Page 4 - Crappie NOW | November 2016

Wood Cover

C contour mapping for finding good ledges,

rappieNow is read by fishermen channels and other contours. Side Imaging,
in the north, south, and Midwest; those 360 and other scanning options allow a lot
who fish clear, stained, shallow and deep of water to be viewed in a short period of
waters. Few rules apply to all waters and time. For example, instead of viewing an
that includes the ideal depth for the season. 9-foot path with sonar while idling a 100
Therefore, this “rule of thumb” depth zone yard stretch of water, Side Imaging can look
can be adjusted for the waters you fish. at a 200-foot path, detail objects and allow
A perfect cool-water depth zone is 12 a waypoint to be placed on the spots. The
to 18 feet deep. The depths are easy to fish key to better electronics is to find fish faster
and the crappie are not too spooky. Fishing leaving more time to catch fish.
can be done with standard weights and
rigs. A variety of methods can be used to Catching Crappie
fish the zone. Bites are easier to feel than A variety of methods can work for
when fishing 30 or 40 feet deep. There are catching fish 12 to 18 feet deep. Vertical
many advantages to fishing the 12 to 18 jigging and slow trolling are probably the top
foot zone. techniques especially in southern regions

Finding Fish where multiple poles are allowed. However,
casting is good way to catch these deeper
Finding submerged wood cover fish, too.
requires electronics. Two required items Casting is a good technique but has
are sonar and GPS. Today’s electronics lost favor because of spider rigging or slow
are so advanced an inexpensive unit will trolling. Except for a few specific situations,
accurately show depth, cover and fish. You casting can’t compete with multiple pole
can use sonar (also called by other names fishing. However, it is fun, is good for
including graph, locator and depth finder) to reaching spooky fish and can be used as
scan for general spots and then to pinpoint a primary tactic for those who enjoy the
specific spots within the general area. simpler way of fishing.
The second requirement is a GPS unit. Casting requires patience and is best
One with mapping is ideal but a basic GPS done from an anchored boat when fishing
allows marking of a good stump, brushpile, deeper water. Anchoring near a good set of
drop or other specific fishing spot. These stumps or a log allows repeated, pinpoint
waypoints allow a fisherman to return later casts to be made. Another advantage is
without all the wasted time searching for a you can put your back to the wind so you
spot. Since productive covers often produce stay warmer. Anchoring eliminates having
year after year, a list of hotspots can be to fight the trolling motor.
accumulated on home waters. Anchor to get within casting distance
A third item that is not required but
will improve fishing if properly used is an
advanced graph. They are expensive but
an item every serious fisherman needs. Casting is fun and productive. This crappie
Quality in-the-unit mapping provides safer came from a small Kansas lake.

navigation and also provides updated

4 Crappie NOW November 2016