Cya_gonefishin

I think a lot of people don't realize how many fish can be holding in a staging area. They pass by and catch a couple and keep working up the bank. If I catch 1 or 2 in a certain type of location I will really work it over good expecting there to be a good school of fish close by. I have several spots I feel like are holding fish since last week but I haven't made it to them cause I have got a limit in one spot without leaving it both times I went out this week. I haven't caught a single short fish either. 2-3 weeks ago I was getting my rear kicked because I was anticipating their arrival to some of these locations a little early.

Went out 2 evenings this week, left the boat ramp at 5:15-5:30 each time and had a limit of crappie by 6:30 each night. All in the mouth of a staging pocket. I had more bites easing my boat along the bank of the pocket and casting out to maybe 12 ft of water and working back towards the bank. Some hit on the deeper brush and some shallower but they seemed to like it better coming towards the shallow.

Lots of good info here! Thanks!

I was able to get the new Crestliner out twice in the past week for some break-in and a little fishing. You were right Rocker I am very happy with this boat. I think I am going to really like the four stroke motor.

I am a newby here too and I agree, this is a really good site. I primarily fish stockton because it's closer, however The north end of beaver is only an hour away so I have made a few trips down the past couple seasons. I haven't run into any Stripers yet but I have caught some quality walleye and smallmouth. There is a lot of good info posted on this forum. I have enjoyed reading fins and feathers articles. Maybe I can get into some stripers this year. I got acquainted with them a few years ago at Lake Texoma, would like to catch some more.

That looks like a great rig!

Yeah, that fried chicken sounded a lot better than my lunch!

Thanks Rocker, that's where I was expecting to be. I had a 115 on my Ranger but usually only drove around 30mph at 4000 rpm. I am more concerned with fishability than speed and I feel like I got that. I plan on licensing tommorrow and taking a mental health day Wed or Thursday to do some fishing and break-in. Did you catch any fish? I did a bank fishing today and caught a few Kentucky and largemouth bass.

Ha ha, my wife would probably give you a good description of how seriously crazy I am to get that new boat on the water! The Crestliners do look very similar to the Ranger aluminum boats. I ended up going with a new boat after the 86 Ranger fiberglass boat I owned had some serious motor issues. I decided to go back to an aluminum because of price and versatility. I picked the Crestliner because I felt really good about the dealer I bought it from. Rocker, does your Crestliner have the 60hp on it. If so how is its performance? I was told that I wouldn't gain a lot by upgrading to a 75hp. The motor that's on it did come with the spitfire prop. I got my eye on a warm day next week to see for myself!

I just picked up a 2015 Crestliner VT 17 pro edition last week. It came with a 24v 70lb thrust trolling motor, on board charger, and upgraded trailer tires. The stock depth finder wasn't anything special but I added a hb 598ci si hd sonar on the bow. With extended warranty on the motor I came in under 17,000. I like the storage set up. It had the 60hp Mercury 4 stroke on it, but you could get an upgrade to a 75hp. Overall I feel like I got a pretty good rig for the money. Unfortunately I haven' t gotten to use it yet. Maybe next week! Good luck shopping!