It's finally hear ya'll. From now until Christmas is arguably my favorite time of the year. Why? You ask. Big bucks, big ducks, and oh yeah...BIG CRAPPIE. The fall bite is like no other, and it's finally starting to gain momentum here in Fun Barrel City.

The last two trips I've ran, Monday and Saturday, the skies were very dark, the wind was 5-10 from the south/southeast, and the fish were cooperative after about nine o'clock. The first two hours of daylight did see some action, but the bite certainly improved as the skies got brighter. At this time, we found the fish to be fairly shallow. As the mornings went on, we backed out a bit to deeper water, and started putting better numbers of crappie together.

The jig bite is improving, as long as you're using a 1/16th oz jig head. We're still having to trick a few fish with a minnow, but they're starting to get much more aggressive, and should be weened off the minnows in the next two weeks. Some of the fish want the jig pitched, but a majority have wanted the bait held perfectly still for 20-30 seconds at a time, touch the bottom, then bring it back to the top of the structure only to hold it dead still again.

The bite on both the jig and the minnow has been extremely light, and in some cases, almost nonexistent. Just a change in pressure has been the signal for several bites in the last few days. As far as minnows and jigs go, this time of year I go big. If I'm using a minnow, it's of the medium size. If I'm using a Slab Bandit from www.crazyanglertackle.com, it's the large size in a Texas Toast color. If I'm using a Thump Buddy from www.ConstantPursuitOutfitters.com, its in the Swamp Thang or Blue Wing Teal color. All jigs and minnows are being fished on 1/16th oz #4 red sickle hooks with a round, unpainted head. As for line, I'm using 6lb Vicious Hi-Vis. The rod is a 7ft Crappie Maxx from BPS, and the reel is a Pflueger President.

To the angler looking for crappie on Cedar Creek right now, I'd stay between 4-14ft. Don't spend more than five minutes on a spot without catching a fish, they are getting way to aggressive to waste your time waiting for them to swim by. Our water temperature is is 76 as of yesterday, which means it's headed in the right direction. A few degrees lower, and people are going to start leaving with a real sore wrist.

Take care everybody, and let us know if you're heading this way!



Saturday morning 10/12/13

Mr Frosch with two personal best that were caught back to back. One went right at 15", the other went right at 15 pounds.





The Frosch family with 40 crappie, a sand bass, and a blue gill.



Monday morning 10/15/13

I get to see these two guys twice a year, and they never fail to make my job easier.

Nice fish. Good job.

Man I hope we can get out on the lake this weekend! We haven't been on the water since July!!! Great job as usual Lane.

Nice report! Good looking fish!

Great job & report Lane!
One of these days...........

Nice Catch.

KABOOM to yawl !
GOOD JOB EVERYONE ...

Great post Lane! And those are some really plump fish there too!

Nice fish...

You got me on the 15 pounds, then I scrolled down and saw the pic! Nice catch.

One day we need to ride in the same boat and do a little hog hunting for fun.

I see Lady Frosh has very good taste. (HOOK"EM HORNS). Also the gentleman in the second pic has good taste. (HOOK"EM AGAIN)

Of course all those people have great taste booking a trip with BIG CRAPPIE.COM

Nice job guys looks like fun day on the water!!

Lane and co. at it again!

Laner those pics are real nice, but is that all the fish you could muster. HAHA now granted we had a couple more fisherman. Will all this rain and cool weather I cant wait til it really gets in gear. Everybody be safe out there and tight lines!

I appreciate it everybody. I'm so excited for the next two months I can't even stand it. We have two cold fronts in the next ten days, which is going to drop the water temp another few degrees. GAME ON!