Lake Talquin in May

[Zaphod2319]

I have been doing quite a few searches for Lake Talquin but May does not seem to be a popular month for threads about crappie. On may 14th we are staying at Coe Landing for the weekend.

My wife and I have been mostly saltwater fishing, but a lot of it. A couple recent trips to Lake Okeechobee and getting into a hot bluegill and crappie bite have convinced us to put together a jon boat with a spider rig on the front.

I have heard of people fishing the Iron Curtain out from Coe. Also read a lot here to stay at idle and look for submerged stumps in that area.

I have read that the crappie are moving into the shallow areas and into the creeks right now, but with no local knowledge would love to know more what that means? Any knowledge about fishing Lake Talquin in mid May would be great. We like to catch just enough for a couple dinners. Not looking to pack my live well.

Thank you
Dave

[deathb4disco]

Check out the GA and FL boards:

https://www.crappie.com/crappie/georgia/

https://www.crappie.com/crappie/florida/

[Tom 513]

I have fished there a couple times but only in the Winter, Longlining seemed to be the preferred method, although we did pretty good spider rigging, if you go take it easy there are tree stumps in 30ft of water and some are just under the surface. I made it through a hole week with only hitting one! obtw the locals call it the Lumber yard, but its well worth the risk.

[Zaphod2319]

I watched a Hook Legends episode last night and they switched from spider rigging to long lining off the back in May. What exactly is the difference? Just getting the lines further away from the boat?

[Tom 513]

I watched a Hook Legends episode last night and they switched from spider rigging to long lining off the back in May. What exactly is the difference? Just getting the lines further away from the boat?

Well I have been spider rigging for a few years, and just now starting to long line, the difference in my opinion, is that the presentation and amount of water covered. SR is done under 1mph and for the most part while the water is calm, where as longlining is above 1mph and can be done when its windier. When I longline I use 1/16th-1/8th jig heads, but I noiticed the guys at Talquin run big jig heads, I guess so they can go faster and keep the bait down. I would think longlining if they are in the mood top chase, vs a reaction bite while spider rigging.

[Zaphod2319]

Leaving tomorrow afternoon, hoping to be long lining late afternoon. Pretty excited.