Dear Dan, I fish in my development on a 25 acre lake in lake worth fl. I have trolled with rattle traps for bass and on occasion have caught nice size crappies in the middle of my lake. If I fish for crappies only, how should i fish for them and where? I fish from a 12 ft.rowboat with an electric motor.any information will be appreciated. Thank You, Len

If there are any trees in the lake that would be my first choice of location. Crappie will be at different places during the year based on season and more importantly water temperature. But trees are the one common denominator when it comes to locating Crappie. It does not matter if they are standing trees or fallen timber, each is equally effective. Remember that the Crappie is both predator and prey. Trees give Crappie a place to prey on smaller baitfish as well as insects and other small organisms. Trees also afford the Crappie protection from larger fish, in this case Largemouth Bass. I once was reeling in a Crappie of over a pound and watched it get attacked by a Largemouth Bass right near my boat. You have the proper equipment for the task. When approached these areas you need to arrive quietly and stay quiet. Crappie spook much easier than other species of fish. Banging the tackle box on the bottom of the boat is not good. A boat with carpet on the floor will help you immensely. In the absence of trees I would look for deep water, especially in summer. I would find the deepest section of the lake that also offers quick access to shallower water. Generally when you find a spot like this the Largemouth Bass inhabit the shallower side of the drop off while the Crappie are often residing in the deeper section.