Late to post this but I caught my PB crappie February 22, 2026 at Patagonia lake. It was a female that went 2 pounds 14 ounces and 17 inches.
We caught at least 10 other fish between 2 and 2.5 pounds in the 15-16 inch range.
We found absolute mega schools of crappie. All caught on a slip bobber rig. The interesting thing was they would only eat it under a bobber. Tried just throwing the jig by itself and they wouldn't touch it. Add the slip bobber and they would smash it. Interesting to see the same bait with a different presentation was night and day difference.
That's awesome! Patagonia lake is a haul but I try and get down there at least once a year. I haven't fished with anything but minnows under a bobber. Did you just have the small jig on a bobber? Anyway 17" nearly 3lbs will be your PB for awhile, nice job.