New to the forum and trying to learn

[RCC]

This is my second attempt at building crappie cover. I dropped the first bunch about 2 weeks ago and it was pvc only construction. I've fished for over 40 years and have probably have caught less that 75 crappie lifetime. Hopefully this will help my success rate. Thanks to everyone for all the good information on here.

[Monticello Hunter]

What state are you from.

[smashdn]

RCC,

Those look good. Right off the bat I have a suggestion to you. Don't mix the pvc and the cane. While it doesn't hurt anything to do it that way it does nullify one of the attributes of the pvc. PVC doesn't show up well on fishfinders so you can "hide" your spots. The cane however will show up. Like I said it won't hurt a thing to mix them just keep that in mind if you are aiming to have your own sweet spot.

If you can get your hands on some green cane it may be better too. It has been said on here that algae will quickly populate the green leaves of the cane and attract baitfish which will then attract predator fish i.e crappie.

What you have done is very similar to what i do. i just substitute the cane for tobacco sticks just because it is harder for me to get a hold of the cane. I have made them with cane in the past just haven't gotten around to fishing those spots.

Good luck.

[Big Crappie 2]

WELCOME FROM NC

[thehines]

Welcome from Franklin KY

[crappie10]

If that is put in the right spot, you will catch more than 75 from just that one!

[RCC]

Thanks for the cordial replies and the additional info. I've found that this forum is full of good information and by borrowing your knowledge it has shortened the learning process for me. I've got to fish a couple of times, the first ended in a ZEEERO the second in 7 fish with four being crappie going from 10.5 to 12.5 inches. I spoke with the local fish biologist here in NE Arkansas to see if it was legal to put out the crappie cover and he said I would have only one problem and that was other people fishing it. I'm looking to get out Wednesday and try to launch the cover and catch another fish. This will be the first time I've ever burned a vacation day to fish.

[sac-a-lait]

RCC that was funny what you said the game wardens reply was...Those look good to me.

I have found that my pvc condos show up just fine on my fishfinder. They look like giant mushroom clouds coming off the bottom...

[fishingholebuilder]

If you will put a line of these condos going down a slope, you will find that you can catch crappie during more seasons than if you just put everything at the same depth. Make a reef type structure by putting a group together.
As far as finding them with the depth finder, it is hard to find the PVC trees. Some people add a piece of rebar or metal pipe to their PVC trees. I had rather have the spot lined up with landmarks so that you can get right to the exact place. If your trees are doing their job, you should see the crappie on your depth finder!