Chickamauga Crappie 2/12/06

[rsimms]

It was a little bit slower today, however me and DHaun toughed it out through the snow & wind and managed to put 18 keeper crappie in the livewell today. I believe it is the first time I ever remember seriously crappie fishing during a driving snow. It was rather unique, and cold. Same pattern as yesterday... slow-trolling 1/16th oz. tube jigs. Somebody yesterday asked what color and actually, I don't care what color I use... as long as it's red & green. emoLaugh Actually I don't think they're that picky. The main thing is to put it on their nose and they'll eat it. However I am personally quite partial to a red body with chartreuse tail. It probably has more to do with the fact that I've got confidence in it, so that's what I fish.
Now somebody answer me this... why does DHaun wear fancy-dancy sunglasses in a snowstorm?

 

[DHaun]

Thanks for a great trip RSimms! I had a great time and it was a great learning experience. One thing I learned today is that there are numerous variables associated with trolling for crappie...number of rods, angle of rod holders, line size, lure color, lure weight, rod length, depth, how much line you have out, and speed...once you get those nailed down you just have to know where they are in the freezing weather, sit back and reel them in each time a rod bows up....It did not take long to tell that Richard had it figured out and he even kept us out of the wind best as possible.

Fishing in the snow was very peaceful and we basically had the lake to ourselves today. We even saw two bald eagles and a hawk flying around which was a great bonus. Even though it was cold if you are dressed for it I highly recommend getting out and fishing in the snow.

Another thing I learned today was stick to your guns and don't get antsy and leave a spot that is consistently producing fish...although the numbers might be a couple 2-3 on each trolling rotation you can continue to pick them off in the cold like we did today!

Yep, I've been busted before on my sunglasses...We did have a moment of sun today and I guess I figure if I can see them sooner in the water I might have an edge...mostly it helps to keep my contact lenses from blowing out when the wind hits them, but it's really just a confidence thing and as usual I'm looking for all the help I can get. emoCool

Here's one of the bigger slabs of the day!

 

[RangerRob]

DHaun has a reputation to uphold ... that's whyfore the fancy-dancy sunglasses. It's a full time job being that cool!! emoCool

You guys look like you were crappie fishing in the same snow storm that my wife and I paddled in yesterday morning. We were at dinner Sat night and were talking about how good it would feel to get the sea kayaks out for a jaunt the following AM. We launched from Grasshopper at 8 and headed out of the creek and downriver. Before long, we could see the storm line stretching across the lake in the neighborhood of Possum Creek. As we got closer to Eldridge Creek, the snow was coming down in buckets. It was really a nice morning to be out - peace and quiet.

 

[JerDog]

It was a cold one yesterday, for sure. How was the boat ramp? That is always the thing that scares me, what if you can't get the truck off the ramp? Looks like you braved the elements and it paid off. Well done!

 

[DHaun]

Jerdog, the ramp was dry with no ice. The dock had snow all over it though... I only saw one other boat so I don't think there was enough traffic to distribute freezing water on the ramp.

 

[jon the fisherman]

I carry some kitty litter just in case the ramp is frozen. I don't know if that will help, but it gives me some piece of mind.

 

[rsimms]

Kitty Litter is a good idea I need to remember. I well remember nearly sinking my truck off of on an icy ramp one morning. emoEek

 

[ranman]

The best day I ever had trout fishing was in the snow.I couldn't tell my fly from a snowflake half the time but I could do no wrong that day!

 

[hog daddy]

hey great report on them trout a aint much on them trout i love to eatem just aint never fished for them mabe some one will show me how one day i got my new trolling motor straped on today i relly liked the report on the croppie by dhaun; rsimms the only problem is i dont know any thing about chick. croppie but lake weiss i think i can catch a few i'm going to have to have a mess of them by sat. night so if some one knowes something on chick. give me a hollar or i'm going to go to weiss and i aint fished it since last year but it ort to be about the same i'll fish around jr's or yellow creek i've got plenty of room if a couple of 3 or 4 or5 of you would like to wast a day sat or sun i'm going two fish both days just dont be bashful give me a hollar

 

[ranman]

I have never heard of anyone trolling for crappie.I thought the only way you could catch them was with a minnow in a brushpile, or by accident while bass fishingemoSmile looks like you know what you're doing.Is that a lawnchair?Maybe that's why Dhaun had the shades on,he was gonna catch some rays if the fish weren't biting emoCool

 

[rsimms]

Yes, it is a lawn chair. Trolling is definitely lazy man's fishing. Admittedly not as "sporting" as casting jigs or dunkin' minnows in a brushpile... but far more productive. As I told DHaun, I haven't bought minnows for crappie fishing in years. Save's money and it definitely saves your fingers when it's 30 degrees and snowing. emoEek

 

[Jmax]

Hey don't go knocking my minners!!!! You have got to admit there is something satisicalemoEvil about taking a live minner, poking a hook through one eye and out the other. Than lowering the little thing into the water blind to be eaten alive.emoAngry When said like that it almost makes me not want to use them, but...I did say almost and I am going back this weekend.emoTongue I just can't help myself the devil must make me do it.
I am kind of surpised that those buddies of DHauns don't get hold of that idea and put it on the front of a comic book.emoBigsmile Jmax