Crappie

If you're looking for some slab crappie in north Alabama, consider a trip to Lynn. While not as widely known as some of the larger reservoirs, the smaller lakes and ponds in the area, often privately owned but sometimes accessible with permission, can hold surprisingly large crappie. Focus your efforts in the spring, particularly during the pre-spawn and spawn (March-April), when crappie move into shallow water around brush and submerged timber. A simple minnow rig or a jig under a bobber is tough to beat. Local tip: Look for stained water, as the crappie tend to congregate there. Be respectful of private property and always ask for permission before fishing on private land. The crappie in these smaller bodies of water can be less pressured than in larger lakes, so you might find some real hidden gems.