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Hope you've filled your deer tags so you can get back on the water chasin' the real prize! 😉

Question: Whose crappie are starting to put on that winter feedbag? 🤔 Been pretty warm down here in TX and crappie are just on the verge but not quite getting that belly yet. Just wondering where it's going down! 🤠

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Get shallow this winter?

Winter crappie fishing gets kinda weird in a good way for Truman Lake, MO guide Jeff Faulkenberry. Here's a little from an In-Fisherman post talkin' about him explaining how crappies can slide SHALLOW instead of running deep in colder water – if a lake has color:

> When water temperatures drop into the 30s and 40s, crappies in clear lakes tend to seek warmth in deeper water. However, if a lake stays murky to muddy throughout winter, they move shallow where the darker water absorbs the warmth of sunshine....


> "As the water warms, more 'active' phytoplankton and algae transform carbon dioxide into oxygen, so when the concentration of oxygen rises, fish in the area become more active."

> Since the back ends of creeks tend to hold the warmest water, he finds crappies bunched up there throughout winter.

> "Truman has always been that way ever since I was a kid – we would go up the creeks in Jan, Feb and Mar, and catch crappies in 6-7' of water on little brushpiles.

> "Crappies move up into that murky shallower water because shad and everything else moves up there. ...crappies have plenty of cover (stumps and pole timber) and forage to keep them [there]."

> Targeting the gut of a creek, he usually starts where the creek channel is only about 8' deep and works his way to the back end.

> "If you get in a creek channel where crappies are staged out in the center, you don't have to fish brush along the shoreline."

> Sunny days are best.... His favorite times to target the backs of the creeks are late morning and afternoon when the sun is brightest.

When Jeff finds fish, he spider-rigs to cover water. Interesting deal: He goes for a T-bar holder vs a single-pole rod holder because he can detect those soft bites by holding the mount. 👀

> If he marks crappies 7-8' deep, he sets his baits at 6' so he always is fishing above them.

> 8 14' poles set off the front deck allow him to cover a wide swath of water in a creek. He estimates his spider-rig setup spans about 32' across....

> ...he uses 10-lb Berkley Trilene high-vis mono with a double-minnow rig consisting of 2 1/0 Eagle Claw Aberdeen hooks spaced about 14" apart, and weights ranging from 1/4- to 1/2-oz depending on the wind.

> "I run the lightest weight I can get away with. If it's windy I go up to 1/2-oz because I want my lines vertical."

Jeff trolls slow in those creek guts, like 0.1-0.2 mph – just enough to keep his lines straight up and down. He keeps that speed by bumping the Minn Kota Terrova on and off and using drift paddles to stay barely moving.

Go with flat plastics for winter dock fishing

OK crappie hammer Chris Edwards has learned that the flat body of the Bobby Garland Crappie Shooter gives a real slow fall, which means it sits in a crappie's face longer. Here's some 🧃 on that from a Lurenet.com post:

> The Bobby Garland Crappie Shooter, which is only 1.5", is one of Chris’ favorite baits for winter crappie fishing because of its size, subtlety and natural appearance, and uses 'em to catch slabs hanging out under docks.

> Crappie shooters are flat and can be rigged with the flat surfaces on the top and bottom or the sides. For cold water, [Chris] rigs the Crappie Shooter with the flat sides up and down because that creates the most subtle action. 

> ...a Crappie Shooter rigged that way very effectively imitates a dying shad.

> Using 1/48-oz Bobby Garland Itty Bit Jigheads, Edwards tandem-rigs his Crappie Shooters, with the top jig attached with a loop knot.

> After shooting his rig under a dock, he allows the baits to fall slowly to the depth the fish are using and then gives his rod the slightest upward pop. He then allows it to fall a couple of seconds before popping it again.

> "If they don’t hit it after the 2nd or 3rd pop, I reel in and shoot again, possibly moving over only about a foot."

> Chris found that the fish won't chase this time of year. He can shoot to a spot and not get touched, but another shot...to the right or left, or father under the dock, may draw a strike.

> Chris’ #1 Crappie Shooter color...is 'tadpole'. 'Electric chicken' has been the best color early in the morning. Once the sun has gotten up a bit...'black/hot pink' has performed best.

