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Walleye Eating Habits - Know When They Bite

The visual capabilities and handicaps of walleye determine to a great degree, the times of day they bite, because they bite best during normal feeding times.

Under low light conditions, the walleye bite more. On sunny days, they may feed only at dusk and dawn, but on cloudy days, they may feed all day and all night. Even on days when the water is choppy (often referred to as a ‘walleye chop’ when the wind reaches about five to fifteen miles per hour) it seems to disrupt the flow of light down into the water, and put the fish on their feed much more than on normally calm or sunny days. It is more about the fact that the lower light conditions put the walleye at an advantage over their prey during these times than the fact that the walleye are avoiding the light. This holds true even when the waters are stained as opposed to being murky or dark.

When the water heats up the bigger fish tend to slow down metabolically and get off their feed a bit. They just don’t feel like actively pursuing their bait, and will choose an easy meal every time. During the hottest summer months, just concentrate your efforts around the edges of schools of baitfish. Even the big walleye will move into the shallows in pursuit of these baitfish, particularly in Western Lake Erie in the month of July. Lots of walleye anglers fail to note the presence of the walleye in the shallows like this. But if you can just pinpoint the location of these baitfish early in the day close to reefs or structure, the fishing really can be very good. The warmer the weather, the more the walleye are going to be affected by things such as boat traffic or light.

Late in May and in the months of June and July two year old walleye become voracious, aggressive eaters. The catches tend to be large at these times as a result. During this time of year, the feeding focus changes to larger forage such as young perch, river shiners, cisco, and chubs. They also tend to continue to feed on such delicacies as frogs, crawfish and even baby walleye. Imitation of the forage is critical in catching walleye in Lake Erie, and for that reason, it is extremely important to be familiar with what the walleye feed on at different times of the year in their natural environment.

In the summertime, the walleye go on a voracious feeding binge. The reason for this is simple. The walleye have to eat more as summertime activity levels escalate. If you concentrate your efforts on areas such as large points and the adjacent flats as well as reefs, you will have good luck locating the larger walleye. The bigger the walleye, the longer their period of such vulnerability continues.

Forage moves to the shallow areas during early fall and turnover, and the walleye follow them there. When you combine this knowledge with the knowledge that the walleye are going to be in low light areas and feeding at low light times of day, you really are armed with the necessary information to maximize your catch potential.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best walleye fishing information possible. Get more information on walleye fishing tips here: http://www.askwalleyefishing.com/

Strategies For Saltwater Fishing From The Shore

Did you know that saltwater shore fishing is an exciting way to catch many different species of fish? It offers opportunities that you won’t have with any other type of fishing.

When shore fishing you can take a small boat out to the coves and other unpopulated areas to reach places where many species are just waiting for a serious angler to come along and entice them. You also have the option of fishing off rocks, piers, docks and the shoreline. This is great for people that do not have access to a boat every time they want to go fishing.

With all the different types of saltwater fish found in the oceans comes a variety of strategies to help you catch the most possible fish every time you go out.

When it comes to being successful a lot of saltwater shore fishing is based on experience and trial and error. However, there are a few strategies that can add to your success and help you improve your skills at saltwater fishing.

Strategies Used for Shore Fishing

One of the biggest problems anglers encounter is not being able to get the bait to where the fish are. Therefore, you need to try different methods until you find one that gets the bait in the middle of fish.

How deep you need to fish will depend on the type of species you are fishing for and the time of year you go fishing.

It is recommended that when using scent bait you change it often even if nothing has hit it. This should be done at least every twenty to thirty minutes. The reason for this is because after bait has been underwater for awhile it looses it smell and appeal preventing you from getting a bite.

When you notice that everyone around you is catching fish but you are not having any luck at all, try changing the size of the bait you are using. It is a good possibility that the bait will either be small or too big for the fish in that area.

When saltwater shore fishing, the retrieval is extremely important. If you reel in the line very slowly you have a good chance of snagging a fish on the way in. This has happened many times in the past.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with shiny tackle and beads. Sometimes these will attract the fish faster than anything else you could use and you will never know how successful you can be unless you try.

Avoid populated areas where there are people everywhere. Not only will you be distracted by everyone around you but all the noise discourages the fish from taking the bait.

Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to go shore fishing. This is when the beaches and waters are less crowded and when the fish tend to be the most active when it comes to feeding.

Where to Search for the Saltwater Fish

It is well-known that different species of fish hang out in different areas and depths of the water. It is for this reason where to search for the saltwater fish of your choice will mainly depend on what species you are fishing for.

Still, there are some basic rules that apply that will narrow your search and make it easier for you to know where to begin.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best saltwater fishing information possible. Get more information on saltwater fishing from shore here: http://www.asksaltwaterfishing.com/

Walleye Facts - Catch A Trophy Fish

Walleye fish are among the most highly sought fish in the Great Lakes region by fishermen, but they’re also very hard to catch. Fishermen understand the habits of the walleye, but for someone just starting out and deciding they want this fish as a trophy for themselves need to understand some things about the walleye’s feeding, spawning and habitats in order to learn how to detect and catch them.

In spring, the lengthening days and the increasing temperatures bring walleye fish to spawn in Lake Erie and the nearby rivers. This is a very wandering species they have been known to travel upwards of a hundred miles to find a good spot. They don’t wander in the river aimlessly though walleye often return to their home streams to spawn if they’re able to.

Usually, males get to their spawning place first, and they also are the first to make the return trip. Some walleye populations essentially swim in schools, usually in the eastern parts of Lake Erie. The walleye fish that live in the eastern part of Lake Erie require different living conditions than those in the west.

Walleye usually prefer to spawn in gravelly clear-flowing water, and more rocky shoals in lakes that are buffeted by wind. Walleye favor rocky, wind and wave swept shoals in lakes. The urge to spawn begins approximately when the river water is about 38 to 45-degree water. The spawning occurs in shallow waters from

February to April at night until about 4 in the morning. It’s a common sound to hear a walleye female attending to several smaller walleye males.

Pairs of fish do have a sort of courting ritual that’s performed in deeper water, but then they spawn in groups in the shallower water. The spawning of walleye fish is rather mismatches in ration sometimes there can be five males to one female. This helps there to be more variety in genetics so more of the young would survive.

The eggs are released so that they cling to the bottom of the river, but the walleye adults don’t care for these eggs in any way as the spawning goes on for approximately three weeks, during which time the eggs incubate. The yolk sac of the egg is quickly absorbed and the new-hatched fish go feeding, mainly on microscopic animals. When they grow slightly larger they start eating insects, and begin eating very small fish when they reach two inches in length. Fish are the main diet of walleyes. Some of the most common fish that are eaten by walleye are minnows, suckers, bluegill, and yellow perch.

By the first year, walleye can reach a length of six inches, and every year after that can add from four to six inches, but this varies between fish. If a walleye lives to be 10 years old, it can reach nearly three feet, because walleye never stop growing. They have to eat almost constantly. Other foods that walleye eat are mayflies, frogs, crayfish and snails.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best walleye fishing information possible. Get more information on walleye fishing tips here: http://www.askwalleyefishing.com/

What Is the Best Bait for Your Bluefish Fishing Lure?

Even when you have the right bluefish fishing lure you have to have the right bait to get a bite. The right bait for your lure will have you bringing back catch after catch every time that you go out fishing. Blue fish are particular in what they will go after, so putting the right bait on your lure can make all the difference for you, it can make or break your fishing trip. Bluefish are predatory so they tend to like cut bait and they prefer actual fish, so it is not wise to use artificial bait.

Menhaden or Bunker
Menhaden otherwise known as bunker is an excellent choice of bait to use with your bluefish fishing lure. These sardine like fish have a strong flavor that attracts bluefish. Any type of bottom fish like menhaden or bunker will work well as bait for a fishing lure. You can even use anchovies. Some of the other bottom feeder fish in this category of bait would include, jacks, weakfish, grunts, shrimp and squid.

Mullet
Mullet is another excellent fish that can be used with your bluefish fishing lure. Mullet have a round silvery body with dark blue and green stripes on their sides. Mullet can be used as bait for your lure live, dead, whole or cut. Most fisherman use mullet whole hooked through the nose. Some chop it into small chunks. Either way it is a very popular choice of bait for catching bluefish.

Mackerel and Herring
These are two more types of fish that you can use on your bluefish fishing lure to yield successful results. These baits are a little more expensive if you are buying them, but if you are catching your own bait they are a good choice. If you catch and prepare your own bait make sure that you put mackerel and herring on ice right away and freeze it immediately when you get home if you aren’t using it that day. These fish lose their flavor quickly so to be used effectively as bait on your lure they need to be properly preserved.

