The crappie fishing is already beginning to take off on the lake. Be sure to get your 1/32 Popeye jigs in the boat. The fish are already under the deep water docks and the fishing wil get better with each passing weeek. We were able to get out one day last weeek and catch a mess. The other day all the crappie were 18 to 20 ft deep.

I have a whole card of Popeyes ready to go. I will be able to get out sometime this week. I've got to gear up the for February Tournament. It might be a good tournament to take the kids.

Yes, I plan to try to fish it myself. I think it will be a great time.

Clay do you fish up under the docks? do you have to flip or shoot the docks? I have never tried it but it seems challenging.
I'll fish the tourn with you if you insist.....

I gotta ask. Why the pic of belly up babies in a tank? I think I'm looking at it wrong, but have no idea. The only other thing that makes sense visually is if that is actually a glass bottom and those fish are turning, which is very cool.

I never intentional fished for crappie, so is this what you are using? Its a popeye jig

They were headed for the dinner table. I was using the the smaller size of the popeye. Where in the world did you find that photo?

That is priceless.

Thats funny

Do crappie make good striper bait?

We had this discussion the other day at the bait shop and in my experience they do make good bait. I've put some smaller ones behind a ballon and hooked up numerous times. Although they're not very hardy getting pulled around. If they get hit once they're done with.

That isn't "illegal"??

Not if you don't inhale.

I'll put anything behind a balloon even kittens.

Not so long as they were legally caught (i.e. not netted).

OK LIL Bill, Kitty cat boy will not like that bait at all!!!

Clay,
just out of curiosity-- how are you getting 1/32 baits (popeyes, wimpys, or olive oils-- whatever) down to 20ft depth UNDER docks? or do you mean you're casting along the dock and letting it swing down and jigging up-- and getting them to come out to hit? Do yo need side-view to find them, or are you just search-casting?

I've had little experience or success targeting crappie before and would like to hear some hints for early season-- appreciate any advice. I've heard they're better table fare than kittens....

Mostly shooting them under the dock, let the jig fall on slack line down to 20 ft and then let the jig pendulum to you in a sense and we are search casting but they are fairly predictable from year to year under docks with brush and shade.

Thanks Clay--- will give that a try