Steve Merlo: Techniques for catching crappie at Isabella, catfish at BV derby
| Thursday, Apr 30 2009 10:43 PM
Last Updated Thursday, Apr 30 2009 10:43 PM
My e-mails runneth over with fishermen needing advice on taking advantage of Isabella Lake's tremendous crappie bite. Since my best friend and I caught more than 300 fish last weekend, I think we've got a foolproof technique.
The average fish are not especially big, a little longer than hand-sized, but around 15 percent of the fish are 3/4-to-1.5-pound keepers, with an occasional larger one caught. The fish are literally swarming into the shallows, looking for that magical 62-degree surface temperature in preparation for the spawn during the next full moon.
That still doesn't mean they're going to bite. While we were there, a lot of people were doing everything they could to not catch fish, and no amount of assistance could help them put a mess into the frying pan. Their heavy line, huge bobbers, inferior jigs, dull hooks, heavy rods and lack of persistance kept them with empty stringers.
Give this technique a try:
Respool a light action rod (we use G. Loomis SJR720's) and reel with 4-pound-test. Buy some quality made (like Canyon Lures) 1/16-ounce jigheads and some red-and-white mini-jig skirts. Sharpen the hook until it easily sticks to a fingernail, then super-glue the skirt into place. (Doing this will save changing out the torn skirts and also save a ton of money.) Attach a one-inch diameter plastic or foam bobber, set it about 4-6-feet deep, then pin a white "Crappie Nibblet" or live meal worm to the hook and you're ready to fish.
Finding the fish is as simple as locating 10 feet of water or so right next to a rock pile, submerged tree or rocky point, while later in the month, one can expect the fish to come even shallower into coves and sandy areas. Be persistent because the schools are continually moving in and out from really close to cover to a long cast out. Be sure to vary the depth until a pattern emerges and then get to work on them.
Again, most of the fish are small, but by the end of the day, our stringers bulged with 10-to 14-inch crappie that filleted to perfection. Look for the action to improve as the weather and water temps warm.
BV catfish derby techniques
Saturday's catfish derby at Buena Vista's Lake Evans will draw hundreds of fishermen, and catching the whiskerfish won't be a snap. However, there are ways of making your trip eventful and successful.
I've fished both Lake Webb and Lake Evans hundreds of times since the opening in 1976. At one time, I used to guide fishermen at either lake strictly for channel and blue catfish, and this is one time I think I know what I'm talking about. My success record, I think, speaks for itself, with my logbook showing that my clients averaged more than 50 fish for 100 outings, to a maximum of 136 per day. As far as size is concerned, my best is a 41-pound blue, with 36 over 30 pounds and 46 over 20. People I have guided have caught more than 30 fish over 15 pounds, with the largest a 55.1-pound blue that my wife caught on 6-pound line. Anyway, if you feel you want to go out and face the fish alone, go ahead, but if you want advice on how to catch numbers and size, read on.
Buena Vista fish tend to suspend well above the bottom. This happens because the bottom is covered with a 6-inch layer of oozy, slimy mud, into which even catfish can have a difficult time finding food. By suspending the bait above the bottom, one places the food right in front of the fish's mouths and barbels.
Small bobber stops and one-inch foam slip bobbers work best -- the stops are available at any good bait store, including Bob's Bait. Use a No. 3 round splitshot 9 inches above a sharp No. 2 hook. Set the bobber stop anywhere from 8-12-feet above the baited hook. That's the depth the fish prefer in Lake Evans; and cast out at least 40-to-50-feet, where the water is deepest.
Right now, the vast majority of cats are getting ready to head shoreward, but only a few will actually be there because it's too early. A few will be naturally shallow, but most will suspend until the water temp reaches 78-82-degrees and then head shallow and begin to spawn. I like the area in front of the syphon, or right in front of the old boat dock or the boat dock point. Boaters can seek other areas, such as along the north sides of any island.
I like to use one of three baits -- fresh chicken livers, live or dead shad or a BV Cocktail. The cocktail is a combination of a half a nightcrawler and small piece of fresh shrimp.
When the strike comes, allow the bobber to go completely under for a count of five and then tighten the line before setting the hook. Don't use more than 8- to 10-pound line for best results.
The event only costs $6 to fish plus $6 per vehicle and $1 per child under 15. All state and local fishing laws will be strictly enforced. The top prizes are for largest and smallest catfish for adults and children, including $250 for the largest and $100 for smallest in both categories. Other prizes to be awarded through seventh place.
Steve Merlo's column appears every Friday. Write him at merloworms@bak.rr.com