Hopkins Artificial Bait
Although artificial bait isn’t the optimal choice for your lure, it can work if you buy the right kind. Hopkins is the artificial bait that is most commonly recommended for bluefish fishing lures, but there are other types that work as well. Those would include, top water popper or pony tails.

There are several other baits that work well for bluefish lures. Those baits would include, ladyfish, eels and killifish. The real importance to selecting a bluefish fishing lure bait must be placed on using a fresh bait regardless of which bait that you choose.

You are about to enter the ultimate bluefish fishing lures resource….

Best Types of Bluefish Fishing Lures

Many people wonder what the best bluefish fishing lure really is. In fact, this is a topic of hot debate for many avid fisherman. The fact is that when bluefish are biting they will go after almost any lure. That said, there are of course many lures that stand out to this popular marine game fish.

When you are fishing for bluefish the most important thing is that you grab their attention with a flashy fishing lure. Most avid fisherman prefer a few specific styles of lure including, jigs, spoons and popping surface plugs. These lures are preferred because they attract attention. If you are fishing in murky water using a flashy lure is essential if you expect to catch any bluefish.

When referring to a jig bluefish fishing lure it encompasses a wide variety of different styled lures. The standard jig lure has a single hook and a weighted head that is molded together into one unit. Often fishing lures have a soft plastic body and are adorned with things like feathers, yarn and other types of thread to make them more attractive to the fish. They may even be tipped with bait like, shrimp, bait fish or cut bait that is threaded into the jig head or added to the jig body.

Spoon fishing lures are widely used and have been since their creation in the mid 1800’s. These fishing lures are oblong and concave and they get their name because they resemble the end of a spoon. Spoon bluefish fishing lures attract fish because they reflect light and move randomly. They are usually metal and painted and they come in a variety of colors and styles. It is believed that the more vibrantly colored a spoon lure is the more likely it will help catch the fish.

Popping surface fishing lures are also widely used among avid fisherman successfully. Many avid fishermen believe that the commotion created by these lures agitates the bluefish and causes them to strike at the lure. This type of lure has been around for over 100 years, but like other time honored fishing lures has morphed with technology. These lures pop, rattle, and move around at the surface of the water enticing fish to come up for a bite. Most saltwater fish find these lures irresistible so they are not bad to have on hand in your tackle box anyway.

The style of bluefish fishing lure that you ultimately find works best for you depends largely on where you are are fishing and what season you are fishing in. It may be necessary to try out some of the different lures to find the style that works best for you. Once you have determined the lure that works best for you stick with it because buying other lures will probably be a waste of money.

You are about to enter the ultimate bluefish fishing lures resource….

Where to Find Bluefish Fishing Lures?

When you want to get quality bluefish fishing lures there are many places that you can go to buy them. Bluefish is one of the most popular marine game fish and it can be found in every climate so bluefish fishing lures are sold pretty much everywhere fishing supplies are sold. Depending on what style, brand, quality and how much you want to spend you may want to get your fishing lures from different places. You can buy them from bait and tackle shops, major retail chains, at online fishing supply websites or you can make them yourself.

Bait and Tackle Shops
One of the best places to buy bluefish fishing lures is from a bait and tackle shop. Bait and tackle shops may not have the selection that some of the other places have, but they have quality lures. They often have lures that are handmade by experts, proven lures and lures that work best for the area or region in which you are fishing. Plus, if you are out fishing and your current lure is not working out for you can usually find a bait and tackle shop that is close by to get a new lure.

Major Retail Chains
There are many major retail chains that have an outdoors department with bluefish fishing lures. If you are in an average department store you probably won’t have as much of a selection between lures. However, if you visit an outdoors store or sporting goods store they will carry a wide variety of quality lures for you to choose from. Often getting your lures from a retail chain is the least expensive route for buying fishing lures.

Online Fishing Supply Websites
One of the easiest ways to find the exact bluefish fishing lures that you are looking for is through an online fishing supply website. These websites have a variety of lures and they are typically very reasonably priced. Additionally, they often have solid advice on the different lures and their purposes. Shopping online for lures is and excellent way to stock up on lures so you have plenty of lures when you need them. Plus, you can often get a discount or free shipping if you order multiple lures at once.

Make Your Own Fishing Lures
It is not hard to make your own bluefish fishing lures if you know what you are doing. All you have to do is look at any basic fishing lure and you can easily see how they are made. All you need to do is gather the right materials and if need be get instructions from the Internet and you can easily construct your own lures. This is an extremely cost effective way of getting lures for fishing regardless of what type of fish you are trying to catch.

You are about to enter the ultimate bluefish fishing lures resource….

The 3 Different Ways To Filet A Crappie

Crappie is one of the most popular fish around partly because they make an excellent meal when they are prepared correctly. Catching the crappie is just the first step to a good meal. The next step is preparing them to be cooked. The method used for this preparation is called filleting. The main piece of equipment needed for filleting crappie is a really good sharp knife with at least a six-inch blade.

You should also have newspaper

1. Gather up all of your supplies and start by filling the bowl with salt water. Make the first cut parallel with the gills. This will be right beside the directional fin. Push the knife into the fish until you feel the bone but try not to cut the bone.

2. When you feel the bone you need to switch direction so the knife is parallel with the table. You will find that it works easier if you cut through the rib cage and now you are ready to start removing the meat.

3. You do need to keep the upper portion of the blade near the upper dorsal spine and lower part in the belly while cutting. When you reach the back fin all the meat should be separated.

Repeat this process on the opposite side.

4. Now it is time to remove the rib cage and skin from the crappie. Slide your knife between the meat and bone cage and then between the skin and meat to remove them from the fillet.

5. Now that you have two fillets of crappie you need to rinse them right away with cold water, then place the fillets in the bowl of salt water. Soak the fillets for twenty-fours and they will be ready to cook up for a delicious meal.

Third Method:
Let the crappie dry for a little bit so they will not be so slippery and you are ready to begin filleting. Place a wood block on the newspaper and put the crappie on this. The block makes it easier to get the knife parallel with the fish.

Put the knife under the front fin and behind the gills and start cutting. The top part of the knife needs to near the top of the fish and the bottom should be along the stomach. Cut towards the head of the fish angling the knife towards the center and when you feel the backbone stop before you cut it.

Start over doing the same thing only cutting towards the tail of the crappie and extend the top of the knife past the fin at the top. Don’t cut through the backbone but you do need to go through the stomach cavity and allow the bottom part of the knife to extend past the bottom fin.

This method will allow you to cut the fillet off the bone in nice even sections. Do the same to the other side and remove the stomach and rib bones by sliding the knife at a thirty degree angle between the fillet meat and the bones. Remove the skin the same way and discard these in the bucket for the remains.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Get more information on crappie fishing here: http://www.askcrappiefishing.com/.

Killer Catfish Bait Recipes - The Smellier The Better

Catfish is one of the oldest species of fish sought after today. The thing about the catfish that gets a lot of attention is the fact that catfish have a very keen sense of smell. What this means for the angler is that they will go after any type of bait that has a smell. In fact, the stronger the smell the more active it will make those catfish. This is why experienced anglers look for bait that grabs the attention of these fish and lures them in.

You can buy catfish bait but avid anglers agree that some of the best bait used for catfish fishing is actually the ones that you make yourself. There are a lot of killer catfish bait recipes available that can help to make each and every one of your fishing trips one that you will be talking about for a long time.

Three Killer Recipes

There are many different catfish recipes available that can be used with great success. There are so many different ones available that it can be a little difficult deciding which ones to start with. To help you get started here are three killer catfish bait recipes that are simple to make and very effective.

One killer catfish recipe calls for mixing one pound of limburger cheese with a little molasses and heating them together in a pot until they are melted. After it melts you need to start adding oatmeal to the mixture until it becomes thick enough to stick together. Place the mixture in a sealed container until needed. When you are ready to go fishing just wrap a small piece around your hook and start reeling in the catfish.

Chum Bait has always been one of the most popular types of catfish bait around and it is rather easy to make. First you need to choose the main ingredient to use. You can choose between shad, shrimp, mullet or anything similar to these. Put your selection into some type of blender and add bay or surf water to it and begin grinding them up together. Once it is all ground up together you need to put it in a freezer bag and keep it frozen until you are ready to use. When you are ready to go catfish fishing all you need to do is place the frozen mixture into the water and it will begin to melt and draw in the catfish.

