Christmas tree crappie beds

[OP50MM]

What is the best way to make a crappie bed with Christmas trees. I have heard you need to burn them, remove half of the branches, they should be vertical / horizontal, etc.

[cajun]

do not burn, cut onlly bootom branch to get them into a block and toss them in

[Average Joe]

I've heard of burning to get the needles off, but they'll fall off on their own. I tie a block around the bottom & a jug around the top to keep them vertical.

[36Tango]

I don't like using trees, but use 3 to 5 gallon buckets and add a bunch of pieces of PVC pipe sticking out the top at all angles (i usuallu buy a roll of the tubing and cut different lengths), and fill it about 1/2 full with concrete. Makes great structure, it will last forever. and you don't snag on it or lose fish in it.

[Average Joe]

I don't like using trees, but use 3 to 5 gallon buckets and add a bunch of pieces of PVC pipe sticking out the top at all angles (i usuallu buy a roll of the tubing and cut different lengths), and fill it about 1/2 full with concrete. Makes great structure, it will last forever. and you don't snag on it or lose fish in it.


I have about 6 pvc trees under my dock, but they don't seem to hold fish as good as natural structure:confused: But it is nice to not get snagged...but it doesn't matter if you're not catching fish.

[OP50MM]

I understand Ameren frowns on permanent structure. Although, I surely understand the no snag advantage. I have trees vertical and horizontal under my dock. I was wondering if I needed to have them run along the ramp to the shore? Also, I have used dog food in a 5 gallon bucket, would other type of feed work better?