Staying in the Strike Zone
November 2, 2009
If you're baiting an outdoor writer it's a sure bet that a burger/fry combo placed within sniffin' distance of the office will do the trick. It's the same with catching crappie. Put the right bait into the strike zone and a crappie can't resist.
The first key is finding fish. November crappie will likely be moving into mid-depth to deep water structures. A drop-off along a channel is always a good spot to start a search. Since every lake and river is different, other spots may be specific to the body of water you fish. For example, crappie may move to docks with deep water under them, to rocky bluffs or other structure.
The next step is to find the depth of the fish. If you do your homework before getting to the lake, a combination of recent fishing reports and lake conditions mixed with your knowledge of seasonal movements and experience can give you a good starting point. For example, in the past you caught fish during November in the 14 to 18 foot range and the recent newspaper articles report crappie are being caught at 18 to 20 feet. Therefore, you know that 18 feet is a good starting depth.
It's time to keep your bait, or multiple baits, in the zone. Pick a technique that will target the depth and structure where the fish are located. It might be casting, vertical jigging, or some other method. Your technique choice is important because it determines how long your baits stay in the strike zone.
What's the best bait? It might be a live minnow, a Yamaminnow or a combination bait like the back half of a Tiny Ika tipped with a very small minnow. Test different baits to see what works best.
Choose the right weight jighead. A 1/8-ounce head will get a bait deeper and help keep it there when the boat moves or the wind blows. The simple rule of thumb is to use the lightest weight possible. However, wind, boat movements, current and deep water may force you to increase and test different weights along with adding split-shot to get the depth you need. You must keep the bait in the strike zone if you expect the maximum number of bites.
You won't catch fish if you don't keep your bait in the strike zone. Determine the depth of the fish as quickly as possible and then use a technique and bait that will get and stay in the strike zone. It's simple as that.
I'm headed to the kitchen. I think I smell a burger and fries.
Tip of the Month- Bites can be super-light in cold water so it's important to pay attention and use a very sensitive pole.