11-28 Degray report

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11-30-2009, 08:53 AM
DRPEPPER

11-28 Degray report

Me and the wife got into a fight on Friday about the way I was trimming the crepe myrtles. So; I knew I was going fishing the next day and decided I wanted another challange . I decided to go to Degray instead of the Pool. Finding minnows was my first hurdle. I finally found some at Iron Mountain along with a good map. I wasn't on the water until 8:30 or so. But, I headed to the only water I knew to any degree. I picked up one little crappie and a little bass from the first hole. Then I noticed the lake was like glass on the surface...perfect for spider rigging; yea right. I didn't even get my fourth pole rigged up before the gales of November started blowing. I blew right over all of the brush I have marked by Goat Island. Even with 3/4 onz egg sinkers, my lines were at a flat angle behind me. I couldn't keep my rigg below 4 miles an hour even with the trolling motor running full reverse. Enough of that!!
I put the cranks on. I figured I could at least mark some more brush. I did that for a couple of hours then re-rigged back to my original method to tight line brush piles. I returned to my favorite spot to catch one decent crappie and a couple of smaller ones.
But!! They better look out next time. I am armed with more info from the map. I bet I can find a spot somewhere on that lake where I have a chance against the wind. I am enjoying learning a new lake (to me).
DP
11-30-2009, 11:49 AM
AgriHawg

DP, have I sent you the file of the FFA & COE crappie condo waypoints? If not send me an e-mail and I'll get it to you. We put out several condos in that part of the lake.

Getting bait is always a problem around Degray.
11-30-2009, 02:01 PM
DRPEPPER

I thought it was more ethical to find your brush on my own:D. But, I will accept.
I sent you a PM.
The map I bought Shows lots of COE areas and gives coordinates. There is a lot of the lake I have yet to explore. In fact, I am looking forward to crankbait season.
Thanks
DP
11-30-2009, 03:56 PM
AgriHawg

Does the map you bought show a picture of a bamboo crappie condo? If it does then you already have the coordinates for the FFA & COE condos.

I sent you three files. The first one is for Degray, the other two are for Lake Greeson.
12-01-2009, 08:43 AM
DRPEPPER

Quote:

Originally Posted by AgriHawg

Does the map you bought show a picture of a bamboo crappie condo? If it does then you already have the coordinates for the FFA & COE condos.

I sent you three files. The first one is for Degray, the other two are for Lake Greeson.

Yes it does.
Now I am more excited to get back out there because I thought I was already fishing FFA & COE condos. I have been finding other brush piles not on the map. The map also shows areas I haven't fished yet.
You boys sure loaded up the channel by Goat Island. They are a little deeper than I thought they would be. But, I am pretty sure I saw crappie stacked up on a few of them. By the time I got there, I couldn't fight the wind to stay on top of them long enough.
DP
12-01-2009, 10:34 AM
Stumpy04

I look forward to hearing some more about your DeGray adventures. I just recently got the info from AgriHog but haven't been able to get to DeGray yet. From your description of the wind I would have thought you were fishing Lake Maumelle. :eek: That always seemed to happen to me when I fished out there. :D
12-01-2009, 02:24 PM
DRPEPPER

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stumpy04

I look forward to hearing some more about your DeGray adventures. I just recently got the info from AgriHog but haven't been able to get to DeGray yet. From your description of the wind I would have thought you were fishing Lake Maumelle. :eek: That always seemed to happen to me when I fished out there. :D

Maumell is on my list to learn more about. I have been on that lake about 4 times. The ride back to the landing sure makes a sore butt in a stick steer.
I heard a report of some crappie catching on the west end on both sides of the bridge. I started to head that way this weekend. But, I think I will wait until crank bait season. It is amazing how much you can learn about a lake by slow trolling.
DP
12-01-2009, 03:18 PM
AgriHawg

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRPEPPER

Yes it does.
You boys sure loaded up the channel by Goat Island. They are a little deeper than I thought they would be. But, I am pretty sure I saw crappie stacked up on a few of them. DP

Depending on which condos you are fishing, they are at a variety of depths. Some are a lot shallower than others. And then some areas of condos are all at similar depths.
12-01-2009, 07:18 PM
Stumpy04

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRPEPPER

Maumell is on my list to learn more about. I have been on that lake about 4 times. The ride back to the landing sure makes a sore butt in a stick steer.
I heard a report of some crappie catching on the west end on both sides of the bridge. I started to head that way this weekend. But, I think I will wait until crank bait season. It is amazing how much you can learn about a lake by slow trolling.
DP

I know exactly what you mean. I have a stick steer also. As you know, sure makes you hope for little to no wind if you have far to go. :D
12-01-2009, 08:20 PM
Crappieawlogist

what time of year is crankbait season?

