And don't be afraid to change fishing depths, especially if the bite is slow. Sometimes just three or four inches can make a world of difference between fishing and catching.

Most anglers believe it's best to start shallow and work your way deeper until you find the hot depth.

Downstream at mile 762 is Little Hurricane Island. The back of this sizeable landmass -- the east side -- often produces some of the biggest crappie in the area. It can be difficult to fish, however, if you don't pay attention to the weather and to river conditions.

High-water levels and swift current flows will push plenty of brush and debris into the area. When that happens, the papermouths tend to scatter and are often fished most effectively by anglers who keep moving along, even when the bite is hot.

When the water level drops and consequently, the current drops to almost nothing, just the opposite occurs. The fish tend to bunch up under what little cover they can find. During these times, dropping an anchor and sitting on one spot is often the way to fill your stringer.

Another place worth some of your fishing time is the cut behind Ellis Island at mile 765.5. It's best with a moderate to slow current after a period of high water and swift current.

Here, minnows and jigs are the favored choices. Most locals will try to fish with the current, letting their minnow or jig flow naturally in the water. There isn't much water in this cut, so be quiet and move slowly from place to place. Too much noise or movement will put the fish down and ruin the bite for hours.

THE BAYOUS (PADUCAH)
The lower end of the Ohio, near Paducah is often referred to as "the Bayous," and for good reason. It's a wide, flat area full of shallow-water flats, ditches and cypress trees. There are hundreds of acres of this type habitat in the lower Smithland Pool, above the Smithland Locks and Dam at mile 918.5.

"I personally think it's the best river location in the state for big slab-size crappie," said Bobby Gentry, long-time area resident and professional guide, whom you can reach at www.bobbygentry.com.

"It's got everything you need to grow big crappie and everything you need to pattern them and catch a bunch of them."