Chicken liver bait is also an old favorite that is considered to be killer catfish bait. Start by placing a pound of grits into a bucket, add anise extract and chicken livers and mix well. Once the mixture reaches a consistency that holds together it is ready to use.

As you can see the main thing that all killer catfish recipes have in common is that they smell horrible and usually include something bloody or rotten. The worse the bait smells, the better it will draw in the catfish. Keep this in mind when mixing up your own bait to use.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best catfish fishing information possible. Get more information on catfish bait recipes here: http://www.askcatfishfishing.com/

Your Next Crappie Boat

One of the best ways to get to all of those hard to reach areas on the lakes and rivers is by the use of a boat. Are you ready to start searching for your next crappie boat? If so, then you probably all ready know that there are many different styles and sizes to choose from.

So how do you know which one would be the best suited for your needs? Below is a guide for selecting your next crappie boat that will help you make a selection that serves all your needs.

First of all, the word boat describes a big selection of watercrafts ranging from a tiny canoe to a huge yacht.

Therefore, the very first thing that you have to take into consideration is what size boat you want? The average size crappie fishing boat is about 15 to 17 feet long. This is a good size boat that allows you to have the room you need to carry your gear around but still be comfortable. It is also small enough to get you into those out of way places like coves where the crappie will be hiding out.

Freshwater Versus Saltwater

The second most important thing that you need to be concerned with is where you plan on going fishing. Will you be taking your boat out on freshwater lakes and rivers or do you plan on going out on the ocean. It does make a difference because many of the smaller fiberglass or aluminum boats that would be perfect for freshwater fishing would not fare to well in the rough environment of the ocean.

Saltwater boats also have the ability to handle some of the larger fish found out in the ocean where freshwater boats will not.

Fiberglass and aluminum crappie boats are lightweight making it easier for you to transport them and provide everything that you would need to make your fishing trip an enjoyable one.

Some boats are designed to be used in both freshwater and saltwater. Therefore, if you live in an area where you have a choice where you go, this would probably be the best option.

Pleasure or Professional

Another question that you need to ask yourself before you buy your next crappie boat is whether or not you plan to use it just for pleasure or professional fishing.

When looking for a crappie boat to use just for going out whenever you want to have fun with friends or family, there are no real requirements. You need to look for features that would make you comfortable and your fishing trips fun and exciting.

When buying a crappie boat for professional use you need to be a little pickier. Most serious anglers fishing for crappie professionally look for boats that provide more room to move around in. They also need a boat with lots of storage space and live wells for keeping the catch alive.

Normally, it would need to be wider so you can get around better and usually the square nose boats are best because they are not as deep as a V-boat making it easier to fish.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Get more information on crappie fishing here: http://www.askcrappiefishing.com/.

Saltwater Fly Fishing: Looking for Something Bigger Than Trout

The term “fly fishing” usually conjures images of gentle rivers or running mountain creeks and streams as the angler waits that first strike from the trout. Others see scenes from a movie like “A River Runs Through It,” but one of the last things most people think about when they hear fly fishing is the ocean. But saltwater fly fishing has become extremely popular over the past twenty years, and is now a favorite of many anglers.

Saltwater fly fishing is done with heavier tackle and usually with wet flies that will resemble local bait fish. Another common method is to fish using surface lures called “poppers,” which are similar to the same type of lures used for bass fishing, although these are much larger in order to attract the larger saltwater fish.

There are a large number of different fish that saltwater fly fishermen can go after, including bonefish, tuna, mahi-mahi (official state fish of Hawaii), sailfish, tarpon, striped bass, salmon, and even marlin. In addition, saltwater fly fishing looks quite a bit different than normal freshwater fly fishing.

Saltwater fly fishing does look quite a bit different from other forms of fly fishing, and anyone trying this for the first time should be aware of that. The equipment is different, as well, adjusting accordingly with the fish that are being sought. A freshwater fly rod and reel isn’t going to hold up against a tuna or marlin. Saltwater reels have to be larger, heavier, and more resistant to corrosion because of the salt. Some of the best saltwater reels can cost $500 or even more for the absolute top of the line models.

To go saltwater fly fishing, smaller species such as bonefish or striped bass can be caught from shore, while fishing for larger saltwater trophies will require a boat. Going out deeper with a boat is referred to as deep water fly fishing, and is the least popular of the two methods of saltwater fly fishing. The other more traditional method is to fish from shore, which looks far more like the freshwater version, is technically referred to as inshore fly fishing.

While saltwater fly fishing hasn’t come close to the popularity of its freshwater cousin, the popularity of this sport has exploded over the last two decades and continues to grow as more and more anglers are finding the joy in this niche form of fishing. As more people continue to move to the coasts, this sport is sure to continue to catch on and continue to gain in popularity.

If you would like to know more about fly fishing of all types, please feel free to visit.

Thanks for reading!

How To Build Crappie Fish Attractors

There are several ways you can build an attractor for both White and Black Crappie. The first thing to keep in mind is to keep your construction as natural as possible.

Too many times people get away from this concept when fishing. In performing this project or any other concept relating to fishing it is best to keep things simple and natural. What looks appealing to you might not look so well to the fish.

You first need to consider just what you are trying to accomplish. Yes you are building a device that will attract Crappie, but just how will your construction do this? Fish attractors work because they attract small fish and insects.

The Crappies move near the attractors for two reasons. First they give them a potential food source. Secondly they offer a form of protection again predation.

Remember Crappies are both predator and prey. Crappie needs hunting grounds that also offer them protection from the much larger fish they prey on them.

This is why tree work so well. The series of uneven branches on a tree offer the crappie small hiding places that large fish like Northern Pike, Musky or large catfish cannot hope to reach.

The best Crappie attractor you can build is simply put a tree. Many kinds of bushes will work also. The key concept you need to keep in mind is the need for many branches that offer hiding areas.

The best tree to use for this purpose would be an Evergreen tree. Evergreen tress have many branches and offer many hiding areas for the fish. They also are relatively light when compared to other trees, making them easy to work with. When picking a tree you should look for one with many branches of varying lengths and sizes.

I also advise selecting trees that once placed in the water will stand abut one foot under the surface of the water. If possible select an area of the lake that offers some wind protection. When you have a choice of locations be sure to find a place that is comfortable to fish.

A good Crappie attractor is very similar to a piece of real estate. Good location is the prime determining factor in the success or failure of the construction. Again remember why the attractor works. If you are trying to attract small fish and insects to your construction you should place it close to shore.

Crappie however also need some water depth. Ideally you want to place your attractor in six to ten foot deep water and as close to the shore as possible. Areas with a steep drop off from shore are excellent places for your construction.

To make an efficient Crappie attractor you should use a series of trees, at least five to seven evergreen trees. You want to place the trees in the water so that they have a base that rests on the bottom while the tree itself stands vertically as it would if it were alive and planted in the ground.

You can accomplish this by attaching the bottom of the tree to a base of at least one inch thickness and twenty four inches square. The base needs to be weighted so it sits on the bottom of the area of the lake you are placing it.

You then need to attach a flotation device of some kind to the top of the tree. It needs to be something that will cause the top of the tree to rise so it stands vertically. Leave about five to ten feet of separation between trees and place them in a circular formation.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Get more information on crappie fishing here: http://www.askcrappiefishing.com/.

A Guide For Crappie Fishing In Nebraska

Crappie fishing is very popular in Nebraska, which is why many anglers travel from all over the nation to visit this state.

If you are a visitor or if you have recently moved to Nebraska and you are ready to begin your crappie fishing expedition then this guide for crappie fishing in Nebraska can help you get started. It has much of the basic information needed to point you in the right direction.

The first thing that you need to do before you go crappie fishing anywhere is to know the area. There are several ways that you can go about gathering this information. The first way is to study maps of the lakes and go out exploring on your own. If you have the extra time and are not in any hurry to start reeling in the crappie, then this is a good idea.

You can have a lot of fun and excitement learning a new area this way. However, if you choose to do this you do need to be careful and stay safe. It is a good idea to have someone with you when out on the lakes and always let a family member know where you are going and when you plan on returning home.

Another option for learning the area is to hire a guide service to take you out on the different lakes crappie fishing. When hiring a guide service you need to talk to them and explain just what you are looking for and what you expect to get out of their service. This will help you to choose a service that suits your needs the best. By explaining what you would like from your fishing trips the service will know right away if they can accommodate your needs.