Do you mind explaining crankbaiting for crappie for a rookie?:o
12-02-2009, 08:50 AM
creekslick

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crappieawlogist

Do you mind explaining crankbaiting for crappie for a rookie?:o

I usually start pulling cranks when the water temp. gets above 70. I think some of the guys in Southeast Arkansas use weight and pull them during the winter on Lake Monticello.
12-02-2009, 12:11 PM
wish4fish

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crappieawlogist

Do you mind explaining crankbaiting for crappie for a rookie?:o

My uncle introduced me to pulling cranks on greers ferry about the time I found crappie.com. The basics of trolling/pulling cranks is self explanatory. We run our outboards and I havent heard of anyone using a trolling motor so I do not know if that would work. I have only tried this a couple times. You can watch your depth finder and learn alot about the lake, and cover alot of ground in a short time, that is what DP is all fired up about, I think. If you will do a search about this topic there is a wealth of information on here about them. Hope I helped some. :)
12-02-2009, 02:47 PM
DRPEPPER

I guess the 1st rule would be
DO NOT TRY THIS ON CONWAY!!!!!
I pull Bandit 300's or similar baits. Any that are recommened for 12' to 15' of water. On DeGray I like the pearl with black back. I couldn't buy a bite on Nimrod with this color. I use 4 of my regular old 6 to 7 foot rods. I had to go to 12 lbs line instead of the 4 lbs I normally used. Get you a plug knocker so you can get your $5 bait back when you hang it. Spend about $200 on some baits at first. That way you will not feel bad about spending 10 or 20 everytime you go into Acadamy.
I throw two out as far as I can and put them in the rear holders. I have two other rods that have 3/4 onze egg sinkers above swivels that I set out about 30'. From the bottom bouncing and hang ups, I think I am running about 10' to 15' deep.
I use my trolling motor, starting on the lowest setting. I try to maintain about 1 to 2 mph running with the wind. I have graphs on the TM and stern. That makes it easy to pinpoint new brush that I mark with the GPS. I have returned to drop minners at these marked places and had some luck.
Other guys get more scientifical. But, this is my system.
DP
12-02-2009, 10:31 PM
wish4fish

While were on the subject of cranks, what kind of rods do ya'll use for this? I like my seven foot M/H but I only have one, its my green carp rod. Everything else bows or bends way to much while Im pulling em, or at least I think they do. I am trying to stock up on crank baits through the winter (buying like one at a time) I might try to by a couple more rods also.
12-02-2009, 11:55 PM
Arkie John

Sounds to me like you better get those crepe myrtles in shape, buddy. lol

I've been absent here for a while because of divorce distractions. Maybe I'll start fishing again in the spring. We'll see.

aj
12-03-2009, 08:36 AM
DRPEPPER

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arkie John

Sounds to me like you better get those crepe myrtles in shape, buddy. lol

I've been absent here for a while because of divorce distractions. Maybe I'll start fishing again in the spring. We'll see.

aj

Hey John!!!
I have been searching my PM's to see if I had a contact number for you. I was thinking about coming to sit on your porch with you. But, I may have survived another crisis with her. She started talking again this morning. I'll be a donkey's butt if I don't think she likes me all of a sudden again. I have kept an eye on her to make sure she don't pull a Mrs Woods on me with my fishing pole.
DP
12-03-2009, 09:09 AM
creekslick

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crappieawlogist

Do you mind explaining crankbaiting for crappie for a rookie?:o

Here is a good article on pulling cranks
12-03-2009, 08:34 PM
Crappieawlogist

thanks CS...I may be missin' something...

Quote:

Originally Posted by creekslick

Here is a good article on pulling cranks

but is there s'pose to be a link in there? :confused:
12-04-2009, 06:51 AM
creekslick

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crappieawlogist

but is there s'pose to be a link in there? :confused:

The only excuse I have is I been sick.:o
Crappie.com - Crappie Fishing Information and Adventure - Crankbaits for Crappie
12-04-2009, 09:54 PM
KRAPPIE KG

Quote:

Originally Posted by wish4fish

We run our outboards and I havent heard of anyone using a trolling motor so I do not know if that would work. :)

Trolling motors work real well that's the only way I ever do it. Mine has 5 speeds and usually set on speed 4. I carry a spare battery but with a good charged battery I usually don't even have to switch to the spare.
12-05-2009, 11:22 AM
creekslick

I have an 80# thrust minn kota motor mount on my poon that I use that will push me @ 1.5-1.8 for about 5 hrs.
12-06-2009, 08:22 PM
wish4fish

My trolling motor is foot controlled and mounted up front. Do ya'll pull cranks from the front with the trolling motor? Just wondering
12-07-2009, 08:31 AM
DRPEPPER

Quote:

Originally Posted by wish4fish

My trolling motor is foot controlled and mounted up front. Do ya'll pull cranks from the front with the trolling motor? Just wondering

I fish from a stick steer and use my forward holders. My TM is a tiller type with an extended handel. I have a "Big Foot" button that I would not be with out. I am fortunate that I don't have to steer with the TM. I use the stick and big motor while I am reclined in my seat. My rods are mounted at arm's length. So it is very comfortable (lazy) fishing. My battery will last about 5 to 6 hours.
DP
12-07-2009, 09:11 AM
creekslick

Quote:

Originally Posted by wish4fish

My trolling motor is foot controlled and mounted up front. Do ya'll pull cranks from the front with the trolling motor? Just wondering

My small boat is a stick steer also. I have a Minn Kota PD autopilot and I use it to pull cranks off the back.