In fall, the fish return to the shallows to eat their favorite food, minnows. Normally diurnal feeders, crappies will also eat before daylight and after dark during spring and fall. For vertical jigging, pin the minnow through the lower jaw and bring the barb out through the upper lip . For drifting or trolling, try hooking through the side of the minnow's head after inserting the point through its open mouth. When icefishing or stillfishing with a regular bobber, pin the minnow under its dorsal fin but above the lateral line so as not to kill the bait.
Live fish provide the best action.
Your anchor might have something to do with that. When the weight hits bottom it stirs up lake sediment, dislodging larvae, minnows and other food. It's like ringing the dinner bell for perch, bluegills and crappies. On windy days you can double your catch by sending a second weight, such as a cement block, over the side attached to a strong rope. Finding Bluegill Beds Midwestern bluegills invade the shallows to spawn from early April to mid- June, whenever water temperatures nudge 67 degrees.