Nice Crappie in skinny water?

[hotrodelrod]

Took my daughter Blue catfishing on the Potomac yesterday. We set Gill net for Shad and were surprised to find 4 fat Crappie 11-13" in the net. Funny thing was it was set on a mud flat, in 3-4 ft. at dead high tide. Water was 40 degrees! Why would they be there?

[CrappiePappy]

I would assume they were feeding during the tidal rise. Probably chasing after the same baitfish that the cats were chasing, or else running FROM the cats !!

[sinkermaker]

What he said feeding

[warmouth]

After winter the warmest water in the water column can be right at the surface. Between now and April on smaller bodies of water (under 200 acres) I catch a lot of crappie 2-3' deep on the windward side of the lake. The wind pushes the warmer surface water to one corner or one cove, and the crappie in that area respond by getting shallow and feeding.

[hotrodelrod]

Yes, I could understand the warmer water theory but this was at sunrise and cloudy. I just always assumed them to be deeper when cold. Probly why I struggle to catch them! lol Thanks for the input.

[Tracker123]

What I really enjoyed is the picture of your daughter with the big smile. Haven't a clue about the crappie.

[Ketchn]

maybe the cycle of life ? small bait , bigger bait and then the apex predators ?