You learn something new every trip..

And sometimes it will confuse you:)

Took the wife to a nearby lake that has tons of Crappie - last stocked about 2.5 years ago. The 53 acre state run lake is full of them but the ones I've caught are 10" or less - still - good times.

I went last Monday and caught 15 or so trolling real slow - .2 to .4 MPH.

Took the wife today after church with the hopes of putting her on some fish. We got there about 1430 hours and the weather was perfect; 81 degrees, mostly sunny, and a very light intermittent breeze.

We loaded up the State's Jon boat with the battery, motor, HB fishfinder, tackle, all the mandatory items, and some drinking water.

We trolled with our baits about 3-5 foot off the bottom at a crawl and would get the occasional bite but no joy.

There was one other gentlemen crappie fishing approach us in his bass buddy asking us what they were biting and and what depth if we knew - we responded have no idea.

Our paths crossed about 40 minutes later and this guy had caught 12! I asked what he was using and what depth and he responded with the same bait and depth we were... I'm puzzled.


I note the guy is moving much quicker than we were. I trail his boat for a while - he is moving at about 1 MPH. So, what's to lose? I apply some power and within a couple of minutes we hook our first. I bring my baits up to about 4-5 fow and keep the boat about .7 MPH and we start getting bit.

Who would've thought the fish could be that different in a few days time

But you adjusted and figured out how to get some so kudo's to you.
Every time out is a learning experience for me in some fashion.

That's the way to adjust to em. I've seen them do that from morning to afternoon a good thing about learning that is its another trick to put into to the bag for another day like that.

Sometimes the fish are deeper & not necessarily in a biting mood, but can be caught by tempting them with a slow presentation. Other times they're higher in the water column & actively feeding/searching, and a faster presentation will catch them (reaction bite).

Like "Slabprowler" says ... sometimes that happens during the same day :Doh: You just have to keep adjusting your presentation (changing baits, colors, speed, depth, method, etc.) until you start catching fish ... and stay with it until the situation changes, then adapt.

I am learning a bunch as I get out. I have managed 5 trips in the last 3 weeks!

Yesterday we fished till sundown. There were three other boats wanting to land so I just cruised in lazy circles waiting. I had already reeled my baits up to 2 fow - the 12' rods still in the holders. I had a ten inch crappie slam the bait and darn near pull the clamped-on holder off the boat

Is it reliably true if crappie can be seen breaking the surface feeding that it is better to focus your presentation higher in the column?

Near the end of the evening, crappie were breaking the surface but I could still see fish (presumably crappie) near the bottom on structure.

Remember the faster you go the bait is not going as deep as it was at slower speed too. Usually it is best to fish at same depth or just above the fish. Some say Crappie tend to feed up but not down .

Analyze every fishing situation by Depth & Speed control. Narrow down those factors and you will become successful more times than not.