Page 10 - Fishing Report | 4-10-19

Erie Extreme Fishing Tip with Dave Lefebre

There is a window in early April when crappies

move into shallow bays on many NW PA lakes to
feed on plankton and small minnows drawn to
the shallows by the rapidly warming water. Typi-
cally, the best areas are in the remnants of last
year’s vegetation, particularly old pad stems. We
are talking about water that is only 2 to 3 feet
deep usually. These crappies are feeding, not
spawning. The presentation is so simple but

very effective. You only need a light action spinning outfit, a small weighted clip-on
bobber and a 1/32ounce jig with a 1-1/2-inch tube skirt. Start out with the bobber
set about 6 inches above the bait, and adjust deeper if need so your tiny jig is skim-
ming the old vegetation. Cast out, let it rest, then jiggle it. Pause again, then take a
turn or two on the reel. Work it slowly back to the boat. Incorporating pauses in the
retrieve is important. One of my favorite times to catch crappies. – Dave Lefebre

James Scott Photography—Sunset at Pymatuning