Lake Oconee Crappie Is Live Action

09/24/19 • 39 min

Scott Williams, of Cochran, knows how to catch Lake Oconee crappie. Him and his dad Billy compete not only in Crappie Masters tournaments but in Crappie USA events, tournaments that send them regularly as far away as Texas. They’ve both won Georgia Slab Masters and the Peach State Crappie classics, some Crappie USA tournaments on Clarks Hill, and Billy won some of those bigger national events on Lake Oconee years ago.

In addition, they are two-time Crappie Master Florida state champions, winners of an Alabama Crappie Master state championship and Crappie Masters anglers of the year.

Scott says October is a great month to vertical jig timber and shoot docks on Lake Oconee.

“I believe anybody right now can go to that timber—whether it be in Sugar Creek or in Richland Creek or up the Oconee River, wherever there is standing timber in that deeper water—and if you know anything at all about fishing, you’re going to catch some fish,” said Scott. “The fish are there.”

Scott said to look for timber that is in 18 plus feet of water. Timber as deep as 40 feet is no problem, but expect most of your crappie to be suspended about 10 to 12 feet from the surface.

Scott uses four different pieces of electronics to help him locate and stay on crappie: 2D sonor, Humminbird Side Imaging, Humminbird 360 Imaging and the Garmin Panoptix LiveScope. Each piece of equipment serves its own purpose.

Scott said October is a great time to shoot docks for crappie that are feeding up for winter.

“You don’t need a depthfinder, just start fishing docks,” said Scott.

In October, look for docks that are in 12 to 18 feet of water. While fishing with the author, Scott just happened to run across a dock in 17 feet of water, and it was easy to catch a dozen crappie from it. Yes, it can be that simple!

“I like a 5 1 /2- to 6-foot H&H rod,” said Scott. “It’s specifically designed to shoot docks. It’s got a fast tip with a good backbone.

“I like a light jig, a 1/32- or 1/24-oz. I can keep that jig in the strike zone longer before the jig goes below the fish. Color really doesn’t matter. I like red and yellow under a dock, but it’s a confidence bait for me. I know guys like white/yellow.”

In addition, they are two-time Crappie Master Florida state champions, winners of an Alabama Crappie Master state championship and Crappie Masters anglers of the year.

Scott says October is a great month to vertical jig timber and shoot docks on Lake Oconee.

Scott said to look for timber that is in 18 plus feet of water. Timber as deep as 40 feet is no problem, but expect most of your crappie to be suspended about 10 to 12 feet from the surface.

Scott said October is a great time to shoot docks for crappie that are feeding up for winter.

“You don’t need a depthfinder, just start fishing docks,” said Scott.

“I like a 5 1 /2- to 6-foot H&H rod,” said Scott. “It’s specifically designed to shoot docks. It’s got a fast tip with a good backbone.

Previous Episode

Ware County Cover Buck & New County Bow Record

On Monday, Oct. 15, Jason Lee, of Waycross, arrowed the new No. 1 Ware County bow-kill. Hard work, long hours on the stand, and according to Jason, some last-minute luck all came together to bring down the legendary deer that had been nicknamed Flame.

Knowing he was in the right place, Jason starting hunting the area as soon as bow season opened. He was seeing lots of deer, but Flame continued to elude him. Then things changed when Flame made his first appearance on camera during daylight hours.

“I was excited to get in the stand on Monday, Oct. 15,” Jason said.

Shortly after daylight, Jason said a spike and a doe came in to feed on corn.

“The spike was nosing her and bumping her around real good, and then a young 8-point came in and ran him off,” said Jason. “After a while, the 8-point started looking back and acting real nervous."

Then antlers appeared through the saplings, and Jason said he knew immediately it was Flame.

“The second I saw him, I about had a heart attack. I just hoped I would get a shot,” said Jason. “Flame continued to come closer, when suddenly the younger 8-point busted me. Knowing I didn’t have long, I quickly drew, aimed and let it rip.”

Jason smacked an oak tree with his first shot. Amazingly he was able to get a second shot on the new county bow record. Listen to Jason tell his amazing story.

Next Episode

Georgia Duck Forecast 2019

Georgia waterfowl biologist Greg Balkcom talks about the prospects for the 2019-2020 duck season. Details and info on the mallard and pintail limits that were cut in half this season, plus a look at a WMA opening up to quota waterfowl hunts for the first time.