Crappie

If you're looking for slab crappie in middle Georgia, Roberta offers some excellent opportunities. This region is dotted with smaller lakes and ponds, many privately owned, so do your research and obtain permission where needed. However, public waters like nearby Lake Tobesofkee (though technically closer to Macon) can be very productive. Spring is prime time, as the crappie move shallow to spawn. Target brush piles and submerged timber with minnows under a cork or small jigs. Fall can also be good as the fish fatten up for winter. A local tip: Pay attention to water clarity. After heavy rains, the smaller lakes can get muddy quickly, pushing the crappie deeper or into clearer pockets. Also, be aware that some smaller impoundments can have significant vegetation growth in the summer, making fishing challenging without weedless presentations.