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Thread: Mega Mat - update

  1. #1
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    Default Mega Mat - update


    Just an update on the MegaMat saga with a few pics. (Here's a link to the original post -- http://www.crappie.com/gr8vb3/showthread.php?t=50934) The more we build the more we love'em. As every day goes by we find ways to increase production. We have learned that if you tie the boo in 20 piece bundles you can get more on the boat trailer.



    In a spot where we were able to recover some of the original bamboo mats we rebuilt them into mega mats. In this picture you can see what one will look like after the leaves fall off. Now imagine that in 6-8 foot of water, your boat quietly hovering to one side and above with you dipping and dobbing a jig around it while that one piece of cover holds at least a limit of crappie. I'm already dreaming about it.



    Many bodies of water have plenty of spawning cover. However, if your water does not, adding dense cover at the right depths will help grow your crappie population. Plus, having cover at different depths will effectively work for different water levels and serve the crappie better as the season progresses when crappie spawn in deeper water. When lake Greeson is at full pool (548msl) the water will be up in the banks and the old buck brush and willows provide cover.



    At present, the water level is 536msl. We are placing the mega mats near the water's edge so when the lake is at 542msl (most likely the average norm) they will be in 6-foot of water and at full pool 12-foot of water.



    Just below the mega mats (about 532msl) are the original flat mats which we are going to add another mat on top of them to provide some height. So there is a method to the madness and no matter the water level and no matter the condition of the season the crappie will have some cover to spawn around.

    The density of the cover is important too and bamboo is the best we've found so far. Once the fry leave the bed they need a place to live that will protect them from predators. The mesh of small branches on the long-lasting bamboo is just the ticket. The bamboo is as good a cedar and easier to fish.

    Your water may not need this kind of attention. But if it does and you are allowed to sink cover I hope this helps you make a plan for increasing habitat in your favorite fishing waters.
    Quit Wish'in and Let's Go Fish'in
    Darryl Morris

    FAMILY FISHING TRIPS GUIDE SERVICE
    501-844-5418 --- [email protected]

  2. #2
    gabowman is offline Super Moderator * Crappie.com Supporter
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    Looking good Darryl. And the way you guys fish every day I bet you need that much brush to consistantly produce crappie. Very informative....keep posting the progresss you guys are making.
    Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals dying of nothing.

  3. #3
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    How many of those mega's have you guys planted?
    Good things come to those who bait.


  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by GRIZZ
    How many of those mega's have you guys planted?
    Eighteen so far and weather permitting we'll do six more tomorrow. These have to be done on location when the water level allows it. Time is of the essence. When we can no long build the mega mats we'll go back to dropping the bucket bamboo condos and add to the more than 200 already sunk this year. Our lake is completely devoid of natural cover so though that may sound like alot it's really not considering we are working on a 7,000 acre lake.
    Quit Wish'in and Let's Go Fish'in
    Darryl Morris

    FAMILY FISHING TRIPS GUIDE SERVICE
    501-844-5418 --- [email protected]

  5. #5
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    Great looking structure Darryl.If you'd provide some waypoints
    Ill be happy to check on them for ya !!!!
    "Only Death will end my love affair with Texas"........... Bob Bullock

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by radtexan
    Great looking structure Darryl.If you'd provide some waypoints
    Ill be happy to check on them for ya !!!!
    We provide waypoints for our crappie campers. I'm sure these will be added to the file for this spring's crappie camp.
    Quit Wish'in and Let's Go Fish'in
    Darryl Morris

    FAMILY FISHING TRIPS GUIDE SERVICE
    501-844-5418 --- [email protected]

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