End of 2015

I started this winter out fishing saltwater but decided to switch gears and try to better understand VA freshwater. I was lucky enough to get together with Ryan several times in December and learn his magical crappie whispering. With the local rivers being shallower, darker, and flatter than the rivers I grew up fishing in TN I was at a disadvantage. We started out finding good numbers of fish spread out and as the temperature dropped we found them schooled up. A few fish this winter were even caught near the surface. The primary tactic used was drift trolling live minnows or jigs. Paddle tail jigs on light heads proved to be the most successful. Looking for changes in water clarity, and depth were where we found the most and although the fish were not tight to cover we did manage to find some schools. I didnt manage to bring in any citation crappie but large white perch and yellow perch were mixed in and very large plate sized bluegill. I switched gears to fish some local lakes feeling confident that I had solved the mystery of VA crappie fishing but was disappointed when for the first 6 hours I didnt get a single bite. After a few hours more fishing I found a school of bass that decided to play on cane poles and ultralights which was alot of fun! Including a fat citation large mouth that decided a crappie jig would be the perfect snack.

 

Artistic photo credit Ryan Clark

Ryan with a bowfin/crappie on at the same time.

A good haul of crappie and fireflies.

Citation white perch and yellow perch make for a good day.

A nice lookin bowfin (Excuse the purple I had to wear BBs PFD that day)

Citation White Perch and Yellow Perch mixed with Crappie

Good haul of Crappie and Bluegills

A hungry lake large mouth

River bass are alot darker.

2 pounders are fun on a cane pole!

23 inch large mouth on an ultra light

Of course the end result of a good day.

A classic dish of pan fried fish and redbeans and rice!