Shady stake bed idea.

Looking at all the different types of structure one can build to attract crappie i noticed most, unless a dense brush pile, have litte to offer in terms of shade. im thinking of cutting up a 5 gallon bucket lid, drilling holes big enough to go around either pvc or a limb stripped of its little branches. That way i can tie the bucket flaps in various height's on different stakes.

maybe the flaps will hold a few more baitfish for the crappie to eat

also anyone have a way to release concrete or cement from a plastic bucket? I like the idea of buying one set of buckets vs 100s

We look to food processors , restaurants , heavy machinery users for buckets most times for free . We clean them out , then cut in two parts . Put lids back on top half to double bucket supply . Most cases a 1/2 bucket holds enough concrete . We use 1 x 2 '' stakes about 3 to 4' tall . With about 10 in each angled out they make enough shade .

I think i saw a trailer full or a yard full of those half buckets? Kicked myself for not thinkin about that lol, do you fill the halfs all the way up or just enough to sink n hold

If you drill a small hole in the bottom of your bucket, once the concrete has set up good, use a burst of air directly to the hole and it will pop the bucket right off for re-use.

That sounds simple enough I like that idea

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Originally Posted by Crappiedayz

I think i saw a trailer full or a yard full of those half buckets? Kicked myself for not thinkin about that lol, do you fill the halfs all the way up or just enough to sink n hold

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Fill 1/2 buckets almost full . Enough to hold up stakes till they dry . Rocks and bricks can help . I tried bricks with holes to take up space and some can be stuck in the holes then add more concrete . I leave buckets on concrete to protect the boat . I have a huge supply so no problem .

put liners in buckets (trash bags) before concrete .

My preference is to just leave the buckets and drop them with the cover.....my line of thinking is that the hedge apple/Osage Orange or plastic cover will last for generations/forever??
I do not want to take a chance that the base of my entire build will disintegrate and fail. Over time bare concrete will collapse and I just don't want to chance it.
We have a local bakery that will give you whatever you want just to get rid of them.