The guides that work for these services are well trained and know the area very well. They can teach you a lot of the important information that you need to stay safe while crappie fishing in Nebraska and give you advice on the hot spots and how to reel in the crappie. These services will be able to take you out on all the lakes from the smallest to the largest depending on what you want to get out of your fishing trips and how much time you have to spend here fishing.

Rules and Regulations

Learning the rules and regulations concerning crappie fishing in Nebraska is very important. They may be different from the state in which you are use to doing your crappie fishing. You need to learn what the catch limits are and what you need to do to have a states fishing license and so forth.

You not only need to learn about the different rules concerning fishing but if you plan to take a boat out on the lakes, then it is necessary for you to learn the boating rules and regulations as well. This is the only way you will be able to abide by all the laws and stay safe while crappie fishing in Nebraska.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Get more information on crappie fishing here: http://www.askcrappiefishing.com/.

How To Catch Crappie In Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain is located in the northern part of the United States and is considered one of the best places to go crappie fishing around. It borders both New York and Vermont on the eastern side of the lake and the Adirondack Mountains are on the west side. I

n the United States it is recognized as the sixth largest freshwater lake because it stretches one hundred twenty miles long and it is a little more than ten miles wide in some places. This clear water lake is approximately four hundred feet deep and you will find more than seventy islands scattered throughout its waters.

The Richelieu River is the outflow for Lake Champlain and there are more than thirty tributaries that drain into it making it an excellent habitat for a variety of fish species to thrive. There are many different species of fish in this lake but the crappie fishing is still considered to be excellent. In fact, you can fish for crappie in this lake all year long with some great results.

Become a Part of the Crew

When visiting Lake Chaplain you will find many charters that you can use to help you explore the lake. Using a charter is the best way to get the most from your fishing adventures and have the chance to reel in a good number of crappie each time you go out. These guides are experienced fishermen that have the training and ability to make your fishing trips fun and enjoyable. They know exactly where to go and which type of bait works the best.

When you use one of the charters that go out on Lake Chaplain it is hard not to feel like one of the crew members. The guides are so helpful and knowledgeable that you will have the opportunity to do some serious fishing. As you are standing there throwing out your line and reeling in crappie like crazy, you will feel as if you have been doing this forever.

Before long you will be comfortable and relaxed and know exactly what to use and when. You will feel just like one of the crew and you will have some great fishing stories to tell afterwards. Hiring a charter is easy and it will make your crappie fishing trips on Lake Champlain much more enjoyable than trying to find the hotspots on your own. This is especially true if you have never fished this lake before and are not familiar with the area. You will find that charters are affordable and lots of fun.

How to Reel In the Crappie

Crappies are pretty simple fish that can be caught using just about any method you choose. It is good to know they are school fish which means they hang out together in groups. When you get one bite there are sure to be many more following so get ready to start reeling them in. However, if you go for more than twenty minutes or so without a bite, then it is time to change the bait or locations because you should have gotten results by this time.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Get more information on crappie fishing here: http://www.askcrappiefishing.com/.

How To Use Crappie Fishing Waypoints To Beat Anglers To The Punch

During the fishing season, you find some exceptional areas to crappie fish. When you use the GPS to pinpoint the areas that are known to have crappie populations, you can program that area into the GPS.

The waypoints will help you out the next time you go fishing. Some anglers actually sell their waypoints, which pinpoint the area to fish for crappies, for a fee. These waypoints are marks on the GPS for certain lakes. By using these waypoints, you can go right to the area where the fish were biting last month or in some cases, last year.

Before you use the waypoints to find the crappies and beat other anglers to the punch, you must know what a waypoint is and how to use it. The waypoints are logged into the GPS as latitude and longitude. The waypoints will guide you back to a specific area within three meters.

When you use the waypoints to track the crappie, you will be heading back to a point that was home to the crappies. This would be idea for fall and winter crappies, but many anglers can swear by this method during the summer months as well.

Keeping track of the waypoints will get you right back to the location where you have had good fishing. By returning to these areas, you do not have to spend time searching or guessing where to start looking. The nice thing is that it cuts down on wasted time because you go directly to the spot using the GPS waypoints.

The fact that the waypoints can be within three meters, you can be very close to the area. If you have a map, you may want to make note of a point of interest or some other thing around the area as well.

The waypoints are just another way to pinpoint where you want to go back to when fishing the lake for crappie. If you do not have a GPS, you can do this with a map of the lake and mark the locations. There are many ways to beat everyone else to the fish. You just have to be creative.

Before the day of GPS devices, anglers used a map with latitude and longitude marks on the sides. Doing this will also help you track the waypoints. Many anglers will tell you that this is a good way to go right back to the place where you had the best luck.

Here is a sample waypoint:

N31.06.25 W 97 28.40 Then here you can give a little description

N31 06.73 W97 28.53 Then here you put another description.

These waypoints continue until you reach your destination. To keep every set of waypoints separate, give them a letter for the name of the lake. This will help you in the future when you fish different lakes with a GPS or a notebook. Some anglers will give coordinates out, but they have not used the coordinates for a while.

This would mean that you would not know for sure if the lake has underground any changes. Any changes on the lake can change where the fish are or if they are still even close to the waypoints. Remember to check for changes on the lake before relying on the waypoints.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Get more information on crappie fishing here: http://www.askcrappiefishing.com/.

Catching Crappie In Lake Granger, Texas

First off, the important thing to know about crappie fishing in Lake Granger, Texas is that the bad limit is twenty-five a day with a minimum length of ten inches. This is a good catch for the day when you are thinking about a fish dinner. Crappie fishing is one of the most popular fish to bag in Texas. It seems to be the easiest fish to catch from shore or a boat. If you are in need of a tasty delight for dinner, crappie fishing on Lake Granger will be the place to go. Lake Granger is a popular lake for crappies.

The area is shallow and the crappies are found by the laydowns, stumps and willow areas. If you fish by the channels by the old creeks, the crappies are heavy. The ridges and humps on the main part of the lake is another great area for fishing crappie. The main lake area has some brush piles that were man made and the crappies seem to find these areas ideal for lurking. The lake and the channels are good places to start looking for crappies. They seem to like the underwater structures in the deeper waters and remain in the shallow waters of the channels during the spring and summer months.

Although, many anglers will tell you that fishing during the spring is the best, fall is a great time to fish crappies. In February, the fish are moving into the shallows while getting ready for the spawn. When the water temperatures hit fifty-six degrees, the crappies will start spawning. When this happens, you can find the crappies in a foot of water. This is easy catching on Lake Granger, Texas. The abundance of crappies means waiting until after the spawn is not really necessary since they are over populated everywhere.

When the fish are located by the underwater structures and in the channels, you can actively fish with a one-sixteenth or one-eighths tube jig. Use a small minnow to attract the crappies. Anything large will repel the fish. They are small and do not usually attack something larger than they are. Night crawlers are used sometimes, but the best bait has been minnows. Anglers have tried artificial lure as well and always seem to resort to minnows in the end. If you want a good catch, use the jig and a minnow on Lake Granger.

Lake Granger is called a turbid lake because of the high winds that can last for days. The water stays turbid for days following the ceasing of the winds. There is one guide service for Lake Granger, but if you have a boat, canoe or Kayak, you will be all set to catch the crappies. It is best to have a fish locator so you can find the best areas to catch the fish. The water clarity is about four on a scale of one to ten. This is still prime crappie fishing. The area is quiet because there is no water sport allowed on the lake, which means there is nothing the send the fish deep.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Get more information on crappie fishing here: http://www.askcrappiefishing.com/.

Crappie USA Tournaments: Quick Tips For Entering And Placing High

Crappie USA was established in 1996 to make family oriented tournaments available for anglers to enjoy. National sponsors recognize this company as one of the top promotional marketing companies around relating to this type of industry.

It established different divisions to separate male, females, adults and children within the tournaments to promote family fishing by making a special division for each group. The idea behind these divisions was to make it possible for families to enjoy tournament fishing together.

Entering tournaments provide anglers with an opportunity to compete with others for some great prizes. It is fun, exciting and very rewarding. Thanks to crappie USA entering tournaments can now be enjoyed by the whole family and by anglers of all skill levels. There are tournaments designed for amateurs who are still learning the basics and for the advanced angler who is ready to do some serious crappie fishing.

There are even special events called super tournaments that are designed especially for those who are looking for more competition than the advanced tournaments have to offer. Learning more about the tournaments and how to enter into them is easy. Just visit their online site and you will have access to all the information you need.

