Summertime is in full swing here in Central KY. Parking lots around lake marinas and boat ramps are completely full during daylight hours. The influx of pleasure-boaters and daytime recreationists can cause some fishermen to pack it in until the crowds dwindle in the fall. For the outdoorsman that doesn’t want to wait, night time crappie fishing is a good way to scratch the itch while filling your cooler.
Crappie have completely transitioned into their summertime pattern, with the night time being one of the best times to target them. Minnows jigged on weighted lines, under lights/lanterns in 15 to 20 feet of water along the main river channel is the secret to this game. Try fishing at different depths until a pattern shows itself.
Don’s Secrets to Success:
1. Target structure in 15-20 feet of water along the main river channel.
2. Fish on the days that are hot and calm. If bugs swarm your lantern, you’ve picked a good day.
3. Use light tackle: 4-6lb line with a couple small split-shot sinkers.
Remember to keep what you’ll eat and leave the rest for the next trip. Nature is one of America’s greatest resources but if we, as outdoorsmen, don’t preserve it, it will disappear.
- Donnie Spencer