Don't let the cool weather keep you home - take time to get out on the lake and fish for crappie, an excellent choice for this time of year. Crappie fishing is a great way to spend time with the whole family and provide a great meal at the end of the day. Georgia is fortunate to have many areas across the state that offer fabulous crappie fishing opportunities - and right now is one of the best times to give it a try, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).

"Crappie fishing is a great way to introduce someone to the fun aspect of fishing because there typically is a lot of action," says WRD Assistant Chief of Fisheries Management John Biagi. "In addition, it is an activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family and there are good crappie fishing opportunities available in most parts of the state."

Crappie tend to be found in deeper water, generally 15-30 feet, near the mouths of major tributaries and in the main lake during mid-February. As the water warms towards later February, fish will move to more shallow water and towards the middle and back of major tributaries. Crappie prefer to congregate around woody cover, such as stumps, logs, downed trees, fish attractors (man-made structures placed in lakes) and creek ledges - so target these types of areas when fishing. Minnows and small jigs are a favored lure/bait, as is light spinning tackle spooled with six or eight pound test line.

For more information on crappie fishing in Georgia, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com or call a WRD Fisheries Management Office.

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