Tips for Entering USA Tournaments

There are two ways of entering USA tournaments that are fast and easy. You can pick up an entry form from any major tackle shop located in your area. Fill it our and mail it in to the address located on the form. You can also go online to their website and enter there. This is the fastest and easiest way to enter the tournaments.

You will have to be an ACA member before you can register to be in one of these tournaments so if you are not a member already you will need to become one. This is not very difficult to do, in fact there is a space on the site that allows you to fill out some information and become a member. Taking care of all of this in advance will ensure you a place in the tournament of your choice.

Make sure that you go over all the rules and regulations of the tournaments before entering so you know exactly what you are suppose to do and when. This is a very important step that will save you a lot of headaches on the day of the tournament and help to make everything go smoothly. It is vital that you are prepared for the tournament as well so, before the big day you should make sure everything is in order.

You will need to make sure you have your fishing license and that it is updated. Go through your gear and do a double check to make sure you have everything ready that you want to take with you. Be sure and take extra equipment with you just in case, you never know what might happen during a tournament. It is for this reason that it is always a good idea to pack rain gear and an extra set of clothing as well.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Get more information on crappie fishing tournaments here: http://www.askcrappiefishing.com/.

Catfish In Richland Oregon - A Night Eater

The first thing to realize about cat fishing is that this fish is a night eater. They will snap a bite during the day, but it is rare. To catch a catfish in Richmond, Oregon, you will want to fish at night. This is a great way to catch some trophy size fish. The catfish does prefer the darker waters and this is the reason for night fishing.

They become more active than they would be during the day. The catfish that is caught during the day would be hiding in spots that are sheltered from the sun. This could be under dead wood or even in deeper waters where the sun does not reach.

The catfish has a preferred diet that will include mollusks, frogs, dead fish, live small fish, larvae, insects and crayfish. The catfish can be caught with a minnow as well if it is large enough.

Hooking the catfish can be done with a jig and a live bait or with a fish head. The bigger catfish will devour a fish head. It is possible to catch some catfish that weigh upwards of sixty pounds. These fish are going to be caught using a fish head and some strong fishing lines.

The test line to use is going to be at least thirty-pound test if you are going out for the big cats.

You should have at least one hundred and forty feet of test line and a strong braided leader line. The leader line should be at least sixteen inches long. The pole is going to be seven or eight feet long.

You will not need to have a pole that is lightweight to catch a catfish. You will need a pole that is strong and durable. The catfish can cause havoc on a test line, reel and pole. You need equipment that can handle the weight and fight of the catfish.

When you are thinking about fishing for catfish, you must approach each lake and river differently. One way to be acquainted with a lake or river is by hiring a guide service.

This is just one way to learn about the areas in which to fish, where to find the fish and how to find the fish. A fish locator is not always the best idea. You have to look for the underwater humps and deep holes within the lake or river. Catfish are not going to be around in the sun. You have to have a map to see what areas are far enough down from the surface to catch the big ones.

Fishing for catfish can be done by trolling, drifting, still dropping or in some cases jigging. The best way to catch a catfish is to still drop.

Everyone has a different technique for fishing catfish, but if you find a place where the catfish are lurking, you can simply drop the bait right into the school and get some bites.

In some cases, trolling will work if you know where the catfish is hiding in the shadows. Cast into the sunny area and allow the bait to drift to the shaded area. The catfish will strike if they see something in front of them.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best catfish fishing information possible. Get more information on catfish fishing tips here: http://www.askcatfishfishing.com/

Yellow Perch Fishing Strategies

The yellow perch is a small species of fish that is sought after for their excellent taste. When cooked correctly the flavor produced by this fish species is magnificent. Perch are mostly found in the Great Lakes and usually stay near the bottom of the water. The perch also travel in groups or schools just like many other species. Therefore, once you start getting the first bite you have normally found a whole group of them.

In the early mornings and late evenings is when the perch are most actively feeding but they can be caught anytime during the day. You can also catch them any season even though spring and summer do appear to be the most productive times. This is one reason why perch fishing is so popular. The fact that you can go out most any time and come back with a nice catch of perch makes it very appealing to many anglers.

Due to their small size the perch will not put up a huge struggle like many of the larger species of fish but they can keep up with any fish that is close to their size. You can expect the yellow perch to be between seven to nine inches long. Occasionally you may catch one that is a little longer but this is very rare. To make sure you have the most luck when fishing for perch there are certain strategies you can follow to help you achieve the best results.

Using the following perch fishing strategies will help make all of your fishing trips a more productive and fun experience.

Perch will use the sunlight to help them locate their prey so when you are fishing at night you will achieve the best results when you are in locations that are well lit by a full moon, lanterns and other artificial lights.

When you set the hook it is important that you use a quick snapping motion. However, it is important that you make sure you do not jerk too hard or you may pull the hook right through its mouth.

Use a cork or float on your line to help you see when you are getting a bite. It can be adjusted according to the depth in which you are fishing. The size cork you need will depend on whether or not you use a weight and the size of the weight. The cork will help you know when it is time to set the hook.

Do not over bait the hook because if you do they will only nibble at the excess hanging from the hook instead of actually taking the bait and you will have a harder time catching the perch.

Bright flashy lures will attract their attention and draw the perch in your direction so keep this in mind when you are selecting lures.

Some of the best bait to use includes minnows, worms, insect larvae, bread and even crackers although it never hurts to experiment with different types of bait to see what happens.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Get more information on yellow perch here: http://www.askcrappiefishing.com/.

Crappie in Lake Granger How to Catch Them

Texas is famous for many different reasons and its great crappie fishing is one of them. One of the best places to go fishing in Texas for crappie is Lake Granger. This lake can be found in Williamson County just northeast of Austin. It was impounded in 1980 and covers a surface area of 4,009 acres. This lake is approximately fifty feet deep.

When fishing Lake Granger in Texas you will find that the crappie fishing is best in the spring but the fall can be very productive as well. Most of the water here is muddy and much of the lake is shallow making it a great place to go crappie fishing. This is the type of habitat in which they thrive. You will find both black and white crappie in this Lake.

These two types of crappie are very similar but there are a few distinguishing differences that make it easy to tell them apart. The white crappie has dark vertical bands on their sides and they are a silver color while the black crappie has dark blotches scattered over their silvery-green body. Crappie can grow up to 4.5 pounds but the average size for this species is about two pounds.

When and Where to Fish Lake Granger

Crappie will bite all year long if you are lucky enough to find where they are located. They will start moving towards the shallow water in February and they begin spawning when the water reaches about fifty-six degrees. During the spawning season the crappie can be caught in shallow water as low as one to two feet deep. This is the time when they feed the most actively and are usually easy to catch.

You will find many flooded trees in the upper portion of the reservoir and this is a great place to look for the crappie. Other parts of Lake Granger has an abundance of main-lake humps, stumps, laydowns, pilings, docks, ridges and drop-offs, which is exactly the type of environment where the crappie can thrive. There is also a lot of brush that was placed in the Lake by anglers to provide more great places for the crappie to live and grow. However, to find many of these you will need to use electronic equipment.

When the crappie are biting good many anglers have found that a 1/16 or a 1/8 ounce tube jig works very well. Minnows usually always produce great results no matter when you go crappie fishing on Lake Granger. It is good to try a variety of different methods when fishing this lake to see which ones work the best for you.

When fishing for crappie in Lake Granger there are a few tips that can help you reel in more fish each time you go out. If you are fishing for black crappie, then you need to search in clear water around vegetation. If you prefer the white crappie, then they can be found mostly in dark and murky waters around brush and submerged trees.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Get more information on crappie fishing here: http://www.askcrappiefishing.com/.

Lake Lanier Crappie Fishing

Lake Lanier can be found in the state of Georgia and is fed by the Chestatee River. Lake Lanier holds 38,000 acres of water and has a shoreline that stretches 692 miles long. It is sometimes referred to as Lake Sidney Lanier and it is an excellent place to go crappie fishing. One reason anglers have such great success here is because the water is perfect for catching crappie. This species of fish can be spooked very easily in clear water and so the stained water of Lake Lanier is a perfect environment for catching them.

Lake Lanier is one of Georgia’s main attractions and the crappie can be found mostly on the northern end of this lake. As the temperature of the water begins to warm up you will find the crappie in the shallow water located around docks, brush and other structures. You will get the best results when you fish around areas with plenty of shade. You will also find them grouped together near and in the major bends of the lake.

