Banner Marsh fishing tips?

[fatfenders]

Going to visit my brother this weekend in Peoria and taking the boat. Going to get out on Banner Marsh first thing Sunday morning. Read a couple reports that the crappie bite is slow which is not surprising given the time of year. Planning on jigging deep and using a cork and minnow, too. Will also try some deep trolling. Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

Kevin

[Gobob]

Which lake you plan on hitting ? I'd push cranks or roadrunners right down the middle and follow the break lines if you have sonar that allows you too, you can use minnows around the many beaver huts that would be for the main lake, if you go to the east access go out to your right as you leave the strip from the boat dock work it all the way to the back where it turns right again. This spot in the back had produced some good fish for me, I'd suggest motor to this spot in the back then fish your way back to the boat ramp. Good luck and post your results

[hsiftac]

it can get pretty crowded on the weekends, havent fished for crappie there since beginning of summer. Deep weed edges mostly in coves were key then

[fatfenders]

We got out first thing Sunday morning. I think we started on Pumphouse Lake. No ramp but we didn't have much trouble getting the boat in and out. Started out throwing frogs and spinnerbaits for bass in the shallower sections. Did try a little jigging in the deep middle section where I marked some fish. No luck. My brother caught three bass on his spinnerbait. We got a couple hits on the frogs but no hookups. Tried trolling the far northeastern section but didn't mark much and I think what did show up were bass down about 8 feet. Headed over to the East Access ramp in the early afternoon. Too much boat traffic to try trolling the main leg. We took the first right and headed to the deeper south section of the lake to look for crappie. Tried some trolling and jigging but didn't catch anything. Really didn't expect a lot of action given the time of year. May head back in late October/early November. It was nice to get out on a new lake for me. Will have to get my outboard running before the next trip over. Did just fine with the trolling motor but we lucked out with fairly calm winds. Thanks for the advice!

Kevin