Thread: crappie mystery

That cloud is probably a shad ball or other bait fish.....the crappie are so full of shad they wont bite

That's what I figured. No shad in the lake so must be small perch or something. Funny I never saw it once all last year.

Here is how I would attack this problem, find them bait balls what ever they are. Fish a small jigging spoon just under the bait ball. Pull it up to about the depth of bottom of bait ball then let it flutter down while keeping line semi tight, if it stops set the hook. Would try spoons in different colors.

I will give that a try. Never fished spoons for crappie. How big do you use?

Not only on the bottom of the bait ball but also on the outside of it. Preditor fish always looks for stragglers. What about using crappie nibble or scents on your jugs.

Originally Posted by Sawdustsavage

I will give that a try. Never fished spoons for crappie. How big do you use?

I'd say a 1/4 - 1/8oz should do the trick for those depths. You can use regular "spoons", Kastmasters, or even blade baits. What you're trying to do is mimic a dying/injured baitfish.

You also might want to consider using braid, if you're forced to fish that deep with a jig. That will jack your sensitivity up a couple of notches. I've also found that using a slightly stiffer rod, braid, and placing a split shot sinker about 8-12" above the jig, will help you feel even light "taps" (makes the light taps feel like "thumps").

As for the "cloud" ... it may even be plankton. But, if it's more of a "ball" or "cloud" shape, it's likely some form of schooling "minnow" or small fish. Can you zoom your electronics down on those "clouds" and see if the image shows the relative size of the individual "whatevers" making the cloud ?? A screen shot image would also be helpful. And don't rule out it being Shad ... many lakes that "aren't supposed to have them", do indeed have them.

Even way over here on the Eastern side ... our Crappie have been down around the 25-30' depths over the last few weeks, and some are still catching them in the 15-20' depths, since the water temps have fallen from near 70deg to less than 60deg.

Crappie can't read, so they don't know where they're "supposed to be" They go wherever they want, whenever they want, and it's usually due to the prevailing conditions. They'll seek security, even if that means depth rather than cover. They'll be close to a food source, and in the most comfortable water temps & oxygen levels they can find. Falling water will drive them away from the banks & out into open water or on deep cover.

Another thing to consider : if the "fish" are well under the "clouds", they may just be keeping them in sight. If the fish are close to the clouds (within a few feet), then they're likely looking to pick off any that stray from the school.

... cp

Originally Posted by CrappiePappy

I'd say a 1/4 - 1/8oz should do the trick for those depths. You can use regular "spoons", Kastmasters, or even blade baits. What you're trying to do is mimic a dying/injured baitfish.

You also might want to consider using braid, if you're forced to fish that deep with a jig. That will jack your sensitivity up a couple of notches. I've also found that using a slightly stiffer rod, braid, and placing a split shot sinker about 8-12" above the jig, will help you feel even light "taps" (makes the light taps feel like "thumps").

As for the "cloud" ... it may even be plankton. But, if it's more of a "ball" or "cloud" shape, it's likely some form of schooling "minnow" or small fish. Can you zoom your electronics down on those "clouds" and see if the image shows the relative size of the individual "whatevers" making the cloud ?? A screen shot image would also be helpful. And don't rule out it being Shad ... many lakes that "aren't supposed to have them", do indeed have them.

Even way over here on the Eastern side ... our Crappie have been down around the 25-30' depths over the last few weeks, and some are still catching them in the 15-20' depths, since the water temps have fallen from near 70deg to less than 60deg.

Crappie can't read, so they don't know where they're "supposed to be" They go wherever they want, whenever they want, and it's usually due to the prevailing conditions. They'll seek security, even if that means depth rather than cover. They'll be close to a food source, and in the most comfortable water temps & oxygen levels they can find. Falling water will drive them away from the banks & out into open water or on deep cover.

Another thing to consider : if the "fish" are well under the "clouds", they may just be keeping them in sight. If the fish are close to the clouds (within a few feet), then they're likely looking to pick off any that stray from the school.

... cp

Thank You
The cloud is always just above the fish. I tried zooming in but cant really tell relative size of whatever it is. I tried to get a pic of the screen and cant get a decent pic. Glare messes it up. Funny the crappie seem to pull off structure to be with whatever it is so I am sure they are eating it. Funny I didnt see any thing like it in the past 4 years. The lake is lower so perhaps that draws the mystery guest to that area this year. One thing is for sure. Whatever it is is messing up my fishing. lol I will definately try the braided line. Ive been a bit hesitant to do that. I am an ex steelhead fisherman and tend to set a mean hook. Old habits are hard to break.I will try to get a decent picture of the cloud next time out. It will be a few days because a windy cold snap started today. I dont do windy. I have a pontoon boat that really catches the wind. When everyone else is sitting dead in the water I go driftng right on by. Love it to fish out of but has its draw backs for sure. Works great with the grandkids tho. In the past I have had pretty good luck at times sliding a small willow leaf spinner blade on my line above my jig. I will try that as well. My first goal this year is to catch december crappie. Untill last year I only fished spring and early summer. Last year I caught fish tll the lake closed in mid november. After that who knows maybe even Jan. and Feb.for your help.
John

John, I bet it's zoo-plankton. I discovered the same thing on Brownlee a dozen years ago and it's been a consistent, sure thing pattern. The cloud rises in low light conditions and drops with brighter conditions. There are usually fish in it or on the edges and they will bite. As far as the" resistance bite" sometimes that is all you're going to get but it's enough. When you and Conner fished with me several years ago do you remember the short rod with the micro tip I used for vertical fishing? With that rod I reel up slowly through the cloud and that tip will telegraph the resistance. Then I slowly lift and if the fish is still there the rod will slightly load. Set the hook. They seem to take the bait and move up or forward and the angler has to do his part to tell if the fish is still there. For this situation I like 2lb Florocarbon and downsize your jig. I tie a 1/64 oz chukar feather jig that works well when the bite is tough. A little piece of strip bait on a 1/32 plain head works well sometimes.