It is finally starting to happen, the water level is on a drop but the water temp is on the rise making the perfect setting for love sick crappies. The specks have been staged up in deeper water near there backwater spawning areas but the males, as always, are starting to make there move.
Mike C and I found non stop action, catching one 10 inch male after another in warming bays with 1.5 – 3fow. The dark colors and the ratted tails of these fish wee a sure sign they are fanny out there spawning beds. Finding new weed growth was also a bonus for holding numbers of fish. It won’t be long and the bigger females will be following there mates for the ritual that takes place every year when the water temps get into the 60’s. Also keep in mind; this time of year these paper mouths are an easy catch which is all the more reason to be selective with your harvest. Mike and I both took home a good fish fry of 10 inch black males but when the girls show up we will be playing a lot more catch and release.
A chartreuse/white mini mite was the only jig I used and never had a reason to make a switch. Mike tried a variety of colors taking fish with them all but I believe he found the Pink/white to be his favorite. Mike also took a number of specks with a jig and minnow. We were hanging everything 1-2 feet below a bobber. Using plastic on pan fish is a hoot. By not having to fuss with live bait you will spend more time with your rig in the water where the fish are 
Two beefy carp also on the spawn, smacked the mini mites making for fun and testing our patients and gear while getting them boat side with 2 and 3lb line. Some might have turned up there nose but the both us were happy to know we were going to be firing up the smokers soon 
We fished from 6am – 9am and with fish to clean we headed off the water with still plenty of time to get the honey do list done at home 
Good luck fishing people 
