
Fall Crappie Fishing Podcast
Previous post
What is the best bait for winter crappie fishing?
In the podcast, Jim Garrett and Brett Luther discuss effective strategies for fall crappie fishing. They highlight the importance of understanding the transition from summer to fall, where crappies tend to move towards deeper waters but can also be found around mid-depth structures. The key takeaways are to slow down, use electronics to scan thoroughly, and not overlook the bottom dwellers. They recommend downsizing baits as crappie metabolism slows in colder water, and to consider the visibility of baits, particularly glow-in-the-dark ones, to entice wary fish. The overall message is that anglers should be adaptable, patient, and ready to dissect the waters they’re fishing to maximize their catch during this seasonal transition.
Summary and key takeaway in 30 seconds:
Fall crappie fishing requires a nuanced approach. As water temperatures drop, crappies transition to deeper waters, altering their feeding habits. Smaller, more subtle baits become more effective during this period. Glow-based and naturally colored lures are particularly effective in low-visibility conditions. Adjusting tactics to suit the crappie’s behavior is crucial for successful fall fishing.
Key Points:
- Crappies move to deeper waters in fall.
- Smaller baits are more effective in cooler temperatures.
- Glow-based baits enhance visibility in low-light conditions.
- Natural colors like Ozark Smoke work well in clear water.
- Adaptability in bait selection and presentation is key to success.
Fall Crappie Chronicles: Transition Tactics and Triumphs
As the leaves don their fiery hues and the air grows crisp, crappie anglers like Jim Garrett and Brett Luther gear up for a season of change. Fall brings a significant shift in crappie behavior as these elusive panfish migrate towards the sanctity of deeper waters. But it’s not just about depth; it’s about understanding the subtleties of this transition. From the towering trees of Real Foot Lake to the hidden depths of your local haunt, crappies can be coaxed into your live well with the right approach.
Unveiling the Underwater Autumn
The fall transition isn’t a time for haste. As Garrett and Luther shared, it’s about meticulously scanning the mid-range depths, being unafraid to peer into the shadowy base of the lake’s structures. These experienced anglers know that the crappie’s fall narrative is penned in the details – those fish hugging the timber, a fin’s flick away from the muddy bottom, are often the most rewarding catches.
For me, the most important part of improving at photography has been sharing it. Sign up for an Exposure account, or post regularly to Tumblr, or both. Tell people you’re trying to get better at photography. Talk about it. When you talk about it, other people get excited about it.
The Lure of the Season
With colder waters influencing crappie metabolism, the podcast emphasizes the significance of downsizing. A smaller bait mirrors the crappie’s reduced need to feed, making it more appealing. Whether it’s a subtle jig or the gleam of a glow-in-the-dark lure, fall fishing is about matching the bait to the fish’s seasonal preferences.
Adapting to the Crappie’s Cadence
Flexibility is the angler’s creed in the fall. As the temperatures drop, so should the size of your baits. It’s not just the size that matters; it’s the presentation. The crappie might be slow to bite, but with a finesse approach and a willingness to switch tactics, the bite will come. The key is to stay in tune with the crappie’s rhythm and to let patience be your guide.
Conclusion:
With insights from seasoned anglers and the right fall strategies, your crappie fishing can be just as bountiful as the harvest season itself. Embrace the challenge of the transition, arm yourself with the right-sized baits, and prepare for a fall filled with fishing tales worth telling.
Baits recommended for winter crappie fishing & tips
1. Moondust Glow Small Fry: Ideal for clear water scenarios, the Moondust Glow Small Fry is a glow-based bait perfect for attracting crappie in low-visibility conditions. When fish are hesitant to strike, this bait’s subtle luminescence can make all the difference.
2. Joker Uppercut: With its versatile design, the Joker Uppercut is effective for both suspended and bottom-dwelling crappies. Its unique tail design allows for varied presentations, making it a go-to choice for adapting to the crappie’s response.
3. Monster Milk and Margarita: These baits are noted for their effectiveness in different water conditions. The Monster Milk’s appealing profile and the Margarita’s vibrant color can entice crappies, especially when they are less active in cooler temperatures.
4. Ozark Smoke: A natural color bait like Ozark Smoke is excellent for mimicking the crappie’s natural prey. This bait is particularly useful in clearer waters, where crappies are more cautious.
5. Comparing Bobby Garland Style Jigs with OTH Small Fry Baits: While Bobby Garland Style Jigs have long been a favorite among crappie anglers for their effectiveness, OTH’s Small Fry Baits offer a compelling alternative. These Small Fry Baits are tailored to mimic the natural prey of crappie closely, making them ideal for the subtle nuances of fall fishing. Their size and profile are perfect for the cooler water conditions when crappies are more hesitant to feed, offering a similar, if not enhanced, effectiveness as the renowned Bobby Garland jigs.