Soooo, let me ask, I am putting several buckets together, some with tubing and some wood slats a couple with Xmas trees, with concrete, my question is do you think its better to place 2-3 together, 4-5 together or singles, ya'lls opinion is valued. Thanks

I build stick condos and put 12 to a location.... my 2 cents....

AND IMHO, Keith Speer's is WORTH a LOT more than ...In fact, to me, Its PRICELESS.

Thanks for sharing Mr. Speer!

Thanks, my other question for the ones with wood slats how much concrete do you put in the bucket, I had one experience sinking a Xmas tree on Hachie 15 years ago and I got to watch it float away!!!! as 6" of the tree stayed above water (not Happy)

You need to watch one of his videos, but basically around 1/3 to 1/2 of a bucket on each one..

Several years back I watched a man place wooden stakes in Benbrook Lake by pounding them into the mud floor. He was placing them in 17' of water.

He had an iron rod he placed on the top of the stake. He would then lower the stake/rod into the water and then pound on the top of the rod with a large hammer.

He stated the stakes stayed in the water when placed this way and he was able to create stake beds where each stake was 1' apart from the other stakes. He would create a 10' x 10' stake bed in each location.

And yes, I fished that location later and it was a good crappie producer.

Saw Mr Speer's video recently of how he built his condo.....enjoyed the video !!!!

So bigger is better!

I know that's right brother

In almost everything in life this is true! My .02 cents may not be as valuable as most on here but I will give it to you cheap. In my home lake there is so much natural structure it does me no good to put out small bundles of anything. I have sank PVC in buckets as well as cedars in buckets and I get the same results from both, 2 or 3 fish each time I hit them. But, if I take the time to cut a big oak or hardwood from the bank and drag it to the same spot it will produce 15 or 20 or more crappie each time I fish it. I understand that some lakes are different and some don't have the ability to cut timber from the bank. With that being said though I believe in most lakes (my experience) you will always be more productive with bigger brush piles and they will always be better if it is made of wood. My advice would be put as many buckets in one place as you can afford if they only option you have is placing out stuff in 5 gal. buckets. Then repeat in a similar spot if the structure works. For me though, I would take the time to sink a full tree top, take a 5 gal bucket full to the brim of cement, a few pieces of foam to float it upright, tie the cement a few feet up the trunk and let her go. You will find it is worth the trouble and time. Good luck

Clay

Hmmm, Ok Clay, just send me some coordinates to several of those piles (especially the ones where the BIG FISH are hanging)and I will TEST your theory of 10-15 fish...then I will GUARD it for you! HA

Always a good production technique in a woody lake.

Crapicat, a theory is something that needs to be proved. A fact is something already proven. I look at things different than some I guess but here is how I see it. It takes me a full day to sink 4 or 5 trees. By the time I find a good tree, find that right spot to sink it and then finally drag it out and sink it I'm out some time. But when its done and done right it will be there and produce fish for a long time. Now say I go out and put 10 PVC buckets in the same spot and it only takes me 30 min but I go back and only catch 3 or 4 fish each time I fish it which one was the best route??? I'm not downing anyones method of putting out brush I'm only stating what has worked best for me.

Clay

He also forgot to tell you his brush piles are boobie traped .We are not responsible if you get the front end of your boat blown off fishin these spots.Just sayin.Ha Darrell

OK, I will take the next guard shift for you so you can recharge. Just send me the coordinates!
I agree that bigger is better, and consider willows if you can find them. Good luck!

Oh yes, be sure to send me the coordinates; I would not want someone else to take over your spot.

Actually Clay, I was agreeing with you...this is a fantastic method in a woody lake, I use it myself..

AND having some fun with DW from earlier posts...Of course, it didn't take DW long to chime in!!!