Page 13 - Crappie NOW - January 2018

Crappie Basics

Crappie Basics #153 Building Beds

Building crappie beds isn’t just a thing of the past. It’s just as important now as it
was several decades ago. Some waters have winter drawdown making this a good
season for placing or driving beds.
There are a few general rules. (1) Beds are usually best in areas where there is
little or no cover. An example, in human terms, is a motel a long distance from other
motels; it will be a popular stop for travelers if nothing else is available. (2) Deep
water nearby. Channels edges are very popular but a spot 75 yards off the channel
may be just as good. (3) Put a waypoint on it immediately. It’s funny how dropped
cover can be very difficult to find if not marked or buoyed. (4) Hardwoods or plastic
are the longest lasting.

Basic rules don’t always work. Stakebeds along the fencerows at Truman is
an example. There are hundreds of trees yet fish like a good stakebed because it’s
something different. The rules are good guides but often beds have to be placed,
fished at different times of day and at different seasons before their best and worst
situations are learned. –T.H.

13 Crappie NOW January 2018