Thread: CIncinnati Area End of Year / Start of New Year Crappie Bite

I was lucky to be off work the past two afternoons -- 12/31 and today 01/01 -- and was able to get after some Cincinnati area Crappie at a couple of local lakes fishing from shore. The bite was solid - as long as I fished SLOW I had success. I was able to pet 3 fish yesterday and 10 today in 30-45 minutes each time out.

My two jig rig was a one inch Southern Pro Ice Tube and a Bobby Garland Itty Bitty Swimmer under a small bobber. I would cast out and work it slow with the occasional jiggle of the rod tip to offer a muted action. I had the jigs about 15 inches apart, and the bobber was about 4 ft above the jigs. I worked some dock areas hard, but a few fish came in more open water around a drop off. The bobber would not dive under on the take but would "pause" amid the wave action from the ever present wind or just act different - when in doubt I would slow lift and more often than not it was a Crappie dancing on my line..

Unfortunately none of the fish were whoppers but I was pretty tickled to end one decade and start another with fish in hand. The water was stained but not terrible, as it clears up I bet the bite will get better. This is a program I have fished with success over the past few years and worked at many different ponds and lakes in the Tri State area. To me the key is the bobber allowing the jigs to hover.

Offering this report to encourage everyone to get out even in the cold conditions - you may just find success.

BG IBS link Access Denied
Southern Pro link Lit'l Hustler 1.0" :: Southern Pro Tackle

Thanks and take care,
Shmang

Happy New Year!