Tottenham Pond

For crappie, Target brush piles, submerged timber, and docks—crappie love cover. Seasonally: Fish shallow (2-10 ft) in spring, deeper (15-30 ft) in summer. Bait: Use live minnows (1-2 inches) or small 1/16 oz jigs with soft plastic bodies. White, chartreuse, and natural shad colors are reliable. Presentation: Cast near cover and retrieve slowly, or suspend a minnow under a bobber just above the fish. Use a light-action rod with 4-6 lb test line. Crucial tip: Crappie have soft mouths—set the hook gently and fight them patiently to avoid tearing the hook free.

A great day out on the water kayak fishing with Beika Zhan. Maiden voyage with my new yak complete! 🙌

Some fishing trips are about the fish. Others are about finally getting there. For two years, a fishing kayak sat near the top of my bucket list. An inflatable taught me what I didn’t want. This trip showed me exactly what I was missing. With the first light on the water, a good friend by my side, and a kayak built to explore, we slipped across the lake chasing new water. The freedom was immediate. No shoreline limits. No crowded spots. Just open water, quiet coves, and endless casts. The bluegills were there waiting. Not just bluegills—true slabs. The biggest I’ve ever caught. By the end of the day, the tally on the board mattered less than the feeling. A long-awaited dream launched successfully, great company, and enough memories to keep me counting down to the next trip. Full Video on Instagram: hookedwithsaj