CHRISTMAS WITH THE SLABS

Carp Mafia honcho Bob shows off a last-minute slab from a recent trip. the 13 incher was released to get bigger.

Once again it is Christmas time in the world of panfishing! Ahhh....yeeesss! Cold, harsh winds that burn the eyes and sting the face! Numb fingers that can barely operate a spinning reel or put a wax worm on a jig. Back in the truck it is warm and cozy. Out on the lake it is raw and rough. Are fillets worth it? Is the lure of trophy crappies and bluegills enough to put us through all this? Do we really love this sport that much? Do our wives think we're all crazy? You betcha'! Consider the following...

Whoa! Windy and cold! Do I really want to do this today?

Five of the better black crappies I got from a recent catch.

Everybody in favor say 'Can I have some?'

The general scheme of things goes something like this...Check the weather forecast, and determine the degree of accuracy for the day. 50% chance of snow or cold rain means a 90% chance you won't see me on the water. But we have been spared from really cold stuff so far this year Back East in the Mid Atlantic. Another mild winter? Last years winter was the warmest since 1932, which means it is the warmest winter most of us will ever remember or experience in our lifetime. Mild winters allow for open-water panfish opts all winter long. Here are a few recent catches we have made for December...

Ten-inch class crappies are the heart and soul of the next fish fry.

Winter bruiser fell for a tipped micro.

Here are a few 8.5 to almost 10 inch gills...a December treat!

More winter bulls!

Although worms work in a pinch, I like waxies and mealworms better for winter gilling.

Many chilly gills will be modest sized fish. Yeah...it's cold!

We have been fishing the local Bluegill and Crappie Marts all this month with good results, and have managed to freeze up a few fillets along the way. Traditionally, we keep 7 to 9 inch gills and release any gill over 10 inches during this time of the year. Same with crappies...keep a few 10 to 12 inch slabs and toss back the big girls. By releasing the majority of the bigger panfish in any system or water body, quality panfishing can be sustained for a long time. Sure...keep a trophy if you are so lucky to catch one, but most top-end panfish should go back. It's called 'conservation', 'selective harvest', and 'smart'.
Our best baits for crappie have been Berkly 1 inch Gulp Alive minnows on a 1/32 oz jighead fished 3 to 4 feet below a bobber in and around dead or dying vegetation. The 1 inch Stank X chartreuse Polywogs got a bunch of fish the other day when other baits would not.
For bluegills, we like warmed up shallows with some weeds where either warmer surface water 'stacks up' along a wind blown bank or is heated a few degrees by the afternoon sun. Two pound test, 1/100th oz jigs tipped with wax worms or mealworms get the gills attention. With both species, the bobbers barely move, often trailing off opposite the wind direction. set the hook and enjoy!

But there's enough quality fish to make it worth the trip.

As Christmas approaches, let's keep in mind what it is really all about. It is about the most amazing and true love story that ever was told in the history of mankind. About the Christ Child, who grew up to be Emmanuel, and became the conduit for salvation and eternal life for any and all tribes and nations. He has redeemed us and saved us from sin. He is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Almighty One, the Great I Am. I don't just say 'Happy Holidays',...I say Merry Christmas! Yes, I celebrate Christmas for the sake of Christ! I do not flaunt it, brag on it or force it on anyone. My God is an Awesome God! I feel blessed and honored to even be allowed to tune the strings of His instruments. There is no reason for Him to permit a sinner like me to praise His Holy name, yet He let's me do it anyway. Be thankful this Christmas, no matter what your circumstances or condition, that you have recieved the truth through His word...I love what Psalm 69:34 says...
                            ' LET HEAVEN AND EARTH PRAISE HIM

                                       THE SEAS AND ALL THAT MOVE IN THEM'

            MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU!