Page 5 - Crappie NOW - January 2018

BENDS & LEDGES

W inter fishing water that’s not Good winter channel spots. (A) Stumps on
frozen can be a challenge with big the outside of a bend. (B) Inside of a bend.
rewards. Keying in on the right spots is (C) Laydown and small dropped structure.
very important with channel bends and
ledges providing much of the action.
season and water temperatures
What and Where determining depth and locations.
Channels wind back and forth Crappie use a ledge for a deep,
with each turn creating what is called winter home and they use a ledge for
a bend. Current, water temperatures, travel. Bends are simply defined spots
cover and other factors determine if where crappie often stop and use
crappie like a spot or not. Shad and sometimes making them their homes.
minnows are another key factor but they Bends and ledges are easily
can come and go often during the day. found using paper and/or electronic
Other channel bend characteristics maps. The boat can be set to cross a
and differences include angle of slope ledge or bend. When the boat crosses
and the sharpness of the bend. the graph will quickly show the drops
A channel ledge can be a part and channels. Additional searches will
of a bend but it also may be a 100- pinpoint cover, baitfish and crappie.
yard straight area with covers and
steep drops. Ledges are an important Tactics
structure any time of year with the Slow trolling is the accepted

5 Cr
5 Crappie NOW January 2018appie NOW November 2017