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The ABCs of successful fishing trips
By Jim Blassingame
Contributor
Published November 26, 2009
Let’s go fishing!
Then come the questions — “Where?” and “What do we fish for?”
Let’s learn a little about “where and what.” We’ll start with crappie.
In our area, crappie is pronounced “croppy,” but this fish probably has more nicknames than any other popular game fish.
Depending on what area or region or state you are fishing, crappie are called white perch, papermouths, calica bass, speckled perch, sac-a-lait, slabs and even barn doors. Just where you catch them depends on the season.
In spring — which is the easiest time because they move into shallow water to spawn — dabble along brushy or weedy shorelines with minnows or jigs. In the past couple of years, lure manufacturers have made crankbaits and spinner baits that will help you catch your limit.
In the summer, crappie move deeper to find cooler water. They will most likely be around or close to wood cover such as submerged trees, piers or boathouses that are in deep water. In the hot summer, beat the heat by fishing at night.
In the fall, crappie are feeding actively as the water cools. You can usually find them around concentrations of bait fish in secondary points and creeks. The rule of thumb here is to fish the same places you would fish in the spring, but now they will be a little deeper, three to 10 feet. Also, if we have extended periods of cooler weather and water temps stay at or around 65 to 72 degrees, don’t be surprised if you catch crappie with eggs — some will actually spawn.
In the winter, crappie will move back to the deeper water — staying over and in brush or bridge pilings, points and creek channels. If you can brave the cold weather, this is really a great time to catch trophy crappie. I have seen folks throw huge rocks into the creek channel just below Emberson Bridge at Pat Mayse to break holes in the ice and catch limits of crappie — big crappie!
We have some great crappie lakes in our area. One of them is Cooper Reservoir. This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lake has an average depth of 14 feet and covers approximately 19,280 surface acres. As far as facilities go, this lake has it all. For recreational information call 903-945-5256. While you’re in Cooper, be sure and check out Big Creek Lake. This little lake has some of the largest crappie you will see or catch anywhere. And talking about little lakes, don’t forget the one in your backyard — Lake Crook. At one time, Lake Crook was ranked by Texas Park and Wildlife biologists as being in the top 10 in the state.
Another small lake that a lot of anglers miss out on is Lake Coffee Mill, located just west of Paris about 10 miles north of Honey Grove off FR 100. Coffee Mill is only about 650 surface acres, but it is packed with lots of good sized crappie. I think the good fishing in this little lake has been a well-kept secret.
There are many good crappie lakes in our area, but when it’s raining or when it’s almost too hot to fish, you can’t beat Lake Fork for crappie. The reason it’s so good is because of the many bridges that cross the lake. These bridges provide not only some of the best crappie fishing in the country, they also offer shade and shelter for the fisherman. Other good crappie lakes are Pat Mayse and Bob Sandlin in Texas, and Hugo and Sardis in Oklahoma.
During late fall and early winter months, Hugo and Cooper Lake will have some great crappie fishing below the dams (tailrace area). These areas produce limits (25) of crappie and the best part is you don’t need a boat. This is bank fishing at its best.
The best thing about catching crappie in the cooler or cold months is that when you pull them up out of that cold water, they just taste better. I think they taste twice as good as fish that come from warmer or hot water. Try it and see what you think.
Don’t be surprised if that guy standing next to you below the dam this winter isn’t me. I can’t wait.
Whatever you do , do not overlook our home lake for crappie. My fishing buddy, Johnny Stout, has given me several limits of crappie in the past week and a lot o fhtem were “Slabs” too — all from Pat Mayse.
FISHING REPORT
Pat Mayse Lake: Water levels are getting close to normal pool, still some water going into the overflow drain, but for the most part, we are about at normal level. The past rainfall did stain-up the water a little, but by the weekend, things should be in good shape for the bass or crappie. As the lake level gets back to normal, the fish will too. Look for the fish to begin to hold more to structure and even bunch up. As far as the aggressive surface feeding, I think the high water slowed this up a bit, but after the first big freeze, look for a couple of days of some super action with the fish. I know one thing, while the lake level was up and the water running out the drain, I have seen a whole new lake, lots of big bass were caught and numbers of 14- to 18-inchers also. We still have a good lake here, but the current created by the drain saw this lake really come alive.
Lake Fork: The going bait here is the Lake Fork Tackle Flutter Spoon in the Barr fish pattern. If you are not a spooner, then I recommend using a heavy jig or a carolina rig and even a lead tail-spinner. The crappie are still active around the bridges and columns.
Sardis Lake: Water levels almost normal level, water temps in the mid to lower 60s. Bass good on plastics around brush in the coves. Crappie are still going strong around the bridges and the tower.
I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and remember — the day after Thanksgiving is referred to as “Black” Friday. Really what that means is Black Bass Friday, but over the years the “bass” part has been left out.
Have a great holiday and I’ll see you on the lake Black Friday.
Jim Blassingame is a Paris resident and an avid angler.
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