Mega Mat - update - with a game plan

[Darryl Morris]

Just an update on the MegaMat saga with a few pics. (Here's a link to the original post -- http://www.crappie.com/gr8vb3/showthread.php?t=50934) The more we build the more we love'em. As every day goes by we find ways to increase production. We have learned that if you tie the boo in 20 piece bundles you can get more on the boat trailer.



In a spot where we were able to recover some of the original bamboo mats we rebuilt them into mega mats. In this picture you can see what one will look like after the leaves fall off. Now imagine that in 6-8 foot of water, your boat quietly hovering to one side and above with you dipping and dobbing a jig around it while that one piece of cover holds at least a limit of crappie. I'm already dreaming about it.



Many bodies of water have plenty of spawning cover. However, if your water does not, adding dense cover at the right depths will help grow your crappie population. Plus, having cover at different depths will effectively work for different water levels and serve the crappie better as the season progresses when crappie spawn in deeper water. When lake Greeson is at full pool (548msl) the water will be up in the banks and the old buck brush and willows provide cover.



At present, the water level is 536msl. We are placing the mega mats near the water's edge so when the lake is at 542msl (most likely the average norm) they will be in 6-foot of water and at full pool 12-foot of water.



Just below the mega mats (about 532msl) are the original flat mats which we are going to add another mat on top of them to provide some height. So there is a method to the madness and no matter the water level and no matter the condition of the season the crappie will have some cover to spawn around.

The density of the cover is important too and bamboo is the best we've found so far. Once the fry leave the bed they need a place to live that will protect them from predators. The mesh of small branches on the long-lasting bamboo is just the ticket. The bamboo is as good a cedar and easier to fish.

Your water may not need this kind of attention. But if it does and you are allowed to sink cover I hope this helps you make a plan for increasing habitat in your favorite fishing waters.

[CrappieTexan]

Looks like yall are serious about this.... All I can say is you will reep your seeding in a big way..... lots of work but it will pay off big time....
Good fishing...........

[Jerry Blake]

Here's a link to a page I'm building for my website about our Bamboo Crappie Condos - http://www.actionfishingtrips.com/habitat.htm

[redneckradtech]

Winter is a good time to harvest the boo as there are no snakes and spiders after frost. It would be easier to put out condo's without others taking note of the locations as you might have the lake to yourself-cold you know. Seems like our lake is more calm during some of the winter months, very calm at times which would make it easier to lay out a patch.
Heres a question for ya that might not have been discussed yet:

Q: After frost the bambo leaves are brown, does it matter to harvest now or in summer (all your pics they are green) respective for longivity and cover effectiveness in the water?

[Darryl Morris]

Q: After frost the bambo leaves are brown, does it matter to harvest now or in summer (all your pics they are green) respective for longivity and cover effectiveness in the water?

The only bamboo I've ever seen that has brown leaves is dead stalks. If a dead stalk spends too much time in open air it will deteriorate and not last long. A live green or live dormant stalk put in the water within a few days lasts for years. They do loose some of their color (light green and yellow) during winter and when they are spending their energy on putting out shoots. I don't think it matters at all when you harvest it. Sometimes the leaves will even freshen up a little after you drop it, but eventually it will loose the leaves, but all the small branches stay on for a long time and that provides really good cover for the fry.

[bttmline]

Great stuff Jerry. All should check out your site, if you want to build some cover, this is the place to get ideas.
Tim

[RIVERRATT]

The ones I put out lost leaves the first few months but yes the stalks and branches last long time, but nothing "freshened up" in the water

[Spiderman]

Jerry, I liked your new updated page on your website on making bamboo tops. I had not thought of making the jig to hold the 5 gallon bucket until the sacrete dried. Good idea.

[titleman]

Jerry,

Your new habitat page should be required reading for every crappie fisherman.
You are the PROFESSOR!

Titleman