I have been spending almost all my fishing time, chasing slabs, on Pool 13 lately. The water is really low, and there isn’t much current. The slabs are there to be had, if you can find them. I’ve been having my best luck in 6’-8’ with a bit of current. The key is to find a sunken log, or even a bit of brush. They have wanted chartreuse hair lately. One thing I’ve been doing that has put more crappies in the boat is to use hook snaps. The extra bit of action provided by the hook snap has really made the difference.
The numbers of fish aren’t there yet, but the quality is excellent. Here are a couple dandies that dad and I got last week. It is important to remember to throw these big guys/gals back; they are the future of this fishery.
You tip that hair Jeff or just go plain?
Hey Jeff, Great report with you and Dad out on the water !!!
What kind of setup are you using to pull these crappies ?
I sure could have done a better job describing what I was using and how. I was vertical jigging 1/16th ounce chartreuse Gypsi Jigs and Fire-Fly Jigs, both from Northland. The vast majority of the fish were taken with the jigs tipped with a minnow. I always use a St. Croix AS66LF with a Mitchell 310x strung with 4 lb. test mono. I stick with 4 lb., because I feel the jig has better action, hook snap or not. I used to use Fireline, but I didn’t like the way it seemed to fray when I snagged. I am not having a good day, if I’m not snagging a whole bunch. Seriously, if I’m getting snagged, I know I’m in slab habitat.
It’s rained here all day so I stayed home to work the “honey-do list.” I’ll be back on the river tomorrow.
nice report Jeff. Sometimes we forget how much fun Crappies can be(and GREAT eatin)
Know where I can Pool 13 info? Boat rentals, etc. bait shops? guides?
Making the trip over Saturday to get the feel of the place.
Good report. Learned something with the hook snaps but thats what these forums are all about…
blufloyd, I don’t know which direction your coming from, or what area on pool 13 you plan on fishing but,there is a bait shop in MountCarroll called Big River,that usually has a good selection of bait and information ,there is also bait in Savanna at Garvins Gas/mini mart /Baitshop.I don’t know of a boat rental place or of a guide for pool 13.Hope this helps some. <RICK>
PRAY FOR THE FISH!!!!
Headed there from east of Peoria. Heading up from 80 I think stopping at lock and dam. etc. etc. Thanks.