I was thinking to build 3 or 4 and put into my lake.

Do you just find random spots at different depths to place them in the lake or is there a method you use? Put them along creek beds or rock piles or anything to have the best success?

Points, ledges creek bends, etc are good places to sink condos.


Paul

lot of unanswered ?s like what time of year ya fishing . protected area's ? Depths ect ?

You will need to do your homework first.

Are there any spots currently producing crappie? Are there structures nearby? Can you place one close to draw the crappie in and only you will know the location of the new pile close to the hot spot? IS the spot heavy boat traffic? Are there underwater ledges or rocks or other structure close by?
You need to know these answers to place it in a good spot.
I usually add to existing piles or get as close to another pile that I can but close to some other structure that the crappie will hold on close to your pile and move back and forth to it. This way others will fish the hot spot already established and you can fish your pile without anyone knowing you have one there.
I also try to find new locations that I think the crappie might be in another season like shallow for spawn.
You need to ask and answer and decide how YOU want to fish the piles.

Question. how to best mark your spot? Obviously you can't put a buoy on it or else other people will find it and fish it. I don't have a super fancy depth finder or hand held GPS. Can I just "drop a pin" with my iphone and then try to relocate it based on that and also using my visual landmarks? I also have the Navi app on my iphone too.

If using pvc, the condo will not show, but the fish will! That's what I look for.

PVC won't show till the algae sets. Use your side imaging to find piles you set till you get a good GPS coordinate.

Gman

My advice would be to mark the spot where you want to drop your BP's with a marker buoy. Once that is done, pull up next to your marker buoy with your trolling motor and drop your tree(s) right next to your marker. After the tree is sunk, use your navionics app on your phone and put a marker on the app where you dropped your tree. Should be able to find your BP every time. I also do not have GPS on my depth finder and rely on the navionics on my phone to find my BP's. I find them every time and I used this method.

Okay great info! Will it show up on everyone else's Navi app too or just mine?