Summer spider rigging questions

Hey all,

I have finally gotten a decent multi-rod set up for spider rigging. I am trying to figure out patterns for spider rigging in the summer, and what to look for.

Do most people look at creek or river channels during this time of the year? And is brush or other structure key to finding fish during the summer? I am not sure how deep is too deep to fish, and if I should look for brush or structure around ledges or dropoffs or at areas actually in the creek or river channels.

I fish in a lot of different places in Alabama, but lately I have been on the warrior river (bankhead), Logan martin, and lake Mitchell. I appreciate any advice that can help me to figure out how to put a pattern together. Thanks

#1 factor IMHO is the thermocline depth ... if one sets up in the body of water you're fishing. That will determine the maximum depth you need to consider.
Many of the fish, esp. White Crappie, are likely to be roaming open water (flats, channel edges, etc.) following the roaming schools of Shad, which is why many people opt to Push/Pull cranks or jigs. Even so, there are almost always fish around submerged brush/trees that are above or top out above the thermocline.
Early mornings on shaded banks with brushpiles or downed trees is where I normally start my day during Summer. Once the Sun is high and there are no shaded banks, I would normally start Pushing out in open water on the flats.

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Originally Posted by CrappiePappy

#1 factor IMHO is the thermocline depth ... if one sets up in the body of water you're fishing. That will determine the maximum depth you need to consider.
Many of the fish, esp. White Crappie, are likely to be roaming open water (flats, channel edges, etc.) following the roaming schools of Shad, which is why many people opt to Push/Pull cranks or jigs. Even so, there are almost always fish around submerged brush/trees that are above or top out above the thermocline.
Early mornings on shaded banks with brushpiles or downed trees is where I normally start my day during Summer. Once the Sun is high and there are no shaded banks, I would normally start Pushing out in open water on the flats.

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This right here........:cheers2

All good info but for me it's best done in the dark with lights during hot weather. Just what works for me. God Bless

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Thanks all for the advice. I haven't noticed a thermocline where I have been fishing lately, but i need to play with my depthfinder and look closer. I'm gonna keep at it

The places you mentioned that you fish here in Alabama will not set up a thermocline in my opinion because they all have moving water since they are river systems. I fish the Coosa River lakes and on them I will be fishing the river channel and major creek channel ledges looking for cover of some kind. I would also recommend that you go slow. In my opinion most folks tend to spider rig too fast. I would be glad to answer any other questions you may have if you want to give me a call sometime. 205-283-7638.

I appreciate that Mr Roger. Im gonna spend some time over the next few weekends scouting and fishing, but may give you a call at some point. Thanks for the help

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Originally Posted by RogerA

The places you mentioned that you fish here in Alabama will not set up a thermocline in my opinion because they all have moving water since they are river systems. I fish the Coosa River lakes and on them I will be fishing the river channel and major creek channel ledges looking for cover of some kind. I would also recommend that you go slow. In my opinion most folks tend to spider rig too fast. I would be glad to answer any other questions you may have if you want to give me a call sometime. 205-283-7638.

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Check the depth of your bait fish would be a good starting point.
LittleJohn

I like to push jigs and minnows out the front using a spider rig set up, usually .2- .4mph. I try to avoid brush at all cost because I hate hang ups on 8 rods. Rather I cruise the lake to mark some stacks of crappie in open flats or drop offs. Then drift or push over those areas or sometimes just in a slow circle around them.
You’ve already received some great advice from some of the site experts. The other I may add would be to match your weight with the speed you are trying to fish. I’ll use everything from 1/4 oz to 1 oz depending on speed I’m after, sometimes the wind decides my speed. If the weights not right, you’ll ski your bait to far above the target.


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I appreciate all of the advice from everyone.