Hello all! New to the forum, and VERY new to crappie fishing. Actually, ANY type of freshwater fishing, truth be told. I grew up in the Rockport area, and am pretty comfortable with chasing Reds and Trout, but this seems like a whole different game, with lots to learn. Looking forward to picking y'alls brains!

Recently picked up a 20' bow rider that's been sitting for a while from my brother law, and my wife and I have had a great time putting her back together again. We primarily picked up the boat for some pleasure cruising, skiing, tubing, etc.., but figured that I might be able to use her for some fishing as well.

We live just north of Houston, and we've been using Lake Conroe as a place to test and tune the boat, but it seems to get a bit crowded. And choppy as well. I read on this forum that the Fin and Feather was a nice place to put in and stay for a night, so we're planning on being there saturday and spending the night. We're mainly just scoping the area out for a nice place to take the kids when they come visit for the summer, but we're excited to try out some fishing as well.

A few questions for y'all:
  • Any recommendations for areas to fish? Or areas to stay away from?
  • I understand that Toledo Bend was voted the #1 bass lake for the last two years. I know even less about bass fishing than I do about crappie fishing! Any tips? lol
  • I understand that this is a fishing site, but does anyone have any recommendations for pleasure boating areas on the reservoir? I don't want to bug fisherman, and I'd like to stay away from areas that have some hidden dangers. Stumps, submerged dangers, etc...


Thanks again for having such a great site. Research continues.....