Page 5 - Crappie NOW | July 2015
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Deep Summer Drop-Offs
knew how to fish. They were masters at be in 7 to 10 feet of water suspended over
finding and returning to these spots long an 18 foot drop-off. The fish are definitely
before GPS units were in boats. relating to the drop but are suspended up
Finding a ledge today is much easier. above it.
Paper maps are still useful but for those The fish are relating to shad so also
with GPS mapping units, it’s a matter of watch for the baitfish on your electronics.
seeing a ledge and positioning to it. Use Slow troll at around 0.2 miles per hour and
sonar to see fish, cover, the right type of gradually move up to 0.4 mph until you find
ledge and other items after a drop-off is the right speed that crappie want.
found, but it takes much less time with Double-hook minnow rigs or jig/
today’s knowledge and gear. minnow combinations are good choices. A
Vertical jigging, casting and trolling ½-ounce weight should be enough to keep
are all methods for catching summer baits down at summer depths. Don’t be
crappie. afraid to switch bait size because summer
Slow Trolling- Lakes crappie may be feeding on larger shad.
Summer may not be a time when slow Bait depth is more important than
trollers relate to fishing deep ledges but it bottom depth. When you catch a fish pay
can be a good tactic. The key is to focus careful attention to it’s depth. Repeat
upon catching suspended fish along with successful depths. A thermocline may be
those in cover. For example, crappie may present.
A thermocline is a layer of water
5 Crappie NOW July 2015
