Thread: depth delema??

One thing for sure is that fish don't follow rules, they just adjust to their environment. Crappie are found in drastically varied water bodies, but where they hold is always in relationship to factors like water clarity, water temperature, forage, and structure. I'd say that your fish in the canal and Marian are putting themselves near the level of their food. Baitfish schools are usually in the mid to upper level of the water column, so those specks are primarily located according to their stomachs and if there is a piling, steep bank, or something nearby they will pull up against it. On the other hand, Washington and the Farm are quite shallow so the fish can easily hold close to the bottom while the food is still just a few feet above them. Thats my take.

Dan;
Sounds like you nailed it.....I'll take it one step further. In summer I noticed the thermocline was normaly at 7 to 10 , the fish were predictably under it in the cooler temps. I very rarely caught fish deeper than 12 or 14'. The water is clean but stained, so I asume at 10' light penetration and temprature are at the point that the crappie are comfortable. I guess they dont need to sit at the bottom to be content.

Thanks for the insight!!! I think water clarity was my missing link, I figure they must ajust to a depth that makes them comfortable then they relate to the best available structure.

Give Me A Call When You Get This.

md, i fished that bridge for years. the biggest slabs always came from those rocks (rip rap) under the bridge on both sides. they seemed to move up in february, and id catch em until the end of may when they would move back to the pilings. and that bite would last all summer. fish the rocks slow and thorough until you stick one, and go from there. c23 is an awsome place, and so is martin county. one of the best fishin holes in the state. hope this helps. tjj