Wintertime Crappie
Winter is a great season for catching crappie. Finding them is often as simple as finding the right channel bend. Bends in creek or river channels are important to fish. It gives them a different type of structure than the rest of the channel. It's that difference that attracts crappie. Contour maps and fish finders make it a lot easier to pinpoint these channel bends.
Fishing bends allows you to use a variety of methods. You can cast from an anchored boat , troll using multiple poles and baits , or fish with 9 - 14 foot jigging poles. I like to use the telescoping type crappie poles to save space. Don't be afraid to put your bait in heavy cover. You may lose a few hooks but it is important to get your bait to where the fish are when it is cold as they are less active. Faint , light bites are common in the winter so it is important to pay attention and if you have any strange movement or feel it is time to set the hook. So , armed with a little winter clothing and the right information you should be ready to go after those winter crappie.
Bass Fishing Tips
On those winter days when the temperatures are above normal , try fishing the backs of creeks. Bass will move up to take advantage of the warmer water and the bait forage fish that are there for the same reason.
Cold water can send shad into shock , causing them to swim erratically. Watch the surface for dying shad , then tie on a jerkbait or crankbait that resembles as truggling baitfish. Retrieve the lure slowly , pausing and twitching frequently.