Crappie

Crappie fishing around Cave Spring, Georgia, centers on the smaller lakes and ponds dotting the landscape. While there aren't any massive reservoirs nearby, several smaller impoundments and private lakes offer surprisingly good crappie populations. Spring is undoubtedly the best time, as the crappie move into the shallows to spawn. Look for brush piles, submerged timber, and lily pads in water depths of 4-8 feet. Small jigs and minnows are the go-to baits. A local hotspot (though I can't reveal specific private locations!) are the numerous farm ponds in the area – ask around for permission to fish on private land, as these often hold overlooked crappie. Another tip is to fish under bridges or near any structure that provides shade and cover. The crappie in these smaller waters tend to be a mix of black and white crappie, with sizes generally averaging around 9-12 inches.