Crappie are out there and ready to bite, just keep lookin’

0
10

(Editor’s note: This column was previously published in Farm and Dairy in April 2013. It is being republished because of its relevance, and because the author had a health issue to attend to.)

This year’s fishing season is off to a slow start, victimized by the lingering cool to cold weather. Anglers anxious to dunk baits have so far been disappointed, partially perhaps because they are spending time fishing their usual spring spots.

Crappie, the area’s “go-to” early season fish, aren’t using those usual spots yet, simply because the water is cold and the expected spring weather is slow to arrive.

Nationally known crappie expert Tom Neustrom sent along his advice to frustrated crappie chasers. It focuses on the obvious, that crappies aren’t where they are supposed to be because the season isn’t either.

More places

In his words, “Think you’ve exhausted every feasible place to catch springtime crappies? Think again!

There are always places crappies hide where anglers fail to find them. Spend enough time chasing these big spring slabs, and you’ll learn to recognize and react to unfamiliar, yet highly rewarding conditions.”

According to Neustrom, when winter’s long lock finally loosens, he is already plotting his strategy for finding crappies, a game plan of sorts that includes pouring over maps and scouting for potential locations.

He said that pre-determining a milk-run of potentials keeps him in the boat searching, regardless of weather, rather than sitting at the landing making excuses for why they won’t bite.

Spend time in search mode using lake maps, electronics, and lures.

Eventually, you’ll discover the crappies that other anglers don’t, he said. Neustrom went on to say that like all species, crappies need to eat, and when the ice leaves the lake, some of the biggest crappies of the season go on a major hunt.

Reading the signs

At this early stage, you can have some great fishing when it’s still cold enough to make your nose run. Yet even though you can be catching some fish in shallow water, it doesn’t mean that crappies have already begun the spawning ritual.

Wrong! All species need nourishment before the spawn and crappies are no different. In actuality, spawn time in most lakes won’t occur until for a month or more after ice-out, once water temperatures reach into the 60s.

In short, Neustrom insists that the crappies are there and they’re ready to bite, they just aren’t in the shallow water yet, at least the big ones aren’t. So go looking in deeper water, fish the ledges, and other deeper structure.

Get our Top Stories in Your Inbox

Next step: Check your inbox to confirm your subscription.
SHARE
Previous articleStep on the scale: Let's weigh those lambs and kids
Next articleColorful wildflower season on the way
Mike Tontimonia has been writing weekly columns and magazine features about the outdoors for over 25 years, a career that continues to hold the same excitement for him as it did at the beginning. Mike is a retired educator, a licensed auctioneer and marketing consultant. He lives in Ravenna, Ohio and enjoys spending time at his Carroll County cabin. Mike has hunted and fished in several states and Canada from the Carolinas to Alaska and from Idaho to Delaware. His readers have often commented that the stories about his adventures are about as close to being there as possible. He is past president of the Outdoor Writers of Ohio and a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America. Mike is also very involved in his community as a school board member and a Rotarian.

NO COMMENTS

LEAVE A REPLY

We are glad you have chosen to leave a comment. Please keep in mind that comments are moderated according to our comment policy.

Receive emails as this discussion progresses.