We had this discussion the other day at the bait shop and in my experience they do make good bait. I've put some smaller ones behind a ballon and hooked up numerous times. Although they're not very hardy getting pulled around. If they get hit once they're done with.

That isn't "illegal"??

Not if you don't inhale.

I'll put anything behind a balloon even kittens.

Not so long as they were legally caught (i.e. not netted).

OK LIL Bill, Kitty cat boy will not like that bait at all!!!

Clay,
just out of curiosity-- how are you getting 1/32 baits (popeyes, wimpys, or olive oils-- whatever) down to 20ft depth UNDER docks? or do you mean you're casting along the dock and letting it swing down and jigging up-- and getting them to come out to hit? Do yo need side-view to find them, or are you just search-casting?

I've had little experience or success targeting crappie before and would like to hear some hints for early season-- appreciate any advice. I've heard they're better table fare than kittens....

Mostly shooting them under the dock, let the jig fall on slack line down to 20 ft and then let the jig pendulum to you in a sense and we are search casting but they are fairly predictable from year to year under docks with brush and shade.

Thanks Clay--- will give that a try