One of the things about mother nature and the fish and game animals that I have always enjoyed is the ability to know when to go . I am about 100% sure it has to with daylight hours shortening and they sure enough have an internal clock when it comes to this scenario .The local hummingbirds are gearing up to hit mexico for the winter and I am seeing a few ducks here and there and even had a fish bird make a march up the river the other day to target the shad that are slowly moving to warmer areas .
The baitfish are following the algae bloom and or lack of in an effort to pack on calories for the winter and in much the same way so are the gamefish that utilize them .
So in order to still ketch the intended victims its a great idea to pattern the wildlife in your local areas. Some spots hold fish for only a few weeks a year and one I have visited lately a few times is holding crappie in an area that the locals will tell you isn't good crappie spot . The water is about 8 to 9 foot deep and in the spring they are there for a bit and vice versa in the fall . This particular lake has a very heavy migration up a river in the fall and winter of fish of all sorts following the shad .
I read an article the other day about the 4 seasons of crappie and how to pattern the crappie in those seasons , the one thing that I would say about that is this .....there is ALWAYS a transitional time when they are NOT in one of those 4 standard patterns and in order to be successful 24 7 365 I would suggest you tune into where and when as the 4 seasons change . Some of the transitional patterns are stronger fish ketchn scenarios than any of the 4 seasons discussed due to the pack mentality of crappie and the way they bunch up tight when they rest along the migratory trail .....
let the lead fly yawl its TIME ....and then how about a few of my lunch break yesterday photos
stay tuned but don't stay thirsty my friends
p.s. I met a guy on the courtesy dock that asked me if I was crappie fishing ....as I was ripping them out of the water ....AND I asked him if he knew who I was ....then he asked me if I belonged to any crappie forums and one in particular ....I said nope not that one sir I was banned for life from that one for trying to be a nice guy....but yes I belong to all the rest of them including one of the best there is CRAPPIE.COM .......