> He noted that light conditions have a huge impact on the colors that perform the best. 

Any map – or multiple maps – on 1 graph! 👀

Do you use maps much? I do, so I went to Jones Marine Electronics in Texarkana, AR to sit down with Mitch Petrik – the owner, builder and mastermind behind NBT. If you're not familiar with NBT, it's best known for making huge screens to use with Garmin LiveScope.

But Mitch has branched out from that, and I wanted to get the scoop on his new HQ Interface Box – man it’s wild!

The HQ is a "black box" that gives Garmin and/or NBT screen users access to Humminbird LakeMaster maps, Google Earth and more mapping tools all in one place – basically a headquarters (HQ!) for your electronics. Here's the story:

What's the problem the HQ Box was built to solve?

> "How to put Humminbird maps into the Garmin. That was the first thing to figure out. Humminbird [Lakemaster]...is this magical thing that everyone has to have for tournament fishing. 

> "[To run a boat with at least 1 NBT screen] you basically have to take all the other units off your boat, run a Garmin 8600 unit at the console and then an NBT up front. That limits the ability to have Humminbirds, for the most part. 

> "[So] I had to create a little GPU unit – basically a small black box which has an Android-based computer that's marine friendly and [connects to] the Garmin 8600s.

> "We talked with the pro anglers – [the HQ] had to have a GPS pickup heading sensor to show which way you're pointing, WiFi capabilities and have the Humminbird mapping."

Why would you say fishermen need all the different maps?

> "For example, if you go to Lake of the Pines (TX), Garmin mapping is better than Humminbird. In the same way, Garmin is not [as] good up north [vs Lakemaster].

> "MN and all of Canada...Humminbird, the maps are insanely better – not even close.

> "If you're a serious fisherman, that might be seeing [a Humminbird map next to Google Earth] right there...that could be the difference from you finding that school.

> "If you're traveling, you don't know about the lake, you could learn it a lot faster having multiple applications.

> "Being able to open all the mapping apps such as Navionics, C-Map Reveal, the Lowrance app – you can sync your waypoints off your old Lowrance units, move them to the HQ box and then upgrade to all Garmin [and/or] NBT products and still have it.

> "From a crappie-fishing perspective, you got this big hole right here [looking at Google Earth]. That's a good depth, and there's a Bois d'Arc tree...that's gonna have a 3-lber on it this winter. You don't know that that's there unless you're idling by [but with the HQ] you can just go look at it right now."

Does Humminbird mapping work through the One Boat Network app?

> "It's through the One Boat Network app. You have to download the app in the HQ boxes interface, and then you have to pay for the $25 yearly subscription. 

> "It's nearly every map that they ever have. You don't have to buy different chips, and you can download the offline maps. That way you don't have to have internet hooked up to your HQ box for it to work.

> "Everyone touches on the Humminbird maps, but it does a lot more than that. Google Earth Pro with historic imagery...is a big, big deal in the South. 

> "You can have all your [boat] battery apps downloaded – pretty much every lithium has an app. You can download that app and have [the stats] right at your units instead of having to pull out your phone.

> "You can sync your phone to it, almost like an Android Auto or an Apple CarPlay, depending on what phone you have. You can have all your messages and calls and everything come through your HQ box, which is technically your new entertainment center too."

[You do not need to have an Android phone to use the HQ Box.]

Can the NBT HQ be used without a Garmin head unit?

> "The touch function only works within your Garmin unit you have it linked to. You can see it on all of them, but actually being able to use it and operate it is on whatever Garmin it's linked to. 

> "But, say you don't want to have any Garmin units, and just want Google Earth in your boat. You could buy an NBT 14" or 16" and just plug the HQ Box straight into it and it'll work just fine."

If someone wants the cheapest way to go all in on the HQ and big screen game, what would be the cheapest way to do that?

> "It'll be the bundle package, which will be your [Garmin] 8612 or 8616 at the console, the 1 unit, the NBT screen of your choice, the HQ and a LVS34 transducer would be the way to go.

> "There's sale price on Garmin products all the time, but the bundle would be about $9,999 (depending on if NBT can get you a Garmin on a sale).

