There were more good reports from night anglers at Roosevelt and Alamo last week. Minnows and green or white Slab Daddy jigs seem to be the ticket. One group of Slab Hunters at Rosey boated about 41 and another group got 20 or so all of which were over 2 lbs! I also heard a good report on Bartlett from a guy trolling in the morning.

With a full moon on its way you will need more light in the water to attract baitfish. There are a number a quality lights on the market ranging from $20 to $150. Green light does the best but during a full moon it is a good idea to add a white light. Bass Pro Shops and other local tackle stores sell green florescent tube lights for under $25 and they work great, especially when you use more than one. There are also larger tube lights you can find on the internet. In my opinion the best light out there is the “Aurora” from www.jumpingchollajigs.com. They are small, kick out a ton of light and use very little power.

So let’s go over some basic night fishing techniques.

First you should start by anchoring up in about 30 to 35 feet of water in a cove or near a point. Then put your lights in the water and get them fired up. This will get the food chain moving. You should start to see zooplankton (tiny krill like critters) within a few minutes. Zooplankton will attract shad minnows (baitfish) and the shad will attract the predators like bass and Crappie. If you don’t have shad around your lights within about 45 minutes, move and try another spot.

Start by fishing with a minnow on a #4 aberdeen hook and a #7 split shot about 5 to 6 feet under a bobber. I prefer slip bobbers but any will work.
Keep your bait just outside the light ring as much as possible. That’s where the predators are waiting. It may be necessary to fish deeper but start shallow and slowly work down until you find what depth the Crappie are at.
Remember, Crappie only feed up! If your bait is too deep you will not catch Crappie even if there are dozens around you. If your going to make a mistake, error on the shallow side.

You can also work a jig; this is where a longer rod will really help you. It will help you keep your jig out away from the boat towards the edge of the light ring. I fish a 9′6″ Wally Marshall Pro Series rod in medium light; it also makes a great trolling rod. Again, start shallow and jig your bait vertically or swim it slowly. Feather jigs like the Slab Daddys work great for this. And a little shad favored spray on scent will help also.

I won’t be going out this week but I’ll keep the reports coming the best I can. Also, I’m working the opening shift at Bass Pro all week so if you need more help or want to share some info, please come see me.

Good luck with your fishing, be safe out on the water and don’t forget to share your outdoor experiences with a kid. Fishing is a great sport for young ones and will give them memories that last a life time.

Bill (Piscolli) Eveland

BPS/ AZCA