Page 6 - Crappie NOW - November 2017

STUMPS AT 20’

A known crappie-holding stump cover, depending upon their mood. A
or set of stumps is best fished from an wildcard is to check very shallow water
anchored boat. Fishermen who have a in the afternoon where sun is bright and
trolling motor with spot-lock can use that warming the water.
feature. The key is to remain stable so Wind: A light wind and ripple is
casts can be pinpointed. After a couple good for making fish less spooky. Too
crappie are caught, returning a cast to the much wind makes boat control a problem.
same place can be the difference between Casting is difficult in the wind so vertical
catching or just fishing. Active crappie presentations are best.
are known to hold in a spot the size of Current: The stronger the current the
a bucket and baits must be presented to more important it is to find other location
the spot to catch them. with less current.
Baits for November casting should Fishing Pressure: Pressure isn’t
include plastics with a little action. A terrible like in the spring but more and
Kalin’s Triple Threat, Bobby Garland more fishermen have learned about the
Swim’R and Charlie Brewer Slider Grub good fall and early winter fishing so you
are examples of typical casting plastics. may not have the lake to yourself.
Crappie may prefer a bait with less action
or one with more action, like the Garland
Stroll’R. A 1/16-ounce head gives a slow
fall but will still get to the strike zone.
Wind or bouncing bottom might call for
a heavier 1/8-ounce head. In general, - Tim Huffman
the lighter the better so you can keep it
slow without it sinking too rapidly. Testing
different weights and bodies is always a
good idea until you learn which ones the
fish prefer.
Flash is often best in warmer water,
but it’s never a bad idea to try a Road
Runner with a gold willow leaf blade. The
added attraction might be what the fish
want on a particular day.

Factors for Casting 20’ Stumps
Strong Cold Front: Not a big
problem in November, plus the fish are
deeper making them less susceptible to
the pressure changes. The best tip for
slugging fish is to downsize and slow your
presentation. This might be the best time
to tip with a tiny minnow.
Clouds/Rain: Not a problem for the
fish. Light penetration will be less so
darker baits will work best. Rain in cold
November can be terribly uncomfortable
for the fisherman.
Sun: Look for light penetration to
put some fish tight to cover while others
might move up and suspend over the

6 Crappie NOW November 2017