Page 10 - Crappie NOW | February 2015
P. 10
Low Water Docks
Bailey flips a jig under a small float into the hiding places around the pilings of a dock.
Sun makes a big difference in fish activity.” can use to your advantage.”
Bailey believes in using a float so the
presentation can be slow or stopped yet Factors
keep the jig at a shallow depth in the water. Clouds/Rain: “Most people don’t want
A slip-float is best because a pegged float to be out on a rainy day this time of year
makes pitching difficult. The space from when it’s cold. Clouds can be okay but
float to jig reduces accuracy and eliminates check areas 5 to 10 feet outside the dock
some of the tight spots where you need to because the fish will often come away from
put the bait. the cover when it’s cloudy.”
Equipment includes his signature Sun: “That’s the best. Sun positions
series 10.5-foot BnM pole, 6-pound high- fish somewhere on the dock and on all
visibility Gamma line and a small jig. The long except rare occasions it will be in the shade.
pole allows long pitches to get the jig back Look for specific spots the fish like paying
into tight places. He starts with a Southern attention to the sun.”
Pro Stinger Shad with a 1/48-ounce head. Fishing Pressure: There might be
The bait is very light but has a good profile. some fishing pressure but it depends upon
“Bait action should be very slow so the lake.”
use the rod tip to give short hops. On a day Wind: “Wind can be a big problem. It’s
when fish are very aggressive you an use a difficult to present baits but it can be difficult
Hot Grub for more action.” to control the boat, too. Pick locations where
Pay attention to where fish are coming it’s safe and less windy.”
from,” says Bailey. “I try to cover all areas Temperatures: The water is cold so
of the dock but the fish will usually come a degree or two warm-up in the shallower
from one type area. Pay attention and learn. water can bring the shad in. Shad means all
You can concentrate casts to those spots fish that feed on them will come up too.”
and use the same pattern on other docks.
Look for shade verses sunny areas, outside
edges verses inside, and other factors you
10 Crappie NOW February 2015 - Tim Huffman
Bailey flips a jig under a small float into the hiding places around the pilings of a dock.
Sun makes a big difference in fish activity.” can use to your advantage.”
Bailey believes in using a float so the
presentation can be slow or stopped yet Factors
keep the jig at a shallow depth in the water. Clouds/Rain: “Most people don’t want
A slip-float is best because a pegged float to be out on a rainy day this time of year
makes pitching difficult. The space from when it’s cold. Clouds can be okay but
float to jig reduces accuracy and eliminates check areas 5 to 10 feet outside the dock
some of the tight spots where you need to because the fish will often come away from
put the bait. the cover when it’s cloudy.”
Equipment includes his signature Sun: “That’s the best. Sun positions
series 10.5-foot BnM pole, 6-pound high- fish somewhere on the dock and on all
visibility Gamma line and a small jig. The long except rare occasions it will be in the shade.
pole allows long pitches to get the jig back Look for specific spots the fish like paying
into tight places. He starts with a Southern attention to the sun.”
Pro Stinger Shad with a 1/48-ounce head. Fishing Pressure: There might be
The bait is very light but has a good profile. some fishing pressure but it depends upon
“Bait action should be very slow so the lake.”
use the rod tip to give short hops. On a day Wind: “Wind can be a big problem. It’s
when fish are very aggressive you an use a difficult to present baits but it can be difficult
Hot Grub for more action.” to control the boat, too. Pick locations where
Pay attention to where fish are coming it’s safe and less windy.”
from,” says Bailey. “I try to cover all areas Temperatures: The water is cold so
of the dock but the fish will usually come a degree or two warm-up in the shallower
from one type area. Pay attention and learn. water can bring the shad in. Shad means all
You can concentrate casts to those spots fish that feed on them will come up too.”
and use the same pattern on other docks.
Look for shade verses sunny areas, outside
edges verses inside, and other factors you
10 Crappie NOW February 2015 - Tim Huffman