> "If you wanted just to add to your current setup, the cheapest route would be the 14" NBT and the HQ box – about $3,500.

> "For that $3,500, you could get a 14-inch screen, every map, Google Earth and complete Bluetooth compatibility.

> "Another thing to note...these 8600s have been out for 6 years. So if your boat was decked out with 8600s, for $1,800 you can [just] hook the HQ up. You don't need to alter your setup at all.

> "Your average guy is going to spend about a half an hour to 45 minutes...setting it up."

"This is not strictly just a fishing interface. It can be used for literally anything."

That's Mitch talkin' about the full capabilities of the HQ. Here's a little more on that:

Does having the Android computer in the HQ allow anglers to do anything else?

> "It has the Google Play store, so [it can run] any app you can possibly ever think of....

> "It's a full touch-screen interface...you can split screen while maintaining that interface. [Meaning you maintain all of the Garmin features while you split the screen with the HQ.]

What other non-fishing capabilities does it have?

> "If you have speakers in your boat, like a sound system, you can Bluetooth it directly to that.

> "Weather radar's is a big one. We notice lots of people using using weather radar when they're out idling around.

> "A lot of people are big sports fans [so] being able to split screen, download your ESPN app and all the different kinds of sports apps and have it on your your split screen.

> "You can see cameras at businesses – a lot of business owners nowadays are out fishing on the water, they can check their cameras. 

> "You can check trailcams if you're a hunter.

> "This is not strictly just a fishing interface. It can be used for

literally anything. Over 3 mil different apps. It comes with 100GB storage. You can pretty much download all the Humminbird maps you want on it."

If you're on the water with no Wi-Fi, hotspot, Starlink, etc, what can you do with it?

> "The morning of or the night before at your Airbnb, your house, wherever you may be, you download the offline maps for your Humminbird or C-Map or whatever.

> "You down pre-download it, then you go fishing all day, and it's already downloaded to the unit. 

> "For Google Earth, you can download, basically screenshot chunks of the Google Earth that you're fishing in my tournament and then put them into an overlay app. 

> "The overlay app will GPS track you offline on those those maps you just you'll be able to zoom in and see the detail. You just won't be able to load anything past what you have saved."

When people get it, what are the first apps they should download?

> "Always your main mapping apps, whatever ones are applicable to you. You definitely need the rotation control app if you're going to use the Humminbird app.

> "Then weather radar apps – those are the main ones."

The NBT HQ is out now is MSRP $1,799. Find it here on the NBT website if yer interested!

Self-deploying transducer pole?

Ever seen this before? Sounds like one of those 'duh!' deals – it's a Transomtech Cananda Transducer Buddy.

The Transducer Buddy is a side-mounted transducer pole for your boat that uses a spring that you can lock in place when deployed, but automatically stows the pole whenever you take off!

Could be a deal that saves you a lot of time going from spot to spot – especially if you're a guide or tournament guy. Plus it could save you from a damaged pole or cables...or having to invest in another transducer.

The Transducer buddy is fully mechanical (no power needed), just needs 2 bolts or a rail system for installation and can take any FFS transducer. Also, the website says you can troll 3-5 mph without it stowing. 👀

MSRP is $849 and looks like they're not officially out yet. Available for pre-order here if you're interested!

1. The top 5 crappie lakes in the US are...?

Gameandfishmag.com says it's these:

1. Wiess Lake, AL
2. Toledo Bend Rez, TX/AL
3. Grenada Lake, MS
4. Sardis Lake, MS
5. Lake Fork, TX

2. TX: Crappie bite is 🔥 on a handful of lakes

• Crappie are excellent right now on Bob Sandlin and Cypress Springs in 20-40' river channels and old river channels dropping jigs
• Murvaul’s standing timber with chartreuse/black crappie jigs
• Navarro Mills’ deep brushpiles with minnows
• Waco’s 12-15' standing timber with jigs or minnows when they’re not lockjawed after a front

3. AR: Sounds like this cooler weather is getting 'em 🔥ed up on...

• Harris Brake Lake – Crappie are doing great on minnows with multiple limits, lots of 2-lbers.
• Bull Shoals Lake – Crappie are solid on brush in 15-25' in the creeks, with minnows outfishing jigs lately
• Beaver Lake – Crappie bite is really starting to ramp up on 10-20' structure and up in the river arms
• Lake Fayetteville – Crappie fishing is going pretty good with fish hitting worms
• Lake Poinsett – Crappie bite has been very steady, with more fish stirring as temps cool and lots of anglers buying minnows to chase them
• Millwood Lake – Crappie are hot in planted brush along Little River, biting well in 12-18' and getting better every day on both jigs and minnows.
• White/Arkansas River Pool 2 – Crappie are biting right now with minnows clearly catching the most fish.

