Going Out Tomorrow

[hooked on crappie]

Well I went out today, didn't have any luck. Launched around noon and had to break through some thin Ice to reach the main body, most of the ice was clear by 5. Fished some points and steep bluffs...suspending crankbaits, shaky worm, jig/pig, lipless crank, gulp minnow swimbait, deep diving crank, slow-rolled spinnerbait...the works.

Sure would be nice to have a fishfinder so I could have an idea of how deep i am and what's going on down there. Regardless, it was good for my mind to be able to get out and enjoy the lake for a few hours. The lake sure is beautiful. I did see some small shad fluttering near the surface (assuming this is "the shad kill" I've read about?) and some birds dive-bombing the surface for something.

Empty handed but still had a great day. Boat still leaks a little but not as bad as before I patched a small gash. If anyone needs a fishing partner for a day for some companionship this spring, holler at me.

I went out about 1:00 pm today Feb. 18, put in at Cedar Ridge, Had to travel about 3 miles through the ice! I was able to find and catch 7 keeper crappie. ( in about 19 feet of water ).If you are going to fish Stockton Lake this time of the year, you are going to need a depth finder or locator to do any good.

[BolivarBasser]

Yeah I need to break down and get one, just don't know what to get.

[zarraspook]

Yeah I need to break down and get one, just don't know what to get.

If you are looking for basic structure and fish returns - there are 100's of "fishfinders" that will work....BUT, if you are serious about Crappie fishing you need to get a GPS/Sonar unit... Because, as you find the brush piles that the Corps DID NOT put in, with a nice green sign.... You can "mark" the location on the GPS and boat back to the same place ( + / - 10 foot )each time you are on the lake... Even the cheapest units will get you within 10 - 15 feet, which is less distant than the length of you boat... The unit I used ( until my old eyes needed something brighter ) was the Eagle FishElite 480 Sonar with External GPS.. It is a greyscale unit for about $ 350... If $ are no problem look at the newer color units...

I just received the flier from Cabela's.. Thru MAR 8th, you can get the 642c Sonar/GPS for $329.99 .. It is color and has more detail than the 480....

[BolivarBasser]

350 is a little more than I want to spend, But I would prefer to have gps capability. The eagle cuda 350S looks nice.

[straw hat]

I noticed that there is a pretty good discussion about fish finders on this web site. It is under Boat Reviews and is called "What is the Best Fish Finder?" (I hope I remembered that right). It was started on Jan. 28 this year. I hope this helps.