In early May, Johnson spends much of his time beneath Pendleton Bridge over public artificial reefs.
The angler and guide explores various depths over these reefs, with water temperatures and baitfish activity dictating much of the approach.
He targets pilings Nos. 2 to 26, which are easily accessed from Pendleton Bridge Resort.
“From late April to mid-May, water temperatures will place the baitfish and sac-a-lait in 12- to 15-foot depths,” Johnson said. “As the water temperatures increase, the fish will locate to cooler depths in 15 to 18 feet of water.
“But the general rule of thumb is if the baitfish are at 12 feet, so will be the sac-a-lait.”
That’s why a good sonar unit is critical.
“The correct depth is critical for catching these fish,” Johnson said.
Johnson also makes frequent stops at the two public artificial reefs near North Toledo Bend State Park near the mouth of San Miguel cove. These are a series of feed pallet trees located at 14 to 24 feet deep.
No matter where he stops, however, Johnson keeps his crappie fishing very simple.
Although he personally fishes crappie with hair jigs, Johnson uses small to medium shiners when he is guiding clients.
The shiners are hooked through both eyes on a gold 2/0 Aberdeen hook tied to 10-pound Trilene XL mono.
Johnson emphasized that he places a single No. 0 (1/4-ounce) Bullet Weights reusable split shot set 12 to 14 inches above the hook.
“I’ve seen anglers using five to six smaller pinch-on weights have problems catching fish,” he said. “There’s so many baitfish and small bream that these small sinkers sink slower and result in less sac-a-lait.
“You want to get through the school of baitfish and other species quickly, and I found using only one heavier split shot weight gets the job done.”
The angler never uses floats of any type — including slip floats.
“They’re not necessary for catching fish,” he said. “You just allow your line to fall to a certain depth and you’ll catch plenty sac-a-lait.
“I find using floats will often result in anglers not feeling some subtle bites.”
Johnson’s mono is spooled to simple push-button Zebco spincast reels attached to light-action 5-foot, 6-inch B’n’M rods.
By mid-June Johnson really begins fishing his brush piles north of the bridge. As the sun heats the waters, more baitfish and crappie begin using brush piles in 18 to 22 feet of water.
