Page 3 - Crappie NOW | August 2016

EDITOR/ SR. WRITER Opening Cast
WRITERS
Darl Black Many fishermen believe fishing for
Vic Attardo crappie in the summertime is extremely
Terry Madewell difficult and after the spawn, they
Brad Wiegmann disappear and become very hard to
Ron Presley catch. As with bass or any other fresh
Vernon Summerlin water species, their habits change to
John Neporadny, Jr adjust to the conditions in which they live.
The tactics to catch them must change,
© Copyright 2016 too.
Recently, I was fortunate to spend some time with
Billy Don Surface pulls a George Toalson, Lure Designer and Manager for Gene Lerew
good stringer of Truman Lake and Bobby Garland Crappie Baits. George is a diver and
has spent significant time studying fish habits, underwater
crappie into the boat. bait presentations, and other observations. He reminded me
Tim Huffman photo. that a crappie has a very small brain and lives by adjusting
to its surroundings and food.
The crappie’s watery world changes temperatures
quickly when it warms, less oxygen may be present. More
direct sunlight with longer days and clear skies create more
light penetration into the water warming the water deeper
than other times of the year. Less oxygen slows the fish down
so they can become more territorial setting up residence in
brush piles, stumps, etc. They will seek out areas with more
oxygen as well. This can mean deeper water to escape the
light and heat.
We tend to over think these attributes as the fish must
eat more because the warmer the water the faster they’re
bodies burn energy and require food. When they are active,
they will feast on schools of minnows or shad. The fish will
feed more often; travel if necessary to seek out the food. But,
due to the oxygen levels may do so efficiently and effectively.
During my visit with George, he stated that while
observing crappie relating to brush piles, he saw two different
habits or personalities. Some were home bodies and stayed,
fed near to their homes and rarely ever left it as long as it
had all the elements it needed: protection; oxygen; and food.
While observing them, out of the darkness would come a
school of crappie. He said there would be thousands of all
sizes to include some trophy fish. As quickly as they would
come, they were gone. He said none of the individuals would
stay and hang out on the brush. These are rovers.
Keep these habits in mind. Use the proper tactics to
catch both the home bodies and the rovers, even in the heat
of the summer. Night fishing can be fantastic in the summer.

God Bless and Good Fishing,
Dan Dannenmueller, Publisher

3 Crappie NOW August 2016