Page 5 - Crappie NOW | June 2015

On the Edge of Success

Treat wind current similar to regular water One of the best jig fishermen I’ve
current. been with is Louie Mansfield. He says,
“I’m a firm believer I always do better
Standing Timber with a slow presentation. After letting the
Timber provides a vertical edge. A jig rest in a spot, I dip the jig instead of
fallen tree provides a big horizontal cover jigging it up. That seems to work best for
edge. Leaning timber provides an angled me.”
edge. They are at different angles but Mansfield also says that being quiet
each can be a dynamite spot. in the boat is more critical than most
A standing tree in 15 feet of water fishermen believe. “You’ll still catch the
gives crappie an edge to roam up and small and medium sized fish, but the big
down in the water column without leaving ones are smarter and won’t bite if they
the safety of the tree. The fish might be at know you are there.”
3 feet or down at the bottom at 15 feet. His last tip is to fish against the wind
Jigging tactics vary among fishermen because boat control and position are
but a typical outfit includes a 10 to 12-foot both critical.
pole, 8 pound test line and a 1/16-ounce A totally different edge the is outside
jig. Pole length, line size and type jig can edge of a tree or stump line. The cover
be adjusted depending upon water clarity, may be fished by vertical jigging along
thickness of cover and depths being the trees but might also be fished by slow
fished. or fast trolling just outside the main cover.

5 Crappie NOW June 2015