Many times you can search for docks that already have rod holders attached and you will know where other anglers have had good luck in the past. After a good rain the water in Lake Lanier is even darker than normal making it that much easier to catch the crappie. Many anglers that fish this lake regular say they have the best results when they use small minnows and jigs to fish for the crappie.

How to Catch Crappie in Lake Lanier
Catching crappie in Lake Lanier is fairly easy if you know where to look. The north end of the lake usually produces the best results when fishing for crappie. This is partly because the water is darker here so the number of crappie is greater in this area than in other part of the lake. The more abundant the crappie the better results you can expect.

Crappie is what anglers call line sensitive fish and so you will get the best results when you use four pound test line to fish for them. Of course, if you are fishing really close to structures you may want to go a little heavier to avoid breakage of your line from the structures. You should also use an ultralight fishing rod because these will help you feel when the crappie takes the bait. Spincasting and mini-baitcasting reels are the most popular ones to use.

Even though it seems like crappie are able to distinguish colors the water will distort the color of the lure you are using. Things like how deep the fish are located in the water, the temperature of the water and how clear the water is will all affect the color of the lures used. Many anglers have reported having the best luck when they use white, red or chartreuse lure for fishing in Lake Lanier. If you believe there is a school of crappie located in the area you are fishing but they are not taking your bait, try a different color to see if you get better results. The best weight to use seems to be ones weighing 1/32 ounce.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Get more information on crappie fishing Lake Lanier here: http://www.askcrappiefishing.com/.

Grenada Lake Crappie Fishing

There is a lot to be said about Grenada Lake crappie fishing because it is one of the best places in the nation for both families and serious anglers to go when they are ready to reel in the crappie. Did you know that Grenada Lake is the largest lake found in Mississippi? In fact, the dam is 80 feet deep and 13,900 feet long. Due to the fact that it is so large is one of the reasons it is considered one of the very best lakes in the state for crappie fishing. Another great feature of Grenada Lake is that it is the home of some very large crappie. Therefore, if you are after a trophy fish, this is definitely the place to be.

If you combine the land and water together at Grenada Lake it will cover just over 90,000 acres and has so much to offer the visitors that come from all over to fish for crappie. There are three hundred campsites available so you can make arrangements to spend the night. This will give you the opportunity to catch even more crappie. You will find many picnic sites along with several boat ramps and beaches for swimming for the non-fishermen in your group. This makes it the perfect place for the whole family. While you are out reeling in those big ones they can be enjoying all the other amenities the area has to offer.

Grenada Lake Spring Fishing
The climate in Mississippi is very mild most of the year but when the cold weather comes in the temperature usually reaches around the low forties, which still isn’t very cold. When midsummer rolls around it brings with it high temperatures that can reach as much as 100 degrees, which makes it difficult to catch crappie during the day. The best time to go crappie fishing is in the spring but the fall and winter can be very productive as well.

Many anglers prefer fishing in the spring because this is the time that the crappies are getting ready to spawn. This means that they are also looking for food to eat. The fish will migrate to the shallow water where you can get to them easier, which is another reason why spring fishing is so popular. When fishing Grenada Lake in the spring you need to look for the crappie around structures, banks, docks and grassy areas. Once you locate a few crappie in an area the odds are that there are many more around.

Your presentation is important during the spring even though it is the time of year when the crappies are actively feeding. You do need to be aware that during early spring sometimes the crappie may still be a bit sluggish when it comes to going after the bait. It is for this reason that you need to get the bait as close to the fish as you can to receive the best results.

Basic Information about Grenada Lake
It is good to know a little history about Grenada Lake before you go crappie fishing. In January of the year 1954 Grenada Lake was finished and opened up to the public. During the winter the water level will drop considerably due to a system that was put into effect to help control the flooding that can occur during the spring. This system has worked very well throughout the years.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Get more information on crappie fishing Grenada Lake here: http://www.askcrappiefishing.com/.

How To Catch Crappie With Custom Crappie Jigs

While minnows make be the best live bait for crappie year-around, there are times when jigs are equal, or even better for the task at hand.

I divide jigs into 4 categories.
1. Jigs with real feathers or bucktail.
2. Jigs with plastic bodies on the hook.
3. Jigs that insert into plastic bodies
4. Horse-Head jigs with spinners

The first category is the simple, long-lived and incredibly successful Marabou jig. More crappie have been caught on this jig than all the others put together. It is simply a colored ball-headed jig with a corresponding color of marabou, or sometimes bucktail, and chenille tied to the collar. The usual sizes are 1/16 and 1/32 oz.

This is the stereotypical crappie jig. It can be fished at any depth, singly or in tandem , or under a bobber. It has produced crappie when absolutely nothing else works. They are cheap to buy, or easy to make yourself. No crappie fisherman should ever be without a selection of these in white, yellow and chartreuse.

Next are the standard jig heads, either ball or bullet head, with a plastic curly-tail, minnow body or similar shape body impaled on the hook and around the collar. These are very handy because they allow you to change bodies quickly without removing the jig-head from your line. This allows you to switch colors rapidly until you find the right combination.

Like the marabou jig, they can be fished at any depth, singly or in tandem, or below a bobber. The most famous of this type of jig is probably the Sassy Shad, and Sassy Grub. Again, the best colors are white, yellow and chartreuse.

About 30 years ago, a new type of jig hit the market. It was revolutionary in that the entire jig-head fit inside the jig, giving a life-like look and feel to it. It has almost replaced the marabou jig as the industry standard for crappie.

They are extremely successful, especially with moody, suspending fish! Like the marabou jig, it can be fished at any depth, singly or tandem, or under a float. They come in every color combination imaginable, and in every usable size to catch just about everything that swims in fresh or salt water.

For crappie, you will want to stick to the 1-1/2 to 2 inch sizes. Any combination that has the colors yellow, white or chartreuse in it will work. The most popular brand of these is called the Gitz-It. Every crappie angler needs a selection of these in the appropriate sizes and colors.

Lastly are the Horse-Head type jigs. These have a bent-down nose, giving them the horse-head appearance. This imparts a slight wiggling action to the jig that some feel enhances its fish catching ability. They have a body of chenille and marabou, or use plastic bodies, much as other jigs do. It is a bit heavier than the other jigs, so they are a good choice when crappie are deep.

They sometimes have a small spinner added to them to provide more action and flash. They are usually fished singly, and retrieved like a crank-bait, only slower. They are not a good choice for suspended or moody crappie.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Get more information on crappie fishing here: http://www.askcrappiefishing.com/.

Crappie Fishing Inventions That Will Help You Catch More Fish

Crappie fishing is fun and exciting for anglers regardless of how much experience you have. Once you reel them in you get to take them home and have a wonderful meal. Crappies are considered one of the best tasting fish available with a white flaky body and a flavor that adults and children love. People everywhere enjoy the taste of crappie and the fun they have when they go crappie fishing.

This species of fish are known by many different names such as specks, papermouths, calicos and white perch to name a few depending on where you are fishing. Crappie fishing is such a popular sport that throughout the years there have been several inventions to hit the market designed to help you catch more fish. Some of these inventions are small and simple and others are pretty complicated but they all make a difference in how much success you can enjoy each time you go crappie fishing. Below you will find a list of inventions that have changed the way we fish.

Crappie fishing inventions:

Crappie Fishing Rod - The fishing rod is one of the main pieces of equipment used when fishing. The crappie fishing rods are designed more limber to help you feel the action. You can barely feel the crappie when they take the bait and this makes it hard to know when you have an actual bite and when the water is moving the bait around. However, when you use a rod designed for crappie fishing it will be easier to tell the difference and you can catch more crappie.

Crappie Fishing Jigs - There have been many jigs invented just for catching crappie. They are specifically designed to attract the attention of the crappie so you have the opportunity to catch more fish.

Fishing Boats - In the past boats were plain and simple and not very comfortable. Today you can have all the comforts you want in any style boat you like. You can even order your boat custom made to fit your individual needs if you want something special.

Electric Motors - Many years ago fishermen used paddles to move across the water but it was very difficult to go far. The electric motors made it possible for fishermen to get out into the deeper waters and position their boats wherever they want so they can enjoy a great day of fishing.

Trolling Motors - These motors are a little different from the electric motor because they are smaller and they run quieter allowing the angler to get closer to the crappie without disturbing the school. They also help you get up into coves and other hard to reach areas where the crappies like to hide out.

Spin Cast Reels - These reels make it easier to catch crappie because they work better with the light tackle that is needed for crappie fishing. They also make reeling in the line much smoother than other types of reels.

