It's a Crappie Summer

Crappie fishing used to be a springtime event or at least perceived that way by many, but that was a long time passed. Not all, but many fishers didn't think you could catch crappie in the summertime. Times have certainly changed. There are many reasons for the awakening of crappie year round and the fishing being especially good during the summer. The first and perhaps greatest reason is simply knowledge. The fish have always been around whatever area people were fishing, but many never bothered to try for crappie. These days, not only have fishers learned to catch crappie in the summer, but for many it's the best time to fish them. Second reason for great summertime crappie action is electronics. In many areas where water depths can vary form shallow to very deep, electronics make it easier to locate where the fish hang out on those hot summer days, as well as locating structure. Here in southern Louisiana electronics do not play a big roll in finding fish. The marshes are typically shallow and knowing the patterns of marsh-fishing is the best way to catch numbers of crappie. Unlike deep water lakes or rivers, marsh fishing is determined by river levels, tidal flow, and a host of other factors such as the amount of vegetation in the many canals and bayous. Not only has the summer months become a great time for crappie fishing but the techniques can vary from single pole tight lining to pulling deep water crank baits. Certainly times have changed. What used to be a time to head to the beach or off to see family in distant places has turned into heading off to your favorite crappie hole to catch numbers of the best tasting fish ever. To be honest, true crappie fishers have been on board the summer pattern for a long time. Now it is mainstream knowledge. I always advocate responsible catches, which means to keep what you can eat and on those days when they are "jumping in the boat" let some go. In this modern world of technology and social media, fishing pressure is more than it has ever been. Enjoy those crappie summer days. Good luck fishing. Hope to see ya on the water.

Comments

  1. GarrettJuly 11, 2017 at 7:01 AM

    I've definitely been one to echo the sentiments that the Sac a Lait aren't biting in the summer months.. You give me confidence that their there just gotta keep trying to find them. As the saying goes. "Fish Gotta Eat".. Thanks for the Tip Bob. Tight lines to ya.

    ReplyDelete

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