Industrious fishermen can usually gather up lots of old Christmas trees after the holiday season. They make excellent brush piles that are likely to attract plenty of crappie or other game fish come spring. (Photo: Richard Simms)
Here’s a project to put on your calendar beginning December 26. Start gathering Christmas trees.
Maybe your neighbors put them out on the curb, or city recycling centers or maybe even Christmas tree sales places have leftover product. Wherever you can find them building crappie brush piles is an excellent way to recycle Christmas trees that might otherwise go to waste.
It is very important that you review any local regulations on your particular body of water. Some reservoir management agencies have strict regulations. But most also want to be fisherman-friendly as well.
Don’t place brush piles in shallow water where they can become a boating hazard and invest in quality rope and weight to ensure your brush remains on the bottom where it belongs. Concrete blocks – usually about $1.50 apiece – make excellent brush pile anchors.
Mark your brush piles on your electronic mapping and it’s almost a sure bet you can garner some crappie filets come spring or summer on your own personal “secret spot.”
