Fishing Report Archives

Hello from the Excel Storm Cat 230. We are starting to see a slow drop in the surface temperatures during these nights in the 40s and low 50s. Of course the days in the 80s are warming it right back up. I've been hoping the baitfish, then game fish, would begin to move toward the backs of the bays but they seem to have missed the memo. I'm still catching crappie in deep water areas along channel breaks, same as the last several weeks.

I am hearing some reports of good catches in areas less than 10 feet deep around cover. Most of those catches have come with the aid of live sonar.

I've had several good trips lately with folks who were wanting to learn trolling tactics. All were quick to learn that we are blessed with the results of great recent spawns but it does get aggravating to catch multiple crappie just below the 10 inch legal mark for each over 10. Next spring and summer those now short fish will be legal. I sincerely think we are headed into a stretch of a few years resembling the good old days.

Be careful out there. Cold water can kill and cool water can sure ruin your trip if you end up over the side of the boat. Wear your PFD and keep some dry clothes at hand. Be careful on the shallow ramps. I talked to a very wet fisherman recently who took a nasty fall on a slick, slimy, shallow ramp. Wet and bleeding is not a good memory for an otherwise good time.

Welcome to our slice of Heaven.