Crappie on the Chick- 11/22/06

[Jmax]

Decided since my freezer is full of deer and I am done hunting for them,...at least in AR. I thought I would try my luck at some crappie again. Got three dozen minners from Hamiltons Sports which always ends up being about five dozen and went to the Wolf.

Started off fishing about 12 feet and nothing. Watching the depth finder I noticed that the fish seemed to be holding tight to the bottom. I let it go all the way down and then reeled up a foot. Drifted for about 10 feet and POP! the rod bent and up came a nice one. Pattern found.... proceeded to catch about 30 crappie anywhere from 16 to 23 feet. Drifting minners over humps, bumps, and rocks. Most of them were small but came home with eleven nice keepers. I got there around 8 a.m. and left about 2:30.

Saw DRC and his buddies but they sounded like they had not done all that well. I was surprised to find them that deep. These crappie are already looking fat from eggs. I thought it was early but guess not.emoCool Jmax

 

[drumking]

Good catch Jmax. I want to go Crappie fishing bad, man bad. But these Stripers have my undivided attention for the moment. I can fish for Crappie anytime, but my striper season is short in comparison, so I'll stick with the big fish for a couple more weeks or so. Fish going deep. Must be time for the bluffs.emoGeezer

 

[fisherpal2k]

Good job Jmax! Wish I could get off these midnites and get you to take me out there one day! Sounds like a lot of fun and good eating too! Thanks for the report.

 

[DHaun]

Great report Jmax! I sure need to learn more about where to find them this time of year. Last 2 times I have been I only got 1-2 keepers and released them...I probably need to scout around more and find some submerged brush or structure. I'll be waiting a few more weeks for cooler weather and then try to make it back to troll for few keepers.

 

[jwateacher3]

Way to go JMax! Biofisher & I were in Weiss a few weeks ago and we did the same . The fish were hugging the bottom. We used a drop shot rig with a minnow 12 inches above a sinker. We would find the cover & stumps. Then start bumping them with a minnow and it was awesome! Were you in the creek or in the bay?

 

[Jmax]

Bio I was in both with the most coming out of the creek. It should not be long before they are out in the creek bottom in the bay. Jmax

 

[2jigs]

Boy I'll tell you what, That JMax can do it all. Deer with a bow a M-loader, & a Rifle. BIG bass & crappie too. What's next Elephants?emoHoppingmad emoHoppingmad emoLaugh

 

[Jmax]

Thanks 2jigs,emoLaugh I always wanted to try Elk hunting, maybe one of these days I will give that a try.emoTongue Jmax

 

[rsimms]

Jmax - 11/23/2006 12:09 PM
Thanks 2jigs,emoLaugh I always wanted to try Elk hunting, maybe one of these days I will give that a try.emoTongue Jmax

Just FYI... Monday evening at 6 pm TWRA's Chief of Wildlife will be at Highland Sportsman Club discussing plans to hold first elk hunts in Tennessee. I'm told the presentation is open to the public. Obviously it'll be a tough draw!

 

[Fishin Fool]

Jmax, what type of rig, sinker, so on, were you using to get down there to them? Were you just letting a minnow drift free or did you have some split shot on, or were you dropping down with a large sinker? Good report. Gotta go get some of those babies myself!

 

[Jmax]

Fishinfool there was not much wind and no current so you did not need much. I just had a small crappie hook on with 10 lbs test clear, and one small split shot I think it is a 1/16th. I sometimes use 1/8th if there is a need but yesterday there was not. Just a slow drift and you can bounce it and watch the depth finder. When it came up I would just grab the line on the rod and pull it up maunally and let it back out when it would go down again. The only problem with this method was if you got a hit and had 8 feet of line in your hand. It is kind of like fishing a fly rod. You would have to hold the line and reel in the slack before you could actually fight the fish in. But it works, when I first started doing this it was kind of awkward but I have gotten pretty good at it now over the years. I bet there is a better way but this one works for me.emoThumbsup Jmax

 

[Fishin Fool]

Thanks for the info buddy! I'm gonna get out there next week and give it a try back in WT. Sounds like you got it nailed down as far as catching them. Can't wait until they move into the bay. It's so relaxing drifting around out there and hauling in those big slabs! Thanks again!emoToast

 

[drc]

It was good to see you again Jmax! I'll be honest though.... it did hurt our feelings a little to see you did so well and we came back with empty livewellsemoBawl , lol. But after chatting with you for a few minutes I think I have a better grasp on what we did wrong and what we need to do next time, thanksemoToast . I'm gonna get "serious" with these crappie this winter... I'll either figure them out or freeze to death tryingemoBigsmile . Were gonna give them another shot first thing Saturday morning and then finish up the day doing what I do best, hunting for a 100lb cat emoBigsmile . See you on the water!

 

[Guest]

2jigs - 11/23/2006 11:44 AM

Boy I'll tell you what, That JMax can do it all. Deer with a bow a M-loader, & a Rifle. BIG bass & crappie too. What's next Elephants?emoHoppingmad emoHoppingmad emoLaugh

A country boy can survive!emoThumbsup

Cheez