I couldn't catch a crappie if you threw a truckload into my boat.

I primarily fish lake bastrop. It is a relatively warm lake since it has a power plant on it, and the water is typically down right hot in the summer. I have fished brush piles at around 10 feet in coves, condos off of points in around 15 feet, condos in old stream channels at around 20 feet. I have also used every color and type of jig possible as well as minnows and have not even gotten as much as a bite. The water is what I would call clear. I can see the bottom out to about 4 feet. Is my boat cursed or do I just suck at catching crappie. I really could use any suggestions and/or help that any of you could provide. If I don't start catching some fish soon, my wife won't believe that I am actually going fishing anymore.

Cause you ain't holding your mouth right?
Cause the Lord's punishing you for the time you...you know...did that thing that you did...that you never talked about to no one... .
But seriously...you might try dropping you a few brush piles of your own in a few nice deep spots, but as a bonus, tie on a few pounds of old cheese and cornmeal or similar in an old pair of pantyhose or something like it. This sweetens the pot a bit for the forage fish that the pile attracts, improving their numbers, and sometimes improves it enough to catch mister crappie's attention.

Water temps may have them deeper.....power plant cooling lakes are a lot warmer right now than regular lakes.

Claden, The best investment you could make right now is in a good crappie guide. You will start catching crappie and have a world of questions answered. Info that will help you on what ever lake you want to fish. Sharon

Try fishing near the docks at the ramp. I see people catch crappie there all the time.

BOOK A TRIP WITH MR PATY - HE'LL TEACH YOU HOW TO CATCH CRAPPIE -
IF YOU CAN'T CATCH THEM AFTER YOU GO FISHING WITH HIM - THEN FISH FOR SOMETHING ELSE
GOOD LUCK

[This message has been edited by papa peck (edited 06-09-2003).]

Sharon...is it proper to use the words "best investment", and "fishing" in the same sentence, phrase, or paragraph? hee-hee.

I do see your point. I made alot of wrong investments in tackle,lures,equipment that I wish I had of saved on a good guide to start with and would have been catching fish alot sooner than I did. Sharon

Thanks for all of your replies. I've thought many times that I need to hire Mr. Paty, but he seems to be pretty booked all the time. Maybe I'll give him a shout.

Are you using light enough tackle?
Light to medium/light action rod ?
4-6 lb text line ??

Just making sure...

I'm using 6lb test line on a medium/light spinning combo.

Do you think it could have anything to do with the time of day I am fishing these spots? I typically fish them in the morning.

Claden usually if you put your jig or minnow in front of a crappie they will bite. Finding them is the hard part. If you go out with Jerry you'll be amazed at the wealth of knowledge he will inlighten you to. Sharon

i agree with sharon...go out with a guide if for nothing else-the confidence to know you can catch a crappie. before I went out with a guide I didn't give it long enough and was not confident I could catch crappie. Now I stick to it more and don't give up after 5 minutes and I do alot better...good luck and when you learn what works share it with the rest of us!

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  Shawn
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Claden

Maybe it's the lake your on. Have you talked to other guys that have been catching carppie out there?