Name:   Billy - Subject:   Crappie Fishing Date:   2/25/2020 3:48:15 PM

Sorry for taking so long to respond; I've been away from the forum for awhile.

After making the post last July, I actually tried trolling crankbaits (mostly Bandit 300) in several locations around the lake--Wind Creek, Sandy Creek and Blue Creek, to name a few.  I used the method I learned from YouTubes by Mike Baker, which, by the way, are excellent. However, my efforts, like yours, resulted in plenty of spots but, as I recall, only 2 or 3 crappie total.  I tried summer, early and late fall, but to no avail, as far as crappie are concerned.  But lots of small to medium spots.  

Since then, I have learn why, I think.  Talking with a professional crappie angler in the area, as well as friends from a couple other areas, and drawing on my own experience this passed summer, I think the problem is that crappie in Martin are almost all black crappie.  The have somewhat different habits and smaller mouths and just don't hit the crankbaits as well.  Also, more difficult to locate during the time of year when cranking is best.

Blacks do great on longlined jigs, especially from November thru March.  Bottom line, don't think Martin is going to be a good lake for cranking crappie.  However, Lake Jordan is the opposite of Martin--mostly white crappie, not as deep and spread out.  I do not know the lake well, but I'm going to give it a try starting in May.

If you check out the YpuTubes of those catching crappie trolling crankbaits, I think you will see that almost always the are white crappie.  Hope this helps, and let's keep in touch and see if we can figure this out.  I think the river my work as well (Alabama), but I don't fish the river.