Spawning Crappie

Spawning crappie are probably the easiest to catch, if you are there when it happens. What to look for here in the southern Louisiana bayous are standing trees, reeds, stumps or any structure along the banks. But, not all fish spawn in shallow water. While this is certainly true for the most part, I have caught spawning fish in 5-7 feet of water. Targeting fallen trees can produce in deeper water. Standing trees can be the most productive, but also the most fished. So if you are fishing behind boats beating these spots, it can be tough. When fishing pressure is great durning the spawn, look for areas and places that have not been hit. These can be hidden stumps, or isolated standing trees that most folks have past by. Marsh fish will typically move right up against the bank. Bayous with reeds or grass and decently clean water are good spawning areas. Try going shallow on your approach, it could mean the difference between catching fish or not. The good thing about spawning fish is that they move in at different times, so even if someone may have fished your favorite spot, there will still be fish. It's worth looking at again during that day. Best times to look for spawning fish: usually but not always, around a full moon. Next, and perhaps the most important, look for water temps to warm in the 60s, especially in February and March. There are exceptions to everything, I have caught spawning fish as early as January and as late as April/May. Not all fish spawn at the same time. This is natures way of ensuring future stocks. Yes, I advocate catch and release during the spawn or at least keep what you need and let the rest go. If you have noticed, the fishing pressure is intense these days and although limits are good, many areas can be affected by over fishing. The one thing I have learned about fishing is that no day you can go is a bad day. Nature decides when fish will bite. All the science or thought about times and dates and temps do not make fish feed. They have their own elusive way about when and where they will bite. But, being there at that right place, right day, and right time can make it all worth while. Good luck fishing. Hope to see ya on the water.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Catching That Crappie Wave

Image
Every year, starting late winter, well-into late spring and even early summer, crappie begin their spawn. The wave starts here in the deep south and will continue as far north into Canada. It is perhaps the favorite time of year for crappie anglers. It's that time of year when even the novice of novice fishers can catch numbers of spawning fish. Just like clockwork, the spawn occurs here in the southern regions of the United States and progressively moves like a giant wave of crappie fishing heaven. Typically starting late January to mid February, the flurry begins and spreads north through the middle states from middle March through April. The wave continues north through April and May. So if you are a crappie enthusiust, and have time to travel, you can ride this crappie wave all the way to Canada. This may be a little far fetched for most of us, but it is possible to catch part of the ride by traveling a few hours north of where you are fishing. Perhaps the best example here in ...
Read more

Shallow Water Live Scoping

Image
Shallow water livescoping is not as easy or simple as one might think. The sheer amount of noise can make it difficult to spot the targeted fish you are trying to catch. When talking shallow, I mean 6 ft or less. So you have bought the coveted holy grail Garmin livescope or the new Lowrance Active Target. These innovations have changed the way fishers fish for certain. Deeper lakes/reservoirs are easier to navigate and spot brushpiles and fish. Shallow water seems to be more difficult. The settings are basically the same, usually noise rejection on low or medium. Then you adjust the gain and depths accordingly. Some scopers like to keep the bottom at the lower part of the screen which works fine in deep water. But sometimes in real shallow water, the view gets distorted and it's harder to see the fish. I like to put the depth at half or three quarter screen. These are only personal preferences that work for me. The key to catching more fish in real shallow water, is knowing what t...
Read more

Big Trout light tackle topwater

Image
With this warm weather here in south Louisiana, the top water fishing has been fantastic. For most folks using medium to heavy tackle would seem to be the best bet. But for me I op-out for the lightest tackle I can get away with. After all what is more exciting than hooking mule trout on 8-10 pound line with a medium to light weight 7ft spinning rod and a 1000 series spinning reel.. Crazy right? Most folks would think that, but that's exactly what I have caught over 40 fish with in the 3-6lb range these last two months. Plus this type of finesse fishing is great if you are using plastics or suspending baits. I prefer braided line also. but the key to using a light braid, is to have at least a 15-20 mono leader.. Those big trout have very sharp teeth and will slice through that braid better than any knife. As far as lures, that's a matter of preference. But a good topwater for the novice would be the mirrolure she-pup with high pitch rattles.. color seems to be secondary. Depend...
Read more