle swimming/fluttering motion to interest active crappie, or retrieve it with rips and runs to produce dynamic action that will stimulate slabs in need of wake-up calls.

(Editor’s Note: For an autographed copy of The Crappie Book by Keith Sutton, send a check or money order for $17.45 to C & C Outdoors, 15601 Mountain Drive, Alexander, AR 72002. For credit card orders, visit www.catfushsutton.com