For the past two weeks, Dan has been catching lots of crappie and lots of a good size too. I wanted some of that action to kick off my open-water season. I was charged all day long yesterday waiting for 4:00 to come so I could head out. A mild sunny day too - perfect.
![Image](http://fish-hawk.net/hawk-pic/April-2006/daniel1.jpg)
In Daniel's first spot we quickly realized that water conditions had changed. There was a lot of muddy slop floating around and the water was very stained. Regardless, we were able to see a few hundred crappie hanging tight to the side of the bridge. Daniel smacked one immediately and I thought - HERE WE GO! A couple of kids couldn't believe Daniel just caught a fish after they had been around all day and they ran over, pushed me out of my spot and began excitedly throwing baits helter skelter. That was it for that spot.
![Rolling Eyes :roll:](./images/smilies/icon/rolleyes.gif)
I resolved then and there that the next time Daniel or I catch a 7 inch crappie I'm not going to start yelling YIPPEE WE GOT ONE WE GO ONE!
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon/lol.gif)
Daniel and I were fishing with a fairly typical slip-bobber set up. We had a couple of small jigs dressed with tubes or grubs. Opposed to my five foot crappie rod, Daniel was using a rod that I guess was 10 feet long and it certainly gave him the advantage as he was able to better work the edges of reeds and grass much better than I was. In some instances, the fish he caught were tucked tight to grass and brush. With the five foot rod I couldn't work the grass the way he could and now I want a ten foot crappie rod.
While I couldn't nail any real slabs - some of the guys around us were managing to catch a few pie plates. I was catching little golden crappies - I don't remember seeing golden crappies before - they're usually black or white.
![Image](http://fish-hawk.net/hawk-pic/April-2006/golden-crappie.jpg)
And look at that water - yichk. So there was just enough action to keep the senses tuned but not enough to brag about. It sure was good to get out there though, enjoy the weather and a few mosquitoes. Thanks Fishin Dan.
![Image](http://fish-hawk.net/hawk-pic/April-2006/muddy-water.jpg)