This is not a old man story, because its about me and I am young. But, growing up in the late 50's we only had 3 lakes and they was Lake Texoma, PK, and Caddo and not any of them day trips back then. All lake fishing was week-end are week long trips. So I learn to crappie fish in creeks and rivers for the most part. They may have been a few more that I didn't know about but, Lake of the pines close the gates and starting catching water Dec, 1959 and that is where on opening day I fish my first hand tied jigs that I did my self. Of the 4 lakes I all ways did like PK and LOP best to take the family and camp out and stay a while.