Monofilament Fishing Line - This type of line works great for crappie fishing and any other type of fishing for that matter plus, it last much longer than
other types fishing line.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Get more information on crappie fishing here: http://www.askcrappiefishing.com/.

A Quick Guide For Finding The Best Louisiana Crappie Fishing Guides

The type of bait used is one thing to consider when choosing a Louisiana crappie fishing guide. If the guide service uses live or artificial bait might be a concern for some anglers. For the most part, guide services will use both methods, but some do use only one or the other. If this is your first time bass fishing, you may want to consider a guide service that uses both methods so you know what to expect when you bass fish yourself without using a guide. The person you talk to should be able to tell you before making any reservations what type of bait is used.

Find out if the guide service will guarantee that you will catch crappie. This is the only question that can be answered both ways. If the guide service tells you that there is no guarantee that you will catch a fish, they are telling you the truth. However, if the guide service tells you that they guarantee you will catch a bass, they could be telling the truth. Each service knows the area they are fishing in and some may fish in an area that is over run with bass. The other service may work in an area that takes some time to catch a bass and cannot say for sure if you will or not. Ask questions and find out why the one that guarantees you will catch a fish can say this for sure.

What food and drinks will the guide service have available or do you bring your own. Choose a guide service that lets you bring your own food and drink. Not everyone can eat or drink the same things that others do. It is always nice to be able to bring your own food and drink so that you are not left without anything. Some services have guidelines as to what you can drink or eat and this should be discussed before you go to the boat.

Find out the area that will be fished for crappies. Some people will have different areas that they want to fish in and not fish. If you have a specific area you wish to fish, make sure to find out if this is possible. Just because a guide takes you somewhere the first time you visit, does not mean you will go back to that particular area where you had the best luck

Find out what you need to bring along. The guide service should tell you ahead of time what you would need to bring along for the fishing trip. See if the guide service will supply the equipment, tackle and bait. This is important when deciding if the price of the service is well worth the money. If they supply everything, then you probably, only need to bring a change of clothes, sunglasses and sunscreen. If you need your own equipment, you will need to know what they let you take onboard. They may have certain requirements and guidelines for the type of equipment used.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Get more information on Louisiana crappie fishing guides here: http://www.askcrappiefishing.com/.

How To Locate Crappie In Almost Any Body Of Water

One thing that needs to be understood to successfully pursue crappie is that they are a migratory fish. They are constantly in transit from one mode, to another. And, just like birds, each school follows its own regular path to and from the same destinations every year. Where you find them this year at this time, you will find them in the same time and place next year.

In January and February in the south, and April and June up north, crappies begin to prepare for the ordeal of spawning. All winter, they have been holding in mid to deep water, usually at least 25 feet deep, where they suspend at different depths according to the temperature. They hold over structure and off of creek beds, channels and coves.

When the water temperature approaches 60 degrees F., crappie will begin to move towards suitable spawning grounds in shallow water. Bear in mind that surface temperature is usually several degrees warmer. You want to know what the temperature is at around 10 feet deep. Males will begin to come in first, traveling along lines of structure, along creek beds, channels, submerged timber, and any other available cover. Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water are good places to start looking. Females follow soon after.

Pre-spawn crappie often hold off of points that slope towards channels and drop-offs. This is a perfect place to use small sinking crank-baits. Use light line and work them from shallow to deep water. In rivers, look for pre-spawn crappie in tributaries, and siltier water, as it warms up first. Crappie will leave the main river channel and move towards areas with less current. Look for them anywhere there is a current break, and heavy cover. Crappie move upstream looking for spawning places.

When they come to tailraces behind dams, they will congregate in large numbers in the slower water along the edges, especially near undercuts and current breaks. Spring weather can be unpredictable in some parts of the country. If a cold front moves in after crappie have started their migrations, they will return to deeper water, and start all over. They will follow the same path in and out, so if you found them once, you can find them again.

When the water temperature approaches 60 degrees, females will come into shallow water, 4-6 feet deep, on flats near cover, and lay their eggs. Then, the females move off to deeper water and the males remain to guard the nest, striking viciously at anything that comes near it. Any time of day or night is productive now. This is the time of year that crappie aficionados wait for all-year.

All, you have to do is find them, and they will hit virtually anything thrown at them! They will migrate along natural cover such as submerged timber, creek channels, and especially feeder creek beds, and then nest in nearby shallow flats, and especially coves with stick-up type structure such as pilings, docks, trees, rocks, etc. They build bowl-shaped nests in gravel, sand or substrate.

After the eggs hatch, usually within 48-53 hours, they move off to mid-depths, relating to structure, and suspending usually near the thermocline. They will remain in this state until the water begins to cool in the fall.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Get more information on crappie fishing here: http://www.askcrappiefishing.com/.

Bake, Fry, Grill or Smoke Catfish

There are many ways to cook catfish. You can bake, fry, grill or smoke catfish.

If you have recipes that sound tasty, chances are that they will be very tasty.

One recipe that you might enjoy trying because it is so good is the:

Grilled Catfish Barbecue.

You will need:

Two pounds of catfish fillets
1 T brown sugar packed
1 t seasoned salt
1/2 t pepper
1/2 t garlic powder
1/2 t onion powder
2 t Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup of vinegar (cider)
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup canola oil

Place the catfish fillets in a pan so they are not overlapping each other.

In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar and ketchup together. Add the oil and beat hard to make the mixture slightly foamy.

With a brush, coat the catfish fillets with the mixture and retain the rest for the other side. Place the pan in the refrigerator for 15 minutes, then take them out, and flip them over.

Brush the mixture on the other side and place in the refrigerator for another 15 minutes.

Save the leftover mixture for grilling.

Spray the grill with a non-stick spray. Place the grill five inches from the coals and place the catfish fillets on the grill.

Brush some more mixture on the fillets. Shut the cover of the grill and cook for six minutes. Open the cover, flip the fillets, and brush with the mixture.

Go the cover and cook another 6 minutes. Serve immediately.

There are many different recipes for catfish, but some might take a little longer to make than others. If you want something that is great for meals, you might enjoy this recipe:

Tacos Catfish Style

You will need:

One pound of catfish fillets cut into one-inch strips
1 cup of cabbage, shredded
1/2 cup of cilantro, chopped
1 cup of cornmeal
1 Tablespoon chili powder
1 Tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 cup of corn oil
1/2 cup of mayo
2 Tablespoons salsa
Tortillas (small)

In a bowl, mix the mayo and salsa together and set aside. In another bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning, chili powder and cornmeal and set aside. Heat the oil in a fry pan.

Wash the filets under cold water and coat with the mixture with cornmeal. Fry about four minutes aside until crispy and brown.

Remove from the fry pan and get sit on some paper towels. Heat the tortillas over a medium heat in a non-stick pan. Each side should take 30 seconds.

Place two tortillas together, add some cabbage, some catfish, and then add the cilantro. Add one tablespoon of the mayo mixture. Fold the shell in half and enjoy. This recipe makes about 4 servings.

If you are looking for something a little different, try this recipe and see how long the catfish fillets last.

Stuffed Cream Cheese Catfish

You will need:

Four catfish fillets
1/2 t salt
1/4 t pepper
1 t lemon juice
1 cup bread crumbs (fresh)
3 T cream cheese
1 T celery, chopped
1 T onion, chopped
1 t parsley
1 t thyme

1/2 t pepper
1/4 t pepper
1 t lemon juice
8 bacon slices, cooked
Strips of pimiento

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best catfish fishing information possible. Get more information on catfish fishing tips here: http://www.askcatfishfishing.com/

Old School Catfish Dip Bait Recipes

Catfish fishing is one of the oldest sports in the world and enjoyed by men and women of all ages. Anyone that has even been catfish fishing knows that dip baits are some of the best options available if you want to reel in the fish. You can buy dip bait in many of the local fishing shops and similar places but you can also make your own.

In fact, anglers have been making their own catfish dip bait for years which is why there are so many different recipes available to choose from. The more you learn about catfish, their habitat and what gets their attention, the more you will understand why this type of bait is so popular. It really does work that well.

Here are five old school catfish dip bait recipes that have been around for a long time and continue to work great.

One old school recipe that is very simple and efficient requires Sugar Pops and ketchup. All you need to do is soak the Sugar Pops in ketchup overnight in a plastic tub with a lid and keep refrigerated. This allows the ketchup to soak in really well.

