Kayak Trip Report, Riverwalk Marina (Decatur)

[Ditch Basser]

With the water high, muddy and cold I went looking for Crappie at Swoope Pond near Courtland. Great idea that just didn’t work out. I fished from 8:30AM till around 11:00AM with zero fish. I tried shallow, deep, spider rigging and single pole on known brush that has been successful in the past, not a single bite. Swoope was the muddiest that I’ve ever seen it with visibility of less then 12 inches.

Driving home I decided to try Riverwalk Marina in Decatur. This area has always been hit or miss, but is usually a good bet in the winter when the river has a lot of current. The shad move in to get away from the current and the Crappie will usually follow. I fished single pole with a Pink and Pearl Bobby Garland in a 1/16oz jig head. I found shad everywhere with Crappie six to eight feet deep on the anchor cables for the docks. I kept seven and returned five short Crappie in a couple hours of fishing. I also had several fish break off with five small Channel Cats in the cooler as a bonus.

I had plans with my family so couldn’t fish longer, but still good to find a few fish after a slow morning.

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