Page 6 - Crappie NOW - January 2018

BENDS & LEDGES

method on most waters when fishing upwind. Poles are put out, depth
mid-depth and deeper waters in the adjusted and poles put into holders.
winter. A fisherman using this multiple The boat is eased up the ledge paying
pole technique can cover a ledge with special attention to cover. Water is
a very slow troll. Or, the boat can cold so movements should be s-l-o-w.
be stopped when a fish is caught or Baits should be taken into the cover
good cover is found. It’s a versatile and stopped. Winter crappie move slow
technique that puts baits right into the and bites may be barely perceptible but
crappies’ homes. at other times they may be aggressive
Another way to fish is a single long once the bait is in front of their noses.
pole or two poles hand-held. It’s similar There is nothing fancy about
to slow trolling except a fisherman has slow trolling. Using good basics
more control and feel. A bite can be felt while watching electronics leads to
and hooksets are immediate. This can successful presentations.
be a tiring way to fish but may be the Drop-Shot fishing is different.
only way to fish when wind is pounding Electronics may be even more important
the boat. Wind is an enemy when poles because specific cover is targeted. A
are in the holders. Handheld allows marker buoy can help keep the cover
hands and arms to keep baits more pinpointed.
stable for more bites. The best situation is to catch
A third tactic, drop-shotin’, is crappie on top of the cover. But the
getting more popular every year. (In drop-shot also allows the bait to be
reality, it’s the ultra-light version of the dropped to the bottom leaving the
bottom bumping Kentucky Lake rig.) This bait whatever length the bait is placed
rig allows a minnow to be presented on above the sinker. A minnow is the ideal
bottom and down into cover. Although bait because the line can be kept tight
variations are possible, the basic rig with the weight on bottom. The minnow
is a 3/8-ounce sinker with a minnow does the work. The disadvantage of a
hook 18-inches up from the sinker. The minnow is hang-ups and lost rigs.
leader is kept short because the rig is A weedless jig is better for the rig
being dropped into cover. Braided line to get in and out of cover. When fish
is good for strength and sensitivity if a are aggressive this is the best choice.
monofilament leader is used.
A drop-shot rod can be a long Conclusion
or short pole, but something in the 7- Winter fishing can be good on
to 8-foot range is good for feel and waters where ice doesn’t prevent open
control. Since most fishing will be water fishing. Bends and ledges offer a
relatively deep, having the boat close great opportunity for catching crappie.
to being over the cover shouldn’t be a Slow trolling and drop-shot tactics are
problem. ways to catch these fish.

Catching Fish
Your map shows a long, straight
ledge and electronics confirms a good
drop. Also, cover is scattered along
the drop. Slow trolling is chosen for - Tim Huffman
working the ledge.
You position the boat on the
downwind end of the ledge and work

6 Crappie NOW January 2018