Quote Originally Posted by Flybite View Post
Thanks Jim. I just want to make sure I understand about the effect of the spawn. If I understand correctly, during the spawn, the fish are in very shallow water, more agressive, and this is the time when most people, especially in the south where I come from, seek them out. But are you saying that the spawn here is not the best time to fish using the slow trolling method? I have never really been very successful catching crappie in SD(other than old Henshaw), so I don't quite get the picture yet.
Well, crappie are crappie no matter where you fish for them. When they are in the spawn they are up in very shallow water and very aggressive. In the Pre-Spawn period they are in deeper water (deep is relative, in Henshaw 12-15 ft, in Lower Otay 20-25) just outside the spawning area. During this period they are feeding heavily to gain strength for the spawn. If you can find them on the electronics you can tight line them or if they are deep enough you can go with a spider rig. In the Post-Spawn (where I believe we are now) they are back in the deeper water recouperating from the spawn and not in a feeding mood.

Real soon now down here in San Diego (Lower Otay, San Vicente, El Capitan, Hodges, Henshaw) they will be back out on the flats over 20-25 feet of water (16-20 at Henshaw) chasing shad. This is when the long line trolling really pays dividends because they are so scattered. It is my favorite time of the year. All the opportunistic guys have given up on them and I can drift over the flats pretty much by myself and relax.