While the impoundment of Kerr Lake may have solved many problems in the flood-prone area downstream, fishing the high water resulting from early spring rains requires another solution.
Flooded shorelines invite crappie to scamper into the newfound cover that was previously dry willow bushes. Most anglers consider these fish untouchable due to the thickness of the shrubbery; however, guide Chris Bullock has found a way to pull them out.
“If the water is extremely high, I’ll use a Charley Brewer Slider jighead and grub. It’s the best way to make a jig weedless; it’s like Texas rigging a plastic worm,” Bullock said.
This micro-version consists of a flattened jighead and a hook with an offset shank that allows the point to be imbedded in the soft-plastic body.
“I throw it right in the willows and reel it slow,” said Bullock. “When I feel a limb, I pause it for a second or two, depending on the depth. That’s when you’ll feel a ‘tick’ or see the line jump.”
“There have been a few years when I haven’t even gotten it out of the box because of low water,” said Bullock. “But it’s also good on a shallow brush pile that almost reaches the top of the water.”
“I use them on a fallen treetop that sticks way out into the water, especially on a drop where the fish can be in a foot of water down to 8 or 9 feet,” he said.
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