Friday was the big day. We had our fishing trip all
set. Jarred and I were supposed to head over to Russell’s Secret crappie hole
which I will now refer to as “Ditch pond.” Fortunately I got out of work a bit early and so I decided I would give it
a go a day early. I’m glad I did because
the bite was on!
Now last time I went the dynamics were a bit different. The
bite didn’t turn on until dark and all the fish were tiny.
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| Ditch Pond |
I took my buddy luis out and we throughout some minnows
under a bobber. First line was cast at about 4:45. It took about 20 minutes and
then came the first bite. It wasn’t a slow moving bobber, the bobber just sank.
I reeled in and saw the huge head of a
crappie on the other end! As I reeled in, I asked luis to net him up for me and
after a few shakes of the head, he was gone.
I was heartbroken but remained hopeful. Then came the second bite… and
the second loss. Then came the third and we realized
we needed a better plan. So the obvious was let’s stay close to our own rods and we net each other’s catches quickly.
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| 12 in. Crappie |
When the bite came, we were ready. I reeled in, held it
until Luis got there and swoop! I was on to my first fish. My previous PB
crappie was a 12 incher and this one matched it. I was happy and relieved that
this one didn’t get away. A little bit later
Luis lost one as well. For whatever reason luis wasn’t getting as many bites as
I was. In fact he ended up not feeling well and sitting in the car for a while
since he just got his wisdom teeth pulled out. A few minutes after he left my
bobber went down and I set my hook. I reeled in, grabbing the net and netted
him myself. This guy was an inch bigger which means I beat my previous PB
crappie by one inch! Milestone!
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| PB Crappie, 13 in. |
After that Luis came back and we watched our bobbers for
another half hour or so before we decided to call it quits. Both of those
crappies were released to grow another day. So today was meant to be our
fishing day but its raining in nor cal so those plans are pretty much canceled.
Total Fish: 2 Crappie
Hey, Juan, aren't Crappie a lot of fun. You sure do have to remember not too muscle them. That "Paper Mouth" they have is easy to pull a hook out of with much pressure at all. Congrats on the nice fish. Try them on a fly rod?
ReplyDeleteHey Mel, They sure are a blast. I lost a few because I'm always afraid I'm gonna rip their paper mouths, haha. And i haven't caught them on the fly but I will soon!
DeleteI really enjoy reading your blogs especially since your a local fellow fisherman! Try stripping a clouser minnow to hook into some crappies on a fly rod. Thats the fly I usually get them on. Good luck out there man.
ReplyDeleteHey Matthew, thanks for the comment and thanks for reading. Haven't really tried for crappie too much on the fly rob but I will soon.
DeleteJuan
ReplyDeleteAlways keep every crappie you land, they are the Cadillac of meals when it comes to eating warm water fish. thanks for sharing
Hey Bill... i agree! we have had some nice fish fries with these suckers!
DeleteNice job. I'll take a 12 or 13 inch Crappie any day.
ReplyDeletethey are a good time!
DeleteGreat job on two new PB's
ReplyDeleteThanks, man. I appreciate it!
DeleteYou got to play those crappie smart, they call them paper mouths for good reason. It is really easy ot overpower the fish and loose them.
ReplyDeleteI try not to overpower but sometimes I forget and think I'm bass fishing! haha
Delete