Going out tomorrow in the morning and was wondering how much the disparity is between fishing over submerged brush or hitting schools of crappie in open water.

I will be in anywhere from 2'-12' of water tomorrow and I mark numerous schools of crappie on my depth finder at this particular location. Am I wasting my time jigging suspended schools of crappie with nothing between the fish but the bottom. I've done it in the past and will fish for hours with 1 or no bite sometimes.

I've not been able to locate any trees so far where I'm at, but it doesn't take long on this forum to see that deeper water crappie over brush is a go to. I plan on sinking trees for in the future, but for the time being can these schools of crappie be taken seriously to the point where I'm spending hours messing with them.

Just curious. Thanks guys/gals.

I would never fish "open water crappie" Since they relate so heavy to cover or structure it would be a waste of my time on most days.

Depending on where you are fishing! This cold snap is going to screw up any pattern the crappie have been on. The bite will be slow.

I'd say you'd be closer to catching a few around grass in that depth than open water with a clean bottom.

This time of year, fish brush and other structure!