NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

February 20, 1998

CONTACT: Fred Cross (850) 265-3676

DESPITE RAIN CRAPPIE ANGLERS DOING WELL

Heavy rains and high water in recent weeks may have dampened some fishermen’s enthusiasm but not those after black crappie. Fisheries biologists say they’ve received excellent reports of crappie being caught on Lake Seminole, Deer Point Lake and the Ochlockonee River.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Fisheries Biologist Fred Cross said he crossed the rain-swollen Ochlockonee River last week on Highway 20 and counted more than 20 boats near Ed and Bernice’s Fish Camp.

"Some of the fishermen up near the dam were after stripers but most of them were crappie fishing. The reports we’re getting are they’re catching their fish in the eddy currents near the bank," he said.

Upstream, Lake Talquin and the Ochlockonee River which flows into it are closed to fishing due to an on-going drawdown. Normally, this time of year the lake would be dotted with the boats of crappie fishermen. The lake will be re-flooded and re-open to fishing on April 1.

As water temperatures begin to slowly rise this time of year, Cross said crappie begin a migration from deep water to more shallow areas as they prepare to spawn. In some areas they’re being caught in water 2 - 3 feet deep and other areas in water 4 - 6 feet deep.

While crappie fishermen generally have their preferred method of fishing, there are three ways they tend to fish. Some troll slowly along waiting for crappie to strike small lures such as the Hal Fly, while others use ultra-light rod-and-reels and cast 1/32-ounce spinner-rubber bodied lures. Still others use cane poles or fiberglass poles and fish live Missouri minnows suspended under a hook. (Editor's Note see also Fishing Tips)

Cross said some crappie fishermen could catch more fish if they fished nearer the shoreline, and stick with fish when they find them.

"Some people like to put out several poles and drift fish and there’s nothing wrong with that, but they could probably be more productive this time of year by working the drop-offs or contour changes near the shorelin," he said. "And then, if you find fish, stay with them”"

Black crappie are an excellent eating panfish, with a limit of 50 per day for each angler. Lake Talquin, although closed until April 1, is the only north Florida lake with a minimum 10-inch size limit. (Editor's Note see also Regulations)