Fish Structure I want to build, but need advice. . .

[P Gottshall]

I've read several articles recently about making structure from PVC.  These PVC stars have been the hot topic in Crappie.com, & I'd like to drop a few in my lake.  The PVC is attractive, as my jig won't get caught-up on it:




The hubs are 3-for-$30 from grizzlyjig.com, & use 1/2" PVC.  One guy even said he's drilled holes in an old basketball to get the same effect.

My question is - is it too late for me to be dropping structure (we have open water still), as some people say having algae-growth on the structure is key to it attracting fish.  Anyone know?

Paul

[UnderCoverBrother]

Go natural, drop a bunch of rocks!

[P Gottshall]

I can do that, but will they need time to grow algae before working?

Thx,
Paul

[eyedoktr]

I don't know about the algae needed to attract fish but putting those in the water would sure attract the law enforcement officers. I wouldn't think of placing anything like that in any body of water without DEC (MNR or whatever) permits in my hand.

[Webguy]

The sooner they go in the sooner they'll start working for you. I don't think the algea is necessary for the structure to hold fish, I think in time fish will get used to seeing it and start using it regardless.

They'll float, have you thought about how to anchor them down?

[Skiff]

I think a lot of fish react to something different about the bottom like weeds, a rock, a log, a hole or a hump rather than just algae.  I think bare rocks would be enough to attract curious fish, particularly perch, and certainly you wouldn't want to wait till algae covers your artificial structure before the fish would come.  Once algae begins, smaller bait fish might be attracted which would keep the predators interested longer.  Just my opinion.

[camo_fish]

will need to wire tie some cinderblocks to them so they'll sink. Use the wire from a coat hanger or something similar, cause rope or plastic ties will rot and fall apart over the years, wire will hold up better.  I would drop them now, the sooner the better. I would do it at night or early in the morning so others don't see you dropping them.   hope you have a gps or a good way to mark there they are so you can go right back to them. Awesome looking structure, 2x4 may work better, that wood appeal.  

[OTIS]

Cider may be able to answer this better than I, but I'm not sure if PVC is a wise choice for a material to use to submerge in a natural body of water.  They no longer allow PVC to be used in home plumbing in our area, it will eventually break down.  Now I know it will take a long time for this to happen, and if you only use a few the ppm will be very low for the over all lake as far as any contamination.

LOOK.......UP ON THE SHANTY.......IT"S THE MILKBONE SIGNAL!!!

[OTIS]

True.  Down in Louisiana they construct man made reefs from cement stars, or oyster shells.  I'd try to stick with natural materials.

[hollis]

How much $$ you you think you have in each of these?

[P Gottshall]

The hubs are $10 ea, the 1/2" PVC is $0.74 x 12 (cut in thirds) = $8.80, & a gallon of concrete to weigh it down, about $1.

So, about $20 each.  You could save a lot of money by using something other than the plasting hub, like the basketball idea I mentioned in the first post, or by cutting the PVC in shorter sections.

Paul

[fastribs85]

im thinkin about some old christmas trees for structure any suggestions and besides there cheeper

[P Gottshall]

My dad owns a Christmas tree farm, so I may do that too.  I've heard that Christmas trees don't last long.  Better wood is hardwood, but a little more of a hastle to make.  I've made some by filling a shallow pail with concrete, & shoving branches down into it.

The thing nice about the PVC, although a little pricey, is that it'll last a long time, and your jigs won't catch on it.  Also, the PVC is very stealthy - sonar won't pick it up, so nobody else will know where your structure is hidden.

Ever jigged into a Christmas tree?   Better have lots of spare jigs!

Good luck,
Paul

[UnderCoverBrother]

I dropped some 6"-7" rocks down the ice hole on a bar that was mainly gravel.
Now it as rocks on it and I have it marked on my gps.
Just go to the spot and look for the rocks with my sons underwater camera to get the exact spot and start fishing!
Plus I won't tanlge my lines on the rocks as you could on the PVC pipe you have!
You could also attatch some bulrush to the rocks if you want to get some natural weed structure to attract fish without putting un-natural stuff in the water!

[P Gottshall]

Back to my question about the need for alage - did you see fish on the rocks quickly?

Thx,
Paul