Crappie, yellow perch, sunfish

First time at a local county lake, water temperature 54 degrees, weeds growing within 3-4′ of the surface in water 6-10′ over the entire lake. It’s like fishing shallow water with the gap only a few feet about the weeds. We found out last year that if we used light ball head jigs, different soft plastics would do well. 38 fish for the boat (2 of us) not including fish that came off, was a pretty good day, fishing from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. Nice to be able to catch four species and fish ranging from tykes to 11″ crappie.

Is the black-colored crappie a male? Really black!
The grubs were hand-poured and never used before. Man did they catch fish!
How do I get rid of some pictures?

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Yes, the males get dark coloration when they move in to spawning areas. Sounds like a good day on the lake. Conditions sound very similar to where I fish. A 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig and plastic retrieved just over the top of those weeds will bring good action.

Any way to get rid of excess photos when posting?

Funny though, I can’t remember the last time I used a 1/8 oz jig with plastic. Even 1/16 oz can be a bit heavy but does fine for long lures needing a 1/0 hook.

Nice haul! Love those spawning colors on the males this time of year. Casting or under a float?

casting

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Why do i see a float?

It was used with feather or hair jigs.

I’m looking to fish the reed beds this weekend. I’ve got two 16’ telescoping poles to be able to reach into them on order. They promised delivery today…hope they come through.

Anyone recommend a panfish guide for the south end of Mille Lacs? Thanks

Castle brings up something, if you are fishing spawners, reeds can be tough to fish w/anything but a long pole-if you do not have one find a reel with some power pro, black jig with a light wire hook, or go to a lake where they use wood or emerging lily pads.

Recently I’ve been using soft plastics under floats and doing okay though not as good with hair or feather jigs.

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Just north of metroland I had 70, only one fish was black so i would say here the spawn is done, lots of fish shallow, a lot cooler just north of here, pretty good wind too.

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