Crappie Fishing

I took a break from reading and writing yesterday afternoon for a few hours to go in pursuit of the elusive crappie that have been evading me for a year in the pond.  The fish were added to the pond two winters ago and averaged around three inches long.  We caught every other fish that was stocked to check their growth.  We knew spawning was going very well since the banks were covered with tiny little fish.  They were so small and fast it was hard to identify the type of fish they were. 

This past week the temps have finally gotten high enough to get the fish moving around and feeding.  The catfish and bream can be seen easily while feeding in the afternoons.  The crappie however do not let you know that they are still there.  They will be the first fish to spawn in the pond this year.  I wanted to see their growth before this happened so I would not take them off of their spawning grounds.

I chose a white and green artificial minnow for the afternoon fishing.  Then waited and waited.  Finally, I got the first bite and knew right away that I had what I was looking for!  I pulled the little guy in for a close check up.  He looked like he had been eating well and had gained a few inches in length.  Soon it will be time for frogs to lay eggs along with all the bugs that are emerging.  Hopefully this will encourage more growth in the little fish species that hates me.  This little guy below is back in the pond with his friends probably to never be seen again.