Crappie Crappie Crappie, Beautiful weather

Not as cold last night, went down to a balmy 6 degrees. SW breeze and clear, with some clouds rolling in about 4am. Loons singing and quite a few falling stars made for a beautiful sky. The marten was running around and swimming (fishing) first time seeing him this fall. Took this picture around 4.30am. There was a half circle around the moon.

Lots of crappie last night, here is a small one.

Bigger.

A few like this larger one, released after it was stable. Sometimes bigger crappie turn over and die from exhaustion. I think they put all their energy into a 30 second fight on the hook.

A half dozen monster crappie as the night went on. A few cleared the surface of the water. I wouldn't call it jumping, but they fight as hard as muskie for their size.

This one was just huge. With its nose on the bottom vertical, the tail came right out of the pail. Not my biggest crappie, but over 16 inches. Released with all the other big crappie. I did keep a dozen around 11 to 12 inches. Only caught one walleye last night, that was weird.

Beauty fish as always CM.

excellent night of fishing

Wow, that's a nice crappie. Tonight is much warmer - should be a nice night to fish if you are out there.

Sounds like the perfect 'crappy' fishing trip....Congrats CM.

Thank you. Hope you get back out with the family again, before the weather changes.

Thanks, it did not even feel that cold compared to the last few times out. You said you might fish today, I hope you have some good luck.

Thank you Fozzy. It was a surprise to see that many crappie in all shapes and sizes. Usually they show up in a more uniform school. Small crappie travel in a large school, where as big crappie hunt by themselves for the most part. They do school but it may be stretched out down the shoreline or weed bed.

Thank you Flukes. In the dark and feeling the weight of the fish, my thoughts were maybe a new record. Fish in the net, turned on my light, big crappie but no new record. Maybe next time, if luck is on my side. Unfortunately came home yesterday, so no more fishing last night. I hope everyone can get out there and enjoy this weather, while it lasts.

The frogs and turtles will be returning to the water a bit later this year. Drive safe and watch out for all the other animals, big and small as well.