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.
http://www.familyfishingtrips.com/images/MegaMat007.jpg
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.
http://www.familyfishingtrips.com/images/MegaMat010.jpg
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.
http://www.familyfishingtrips.com/images/MegaMat012.jpg
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.
http://www.familyfishingtrips.com/images/MegaMat009.jpg
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.
