Fishing on Lookout Mountain, GA

Swim Baits for Slab Crappie?
by Bucky Schoocraft, NuCanoe Pro Staff

With the water temperatures approaching the magic number that triggers the spawning process for many species in the southeast, and the air temperatures near perfect for the angler, it is time to get out there and take a kid fishing. There is not a better way to introduce a beginner to fishing than to get out in a NuCanoe on a lake, pond, river or creek with air temperatures that do not make you cold or never make you break a sweat. The bugs are minimal, the wildlife in the woods is abundant, the plants and trees are spouting their foliage and the fish are biting.
Kayak fishing is an inexpensive and easy way to take you and your child away from the crowds. No tanks to gas up, very little maintenance and good exercise. The NuCanoe is very stable so you don’t have to worry about you, your child or your tackle ending up in the water. Kayak fishing allows you to access water that is not accessible by larger craft or water that you can’t wade or fish from shore.

While fishing with live bait is a sure way to catch fish and a good way to introduce a new angler to fishing, casting and working a lure keeps many young anglers from becoming bored. Always remember when taking a kid fishing the trip is about them and not you. Many of you are familiar with the large swim baits they make for catching giant bass. Several of the manufacturers are now making these swim baits in a mini version. Some are as small as 2”. These baits can be fished fast, slow and worked in almost any fashion to catch fish. They are very easy to cast and will work in most types of cover. The next time you are on your favorite body of water in the early spring tie one of these baits on and hang on to your rod. These little baits are great search bait allowing you to cover a lot of water quickly. When the time arrives in your area for the crappie spawn start throwing these little gems from pre-spawn right through the post-spawn period. They will catch big slabs and allow you to locate the fish. Little swim baits will catch fish year round but they really shine when the fish are first moving into shallow water and feeding on small bluegill or shad fry. So give them a try and remember to pass on the love for the outdoors and take a kid fishing.

Tight lines,
Bucky@nucanoe.com