Cut bait can be fished either on a small hook or tipped on a jigging spoon. In open water seasons fishermen can fish either from shore or in a boat. Like so many fishing methods, both have some advantages and disadvantages. Shore fishermen have a wide choice, either fishing by wading or from the shoreline, a dock or jetty. Probably the best of these methods is wading, especially in the spring pre-spawn period when the crappie are in shallow water.
Little equipment is needed other than a suitable pair of chest waders or hip boots.
Wading fishermen have a distinct advantage since they can approach likely spots without spooking fish in the shallow water. Most wading anglers use small leadhead lures or minnows that are suspended from a small bobber and fish parallel with the shoreline by casting, then slowly retrieving the bait. Crappies frequently utilize the shade offered by docks or other floating structures during summer. These areas are attractive because there is an abundance of food and the water temperature is cooler. Still fishing under or around docks can be very productive.