Jimmy actually that first post was about poling just as you thought. It was that that made me remember what we called using a long pole for fishing too, thus the second article, lol I will bring my long poles though, get me some crappies up there.
Yea I find they bunch up quite often even after or before spawn just in different areas and depths. In winter I find they will bunch together in thermal pockets which hold a temp and oxygen level most comfortable for them or as close as they can find. they can be hard to locate at these times but I have often had good luck under bridges in deep channels right alongside the bridge pylons. The jig cast out along side the pylon and let sink to the right depth, usualy 20 to 40ft or more I start at the deepest just off bottom then work shallower till I locate the right depth. I have sat on one pylon and caught my limit many times from one bunch. the bites are very very light, you usualy just feel a heavy sensation.
Then theres the pre spawn when you search from those deep channels toward points espescialy the points that lead to shallower water flats with plenty of early veg or cover. I start at the deep end of point and work inward to shallower water. Usually they are not bunched in a group as much as its a series of small groups 3 here 5 just 30 ft over another 6 fish group moves up in its place and although the action is good, it is broken by short periods of time between groups.
Then theres the spring spawn they bunch big time on flats the edge of flats along heavy weed beds, brush and tree tops fallin into the water, the float jig method is great for this, But thats when pole fishing is at its best too, puttin the tipp of that pole right in the center of a downed tree and letting the jig silently fall straight down, BOOMB baby! big dad just cant resist that.
Then theres after spawn they tend to spread out then, but even then you can find groups at the ends of deep water docks, over deep water beds and the one I love is isolated and deep water, down falls.
and last I follow them back to the creek channels.
When shore bound i over view a lake or pond from map quest, the satalite view,zoom in and look for the downed trees that go into deeper water. Then i print it mark it, grab my waders and wade in to one side or another, but stay far enough back where I can just reach the top with a good cast. fish the end in the deepest part first by starting with a shallow retrieve then deeper and deeper till I iether hit fish or snag . if u start deep first and hit snag you ruin any chance you had from the start.Then circle round to ther side and do the same thing. most people get to close or walk to the log itself, the vibes from walking up on the tree can spoil your catch. so I stay out and ease in bit by bit gettin the outer fish first then the inner fish last.
Dont know if this made sense or if it helps but it has done me well for years.
post edited by Mr.Jigs - 2009/08/04 22:06:01