Crataegus,
Thanks for the compliment, fine work yourself on the tree selection. You did not mention anything about red cedar which is very common here in Oklahoma. A friend of mine swears by it. He usually finds old cedars along the bank that are bleached almost white and sinks them with the sandstone(that's who told me about the hammerdrill). An Oldtimer taught him how years ago(where to put them, how deep, which way to sink them in relation to the drop offs and the bank) and now my friend is still catching crappie from those old cedars that have been in the water since????
Kenny

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Have fun stretchin a line! Kenny

Right on, Coyote! Easter redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) is an excellent, renewable, long-lasting choice for crappie structure.

I would love to know a little more of what the Oldtimer told you about placement!

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I wasn't born here, but I got here as fast as I could

Big Willie: Go to " pondboss.com. " Awesome site with more information about structure than anyone person would need to know. The guys over there are absolutely great and eager to give opinions and expert advise. Seriously, this is a site you need o visit regardless of the subject. IT'S GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good fishin' - Jimmydee

Crataegus,
Unfortunatley I was not there and the Oldtimer has passed away. My friend at work has been promising to take me out but work and family keep getting in the way for both of us.

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Have fun stretchin a line! Kenny

Some of the trees I cut are 15-18 feet tall. Much too tall for what I want. I put my trees in 14-18 feet of water and I don't want them coming out of the water during times of low-pool conditions. So, I cut the big ones in two --not spliting them in half--I just cut them into two smaller "trees" if you will, and that accomodates my brush in semi-shallow water.

I also don't place them near where they might be subject to strong current. I reserve these puppies for the coves or off main and secondary points.

I placed two more tonight in about 13 feet of water. It was too shallow for me really but the lake is down two feet right now so maybe they'll stay hidden for awhile anyway. <><

aj

"Keep a song in your heart." L. Welk

I clarified my original post. Thanks for pointing it out. Never thought about splitting one lenghwise. I reckon if a guy could make sure it wouldn't turn, you might have somethng there. I lose WAY too many jigs and crappie hooks.

aj

Thanks for the clarification aj. I was really hoping that you had some experience with the split-half theory. I've been threatening to attempt it just to be able to fish all the trunk and main branches where they usually hang out without having to go down through the top to get into the lower main large limbs tight to the trunk. I thought about this when I had a big old cedar split down the center after "Rita" visited 3 years ago. Would have needed 60 foot of water, a workboat with a crane, and a coffin full of concrete, but it would have sure made a wonderful spot. I have been envisioning dropping a line straight down the center-line of the trunk, right in front of their noses while they are comfortably hiding in the tangle of branches that are fanned out 180 degrees. And the best part is that if the theory works, there will be two from every tree. When I saw your post I thought you had also thought of this and was hoping that you had found it to be effective. Would sure save a bunch of tackle. Would also be interesting watch a guy with a SI unit trying to figure out what they were looking at...

boatstall