Cranky Crappies

Sometimes we can be creatures of habit and have a hard time putting down old faithful and trying something different or new. When the ice first goes out here in the Kawartha's it's game on for Crappie fishing now that we have a all year season on them. Action can be hot as long as the weather is to "BUT" when the temps drop and the fish shut down things can be really slow. I have always used the float with a tube or a float with a minnow bait as search and slow presentation. One thing that I learned during this slow time is that Crappies will sometimes smash ultra light crank baits. Working a small crank bait they have to make a split second decision eat it or let it go. When they first come in after ice out their sole purpose is to eat before they go into spawning mode. Will they always hit a crank when in a negative mood no, but I've seen them chase cranks when they wouldn't touch a tube under a float. It never hurts to have an extra game plan in your pocket when the Crappie's shut down, plus your eyes will appreciate the break from starring at your float for hours at end. Fish On!