The bite is picking up here in the metro. We have been fishing mostly for crappies the past week, and have been finding them anywhere from 5-20 feet. Big range, I know. Seems like every day is different lately as we play the yo-yo game with water temps and weather. I’d say our key zone is 7-12 feet though. Fish are relating to the weeds as well, so find good, clean weeds and fan cast around and/or pay attention to your electronics.
Pay attention to the water temps. The crappies want the warmest water if available. Move around until you make contact with fish. Cast a lot and be productive.
We’ve done well on hair jigs and plastics. 1/64oz and 1/32oz seem to be the key sizes. We’ve used the 1/32oz Clam Drop TG jig a lot, paired with either a Mister Twister Tri-Alive tube or else a Sassy Stingum. For the hair jigs, we just fish them plain, don’t tip them with anything. My son (JJ Fishing) ties up all of my hair jigs, several on the Clam Drop TG jig as well. I don’t mess with live bait. Lol. lean on the We’ve also been leaning on Rocket Bobbers quite a bit… no split-shot between the bobber and jig either. We like that slow fall lately, especially with the cooler water temps. Soon we’ll pitch a lot more and not lean on the bobbers as much.
Matt Johnson
Matt Johnson Outdoors
www.mattjohnsonoutdoors.com