I am going to try some crappie fishing this year for the first time. I am trying to get a perspective on these "condos". I put out couple of Christmas trees this year, but I personally have an issue with putting all this plastic in the lake. I always thought that a nature made habit would be better (ie Christmas trees, wood, limbs, etc.).

I can see the positive side of it. Creating a good lasting habitat for fish to live around and flourish. But when I see these pictures of these "condos" before they go in the water all I see is trash in the lake.

I don't know if I could justify building them and putting them in public water.

Anyway, I am looking for your opinions. I ain't no tree hugger either. So don't go off on that tangent.

they r good but the trees work better and quicker but u hang up in them and u dont with condos

Then I'd suggest that you don't......

Have to agree with you Guy. If you don't like it don't do it. Those of us that like to do it will provide fish habitat for many years to come. A lot longer then the Xmas trees.

Do what feels right.

It's all good.

I have about 3 condos in a spot on Lewisville. They have only been in the water since Sept but I am already seeing fish on them. Now I have a few Christmas trees that I want to add to the area. What is the best way to sink the trees???

I personally like real trees for habitat. They dont last as long, but they seem to attract fish to them faster. They are only a little more trouble to round up and put out, but they wont last forever like the pvc or other variations.

The pvc and glue has always made me wonder about pollution, but I know for a fact that they are 10 times easier to fish without hanging up. It's all up to you. I think either way that adding habitat is always a good thing, even if you never find it again

To each their own. Agree with Guy.

Whichever you want to do...they will both attract fish...and what's all this about brush not lasting long? I've got brushpiles on CC that are 6 years old...and still going strong. They won't last forever, but they can last for quite a while.

And yes...main advantage of plastic is that you don't lose jigs...but just rig you up a jigger-getter-outter and you'll get back 90% of the jigs you hang up anyway

ducky- your brush is hardwoods though chritmas trees are too much hassle and only last a couple years

I like to cut a big Willow limb and sink it best. They seem to last a long time.

Yep...added 4 new ones at a new lake today. All elm and oak

From what I hear ... hear, is that its harder for others to find your condos with a graph, but I'm not sure thats totally true. Understand all the years I fished from a boat I never put out brush or condos but I've run across tons of them and one thing I am sure about is if you want to catch good numbers adding man-made cover will never hurt, so make up your mind and put me oops.. I mean put you some cover out... LOL good luck.

I understand your concern for the environment but the fact is the lakes profit greatly from the added cover and often the Fish and Game managers pay people to put it in. They sometimes use pvc, old car bodies, sink ships or barges, xmas trees, tires, plastic fishing trees or anything else that will attract fish and allow some hiding places for the fry.

The biggest concern is improperly placed cover that may cause a hazzard to navigation and clogging of water outlets.

They also frown (seriously) on anyone cutting trees on govt. property.