When you are ready to use the catfish dip bait all you need to do is place them on the end of the hook and cast your line. Once it hits the water the ketchup will start dissolving and this will attract the catfish.

Using peanut butter to make catfish dip bait has always been an old favorite of anglers everywhere. One recipe calls for making a peanut butter sandwich and cutting off the crust. Put this into a bowl and add a couple tablespoons of water.

Too much water will just make a mess. You then need to start kneading the mixture together with your hands until it no longer sticks to your skin or the bowl. Now you just pinch off enough to put on the hook and you are ready to cast in your line.

Cheese baits are among the highest praised catfish dip bait ever used. One old school recipe calls for melting half a pound of limburger cheese and two tablespoons of molasses in a pot. Once this mixture has melted start adding oatmeal to it until it reaches the right consistency to stick together.

Remember that it takes a few minutes for the oatmeal to expand so add slowly. When finished, all you need to do is place a small amount of the mixture around the hook and cast it into the water. The catfish will go crazy.

Using chicken livers always gets results and one recipe requires that you put one pound of plain grits in a bucket, then add chicken livers and anise extract to the bucket to make a mixture that will hold together. Once it reaches this consistency you are ready to go catfish fishing.

This old school catfish dip requires the use of corn flakes, cheese power, water and creamy peanut butter. Put some corn flakes in a bowl and add water. Then start mixing them together. When finished let it sit for a few minutes and then add the cheese and continue mixing.

Next, mix in the peanut butter until it all sticks together. Pinch off enough to roll up balls of different sizes to fish with and put in the freezer until you are ready for your next fishing trip.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best catfish fishing information possible. Get more information on catfish bait recipes here: http://www.askcatfishfishing.com/

Using The Right Catfish Bait On The Mississippi River

There are of course many different types of bait you can use to catch Catfish on the Mississippi River. Consider for a minute what a Catfish might normally eat in this habitat. The choices are many; the Mississippi River contains a very diverse habitat of fish and other forage for a Catfish to feed on.

Live fish would be my first choice of bait to use. Any sort of live fish will do, but I do like to follow two principles when selecting live bait. First choose a fish that is available or better yet abundant in the body of water you are fishing. The hardy white sucker that inhabits much of the Northern Mississippi River is a much better bait in Minnesota than it would be in Mississippi for instance. Fishing the Southern Mississippi River waters a large shiner might make a better choice. I like to catch my own bait when I fish the river. Using a minnow seine, cast net or baitfish trap I know the small bait I catch will be matched to the available forage. Do be sure to consult the laws of the state you are fishing. Different states have different laws concerning the use of each of these items.

You can fish live bait in several different manners. Sometimes I like to suspend my bait under a bobber and cast it into the water and let the current move it from spot to spot. This works best in backwater sections of the river where the current is not so fast. If the current is too fast it is not a good idea as Catfish are a bit sluggish and do not slam into moving baits with the same ferocity as many other game fish. As the current gets faster you need to put and keep your bait on the bottom of the river. This of course is accomplished by the use of a lead sinker. You should use a sinker that is large enough to hold your bait in one spot without moving. You need to select a sinker that allows you to put your line through it so the fish does not feel the unnatural weight as it samples you line.

A key concept you need to consider is the hook set. You need to give the fish time to take the bait deeply into its mouth. After it grabs the fish a Catfish will need to reposition it in its mouth so it can swallow it head first.

Finally there is an adjustment I like to make to live fish when I use them for
Catfish bait. I like to cut a small portion of the tail off. This accomplishes two objectives. First it gives the fish an erratic swimming motion that signals to your quarry an injured fish is in the area. Looking for an easy meal Catfish are more prone to strike injured fish. Secondly it causes a small amount of blood to enter the water. Catfish have an excellent sense of smell and can detect changes in the water as small as three parts per million.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best catfish fishing information possible. Get more information on catfish fishing tips here: http://www.askcatfishfishing.com/

Catfish Fishing Heaven In Santee Cooper - How To Get In On The Action

When it comes to fishing the catfish is one of the most popular species found anywhere. Catfish come in all sizes ranging from the baby fish to the giant trophy fish.

The chance to reel in a giant size catfish is one thing that makes fishing for them so popular. Large catfish are a real challenge to reel in making catching them fun and exciting. Many people enjoy fishing for catfish simply because they love the taste when this species is cooked correctly.

There are many lakes and rivers all over the nation that is the home to the catfish and the Santee Cooper Lake system is no exception. Here you will find the flathead, channel and blue catfish in large numbers throughout both lakes. They are also found in many different depths of the lake making it easy for anyone to have the opportunity to reel in the catfish whether they are in a boat or bank fishing.

One of the great things about catfish fishing is the fact that it really doesn’t matter how you fish or what bait you use, catching catfish is simple and fishing out of these lakes make it even easier. This is what has earned the Santee Cooper Lakes the title of catfish fishing heaven. You never go home empty handed! Just make sure you are prepared and have the right equipment for handling the catfish once you have reeled them in.

There are two lakes that make up this system called the Moultrie and the Marion. They are joined together by a diversion canal that stretches a little over six miles. To give you an idea of how great the catfish fishing is in these lakes are the world record for the channel catfish was caught here. It weighed an amazing fifty-eight pounds. The state record for the blue catfish is currently 109.4 pounds and the flathead is 77.3 pounds.

History of Santee Cooper

Understanding the history of an area will help you see what potential it has to offer. The two lakes that make up the Santee Cooper were created between the years of 1939 and 1942. The Moultrie Lake stretches across 60,400 acres and the Marion Lake is a huge 110,600 acres. It was actually created by the South Carolina PublicAuthority as a hydroelectric project. It was this project that connected these two rivers together at the diversion canal that is 6.5 miles long and what earned it the name Santee Cooper System.

You will find a variety of underwater structures such as stumps, live cypress trees and other structures under these waters. There are also many blackwater ponds, large open areas and shallow swamps. Moultrie Lake’s widest point is fourteen miles wide and is more cleared out than Marion Lake. Fishing is allowed all year long provided the weather does not get too bad but normally these lakes never ice over. The average size catfish found in here at any given time weighs approximately 40 to 45 pounds so you can see why it is referred to as catfish fishing heaven.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best catfish fishing information possible. Get more information on catfish fishing tips here: http://www.askcatfishfishing.com/

How to Create Minnow Traps

Fishing is one of the most popular sports in the world that is enjoyed by men and women of all ages. It is a great way to spend your spare time relaxing on the water or improving your skills enough to try and win amazing prizes by entering tournaments. Regardless of the reason behind your fishing trips when it comes to the most popular bait to use, minnows are at the top of the list.

You can buy minnows from any bait shop but if you do a lot of fishing it would be beneficial to catch your own minnows instead of buying them each time you go out. You can make your own traps to catch the minnows you need for fishing so you will have them available anytime you are ready to go out on the water. There are several effective ways to make a minnow trap and below you will find two examples that are easy to make and work great.

Trap One:

Use two plastic bottles and label them number 1 and 2. Leave the cap on bottle number 1 and cut off the bottom portion of the bottle about three fourths of the way down. Now cut off bottle number 2 about one forth of the way down the bottle and take the cap off of this one. Discard the bottom portions of both bottles.
Next, you need to put bottle number 2 (the short one) inside of bottle number 1 with the tops pointing in the same direction. Then you need to secure the bottoms together where you cut off the bottom portions.

You can punch holes around the edges of the bottles where they are cut off and use string to run through these holes to tie them together. They need to be secure so pull the string tight before tying off. You will need to leave two pieces of string on each side of the bottle long enough to use for tossing out the trap and pulling it back in again. This is the perfect minnow trap because once the minnows swim into the first opening it is hard for them to swim back out because the outer bottle is still capped off. To make this trap you need to take a piece of screen wire and roll it around into a cone shape. The size of the wire you need will depend on how large or small you want the trap to be. Use a piece of thin wire to tie the cone shape together by running it through the holes of the wire. You will then need to tie some sinkers to the bottom of the cone to weigh it down and hook a small piece of wire on each side of the large top part of the cone. Use these to tie a line onto the cone for tossing the trap into the water and pulling it back to you again.

There are other ways to make a minnow trap as well. The basic principal behind the trap is to have a device that will allow the minnows to easily swim in but make it not so easy for them to get back out. Since minnows will rarely go back out the same opening they swam into, these traps will work very well. They are drawn to the trap by the bait you use. So as you can see catching your own minnows for fishing is quite easy.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Get more information on minnow traps here: http://www.askcrappiefishing.com/.