New to crappie fishing

Hey everyone, I am pretty new to crappie fishing in open water. I have done it plenty of times through an 8" whole on 8"-12" of ice in the north where I am from but this is all new to me. Usually this time of year I would be getting the ice auger ready to go and the tip ups re-spooled with line but now I see I will have to get the boat out a couple of times a month in between hunting trips. What are some tips for crappie fishing this time of year? Are they generally going to be deep and lethargic? Live bait or jigs? What time of day? I just got my boat in September so I am still breaking it in and don't have electronics yet (black friday looks to be good though for deals right now) but that won't stop me because I live by "a bad day of fishing beats a good day at work!"

badgericeman

Welcome BIM,

It would serve you well to tell us what part of the state your in and what water you intend to fish.

Yeah I guess that would help...lol. I live in Haughton just east of Bossier City. Usually I fish within two hours of here give or take.

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Originally Posted by badgericeman

Yeah I guess that would help...lol. I live in Haughton just east of Bossier City. Usually I fish within two hours of here give or take.

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That's mo better. There's a few folks from that area that post regular. I'd bet ya they'd even put you in the boat with. But ya gotta ask.:biggrin

Put that town in front of the Louisiana in your profile. Welcome to the sight and you will get some advice soon. Don't give up, those northerners will pipe up. Also, where were you from?

Welcome BIM (badgericeman) from the southern part of the state. You're sitting in the middle of a whole slew of good fishing lakes. You have a lot of neighbors that belong to CDC and will be willing to help you out. Most are open to sharing info and methods. Good luck.
"gene"

Originally from Milwaukee, WI. Lived in Great Falls, MT for a few years and moved down here last year.

BIM also get you some CDC decals to put on your boat and vehicle. You'd be surprised how many doors that may open for you.
"gene"

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Originally Posted by PawPaw "gene"

BIM also get you some CDC decals to put on your boat and vehicle. You'd be surprised how many doors that may open for you.
"gene"

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Welcome BIM.....get those decals here......

Crappie.com Decals

also, PPG has an alternative State Decal which he can get you....it looks like this....

Attachment 179518

Welcome from Rocky Mount in north central Bossier Parish. I fish Ivan Lake mostly. It's about 538 acres and only about half an hour from Haughton. The lake was refilled from bone dry and restocked in February 2013. It has a good population of medium sized crappie that have recently been biting well on jigs in 8 to 12 feet of water. Right now my go to jig there is a gray ghost ( small grey and black hair jig). PM me sometime and we'll set up a trip.