ANGLER TIPS Jack Wollitz

Crappies and walleyes continue to cooperate at Mosquito, Berlin and other local lakes, where anglers savvy about autumn tactics are stretching their season toward December.
Last week's cooler weather put a bit of a dent in the water temperatures after two weeks during which they stabilized around 50 degrees.
The fish, meanwhile, are still in a fall feeding pattern and willing to bite for those who get their baits in front of them.
Crappies are within reach of shore fishermen in the marinas, along causeways and near bridges.
Anglers are catching crappies while fishing minnow rigs on light line with slip bobbers, as well as small jigs tipped with minnows or maggots.
A tip for bait fishermen is to use the lightest line and smallest float possible. Crappies are tentative biters and will shy from heavy line and bobbers that offer resistance when the fish moves off with the bait.
Six-pound line and quill-shaped slip bobbers are recommended.
Crappies like vertical cover, so look for them around pilings and brush piles. This time of year, then also can be found in open water around rocks, which is why causeways are productive.
Work the depths between 4 and 8 feet.
Walleyes also are on the move. Anglers are catching nice fish still at Mosquito and Berlin, according to reports.
Both lakes are low, so boaters should be careful about navigating. Look for fish on the long points and sand bars.
Jigs tipped with minnows are working, as are jigging spoons, Cicadas and other hardware.
For a chance at some big walleyes, try working the breakwalls at Mosquito and the causeways there and at Berlin after dark with slim minnow plugs. Friday's full moon should trigger a strong night bite as the fish stock up their fat reserves for winter.
jwwollitz@aol.com