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Spring’s first bite: unlocking ice-out crappie patterns

Inquisitive anglers like Al Lindner consider the puzzling pursuit of early spring slabs great fun just after ice-out. (Photos by Lindner Media Productions)

Spring is here and we are welcoming it back with open arms. After another long winter, many of us are ready to be back in the boat on the open water.
Spring panfish get a lot of coverage all year, but most of that content focuses on the spawning periods. The ice-out timeframe rarely gets coverage, but it can be an incredible time for panfish – particularly, crappies and bluegills.

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