No clue how to start fishing for crappie but determined to catch one soon

[CrappiePappy]

Just got the app, had no clue there was one. Name of the lake is lewin brook pond. On the map it might show this circular looking one, but look north of it. Thats where i fish. It is in mass.


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OK ... yeah, I was gonna try and find it on my Navionics Chartviewer on my computer & see if it shows any contours, depth, etc. but it appears to be too small a body of water for Navionics to even chart. I did look at it on Google Maps, and did see the weed islands (or what looked like weed islands). When you are referring to the "dam" ... is that next to the Jr High School ?

[StronkKnight]

OK ... yeah, I was gonna try and find it on my Navionics Chartviewer on my computer & see if it shows any contours, depth, etc. but it appears to be too small a body of water for Navionics to even chart. I did look at it on Google Maps, and did see the weed islands (or what looked like weed islands). When you are referring to the "dam" ... is that next to the Jr High School ?

Yeah right there, the dam. Weed islands showed up like a month ago I think. Might not be there on map but they are on the North end near the shores... i think?


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[CrappiePappy]

Yeah right there, the dam. Weed islands showed up like a month ago I think. Might not be there on map but they are on the North end near the shores... i think?


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Yeah, Google Maps is showing them concentrated on the Northern section of the pond, but still a few scattered around just North of the dam. It says it's a 2023 map, but that doesn't always mean it was satellite surveyed this year. It could be from several years ago & not updated in that area.

In any case ... check out around the rock rip rap bank (school yard side) ... and any trees that have fallen into the water along the banks. Black Crappie like rocks as much as weeds, and they will use wood cover often, as well. One thing about Black Crappie, they're just as likely to feed on bugs & crawfish as they are on minnows ... so black, brown, green, and other "bug" colors are good colors to try (or a combo of those colors ... or any of those colors & a chartreuse tail).

[6poundtest]

Perhaps you need the 1/8 oz. head for casting but in my opinion it's on the heavy side. I don't fish from shore and I prefer 1/32 and 1/16 oz. heads. If fishing under a float, I'm sure the 1/8 oz. would be fine. Light line on your current rod would be fine. Road runners are good lures; I use them often. I agree with them opinion that they are good cast and retrieve lures, particularly with a small plastic threaded on.

[funbun]

You're certainly about to hit on the right time of year.

[StronkKnight]

Forgot to add this. Finally got my kayak in though so it should be a lot easier now. My dam has these giant weed islands, don't know the actualy name for those but I feel like some stuff would be hiding there. Going to go tomorrow ill keep everyone updated. Thanks for all the help too.

[CrappiePappy]

Forgot to add this. Finally got my kayak in though so it should be a lot easier now. My dam has these giant weed islands, don't know the actualy name for those but I feel like some stuff would be hiding there. Going to go tomorrow ill keep everyone updated. Thanks for all the help too.

Floating weed mats should hold some fish, as they provide shade and hiding places for whatever baitfish roams your waters. Now, Shad may not be in those mats, but other species & the very small/young probably will be.

I would start out by casting the outside edges of the mats, then moving in closer and dipping your bait down thru any opening you see. And depending on the time of day & angle of the Sun, that shade may not be directly under the mat (but should still be explored).

One quick question for you, though .... is this lake populated by both White & Black Crappie ??

[StronkKnight]

Crappiepappy, I only have black crappie in here. No shad or small baitfish to my knowledge though, ive been fishing there for months. Smallest thing ive seen was a bluegill. And 6poundtest, ill try to look for one today before i go out. Ill 100% bring something that can take pictures haha. Oh and contour is the depth and all that right?

[SuperDave336]

Congrats on the kayak. Be safe, have fun exploring and catch those slabs!

[6poundtest]

You should also look for a contour map of the lakes you plan to fish from your kayak. They will give a head start on finding some drop offs and edges where there is a good chance you'll find some fish hiding out.
Congrats on the new boat and don't forget to take a camera with you on your trips!