Thanks Steelguy

[Birdbander]

While chatting with steelguy at crappie camp, he mentioned a larger lake in my area that I should try, so I hit it this afternoon.

It's challenging learning the layout of a new lake, the ins & outs of the weedline, etc. Add in trying to troll jigs at 1mph with a plethora of (dis)pleasure boats, and I was thankful early on that I chose to not go 2A today. Life in prison didn't sound all bad at one point.

I copied vbottom's new lake method and started trolling right at tge launch. The first fish came within a couple of hundred yards at was a respectable 12.5"
A made it about 2/3 of the way around then decided to hit the spots that I'd caught fish.
There were some throwbacks but I came home with 12 nice eaters.

This lake will be a good early morning or evening lake to hit occasionally on a weekend as there's idler hours, although it appeared that they didn't apply to the drunk boaters.

I'm thankful for all here that have been helpful which has allowed me to increase my crappie catch!


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[DockShootinJack]

Sounds like a great time figuring out new water.

[BuckeyeCrappie]

Way to go Dean. Our members are the best.

[spartannation]

We had a similar experience with the (dis)pleasure boaters on Saturday. Got to the lake shortly after daylight and the lot was full but they were all fishermen. Most were anchored up fishing gills so it wasn't a problem other than not being able to troll all the places we wanted but that was OK. We still boated plenty of crappie, my best guess is 100-150, with most smaller than 10" and a couple over 12". When we decided to leave about 1pm there was a line seven deep waiting to either launch or load. Most knew the program but some didn't and waited to load coolers and all the gear until they were ready to launch. Now that boating season is upon us I think we'll be fishing during the week or picking non pleasure boater friendly lakes on the weekends. Glad you were able to at least get a good meal for your efforts.

[Birdbander]

We had a similar experience with the (dis)pleasure boaters on Saturday. Got to the lake shortly after daylight and the lot was full but they were all fishermen. Most were anchored up fishing gills so it wasn't a problem other than not being able to troll all the places we wanted but that was OK. We still boated plenty of crappie, my best guess is 100-150, with most smaller than 10" and a couple over 12". When we decided to leave about 1pm there was a line seven deep waiting to either launch or load. Most knew the program but some didn't and waited to load coolers and all the gear until they were ready to launch. Now that boating season is upon us I think we'll be fishing during the week or picking non pleasure boater friendly lakes on the weekends. Glad you were able to at least get a good meal for your efforts.

Wow! What a day of boating fish! You two share the throne of Crappie King

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[spartannation]

I had a good guide

[vbottom]

Pretty fun dropping in a new lake and figuring out how to put fish in the box. Way to go Dean!!!
Like Jerry said I think going forward with summer, weekend trips are going to be on smaller bodies of water, too crazy for me! Took a buddy back Monday to the same lake Jerry and I had fished on the weekend. He has been my Canada walleye trip partner for many years and wants to get into the local crappie fishing. Was a great opportunity for him to experience long lining and we did a lot of catching. Results were similar to the weekend with many shorts and a few 10s -12s, with a few ditch pickles mixed in. He's already purchased a few short crappie rods, but I think some long rod purchases are in his future now.

[steelguy]

Way to go Dean
I also enjoy going to new lakes to see if I can figure something out
That lake has some very nice fish but can be very hard to get a pattern on
Good job getting on them
I found bluegill on the beds still so have been using the fly rod the last few trips
Time to switch over to long line trolling and get back at the crappie
I pretty much only fish during the week now unless it’s a very small lake


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