4. Ever seen the world record crappie?

Now ya have! That's TN's Lionel Ferguson's 5-07 MONSTER black crappie that he caught in a pond near Knoxville, TN in May 2018.

We're coming into the winter/pre-spawn feedbag time – Will we see more records broken soon? And where from? 🤔

5. Lurenet is having a Black Friday blowout sale!

• Bobby Garland Crappie Cheat Code Bundle is $10 off. 👀
• Fill out a free survey for a BIG holiday giveaway
• 25% off apparel

6. It's week 2 of Tackle Warehouse's Black Friday Sale

Get your crappie stuff before it's gone!

7. Glacier rolls out new HydroGrip Max waterproof glove

Glacier Outdoor’s new 2.5 mm neoprene HydroGrip Max glove has full waterproofing, reinforced wear zones, and a grippy silicone palm. MSRP $59.99, check ‘em out here.

8. Crazy Kistler sale on all Feather Chromium reels

9. AL: The 'cormorant chum line' is very real

Sounds like winter cormorant roosts on north AL lakes create stanky slicks that stack blue cats – and even largemouth – for anyone who wants to fish around 'em. 🤢 Wonder if slabs will hang out there too?

10. AL: Gordon boat ramp on the Chattahoochee reopens

11. FL: Boaters reminded to watch for manatees as temps drop

Lookin' at you, St Johns slab chasers! 😉

12. NE: Verdel ramp Bazileg a full rebuild

The Verdel Landing WMA boat ramp on the MO River is closing through spring for a full renovation that’ll add a better launch slope, new dock, ADA access, and erosion protection. Use the Bazile Creek WMA ramp downstream until it reopens.

13. UT has $1.5 mil of ramp and other projects in '26

They have 10 new boating access improvement projects planned for 2026. Multiple locations on Flaming Gorge Reservoir and Strawberry Reservoir, plus Wide Hollow Reservoir and Utah Lake State Park.

14. IA DNR spraying Clear Lake for milfoil

15. Sea Foam: Best boat storage tips

Storing your boat for the colder months? Several good videos at the link ^ talking boat winterization. They cover stabilizing fuel, engine storage, lower unit lube, prop, batteries, drying out your boat and more.

Let relief shading show you the right water

TX Guide Jerry Hancock and TX/OK Guide Kayle Ward were on Jerry’s weekly podcast talkin’ how relief shading can be killer right now for finding those deeper channels that fish are moving into right now:

> "We got in 22’ and instantly started seeing fish. Went toward the bank – nothing. Came back to that outside edge and they were stacked. Relief shading is the bomb.

> "It was a little secondary channel. Depth barely changed, but that ditch had Bois d’Arc trees and bigger timber. Every Bois d'Arc had 2-3 good fish on it."

Why is finding that true creek on depth shading important? Because the biggest trees will grow next to it:

> "6 inches makes all the difference. The closer you get to a creek channel, the more Bois d'Arc trees you see. Bigger timber, higher in the column – that’s what they’re relating to.”

> “If you look at that ditch, there’s no creek channel to it – it’s silted in, timber’s right on it."

Check out this certified 4.01-lber 🤯 caught by NC's Bryan Perry! What an absolute freak wow!

Bryan caught that big 'ol girl on 'Lake X' in NC and it sounds like he Scoped her on a 25-year-old Bab-fly jig!

That fish is now swimming around the big tank at the Bass Pro Shops in Cary, NC – stop by and wanna see what a true 4-llber looks like!

Full story here on Carolina Sportsman.

National Professional Anglers Assoc.

MN-FISH