Crappie fishing is a popular pastime for many anglers because of the fight these fish can put up and the delicious taste of their flesh. If you’re new to crappie fishing, or if you’re looking to up your game, check out these tips and techniques. With a little practice, you’ll be reeling in big crappies in no time!
The Different Types of Crappie
There are three main types of crappie: black, white, and yellow. Black crappie are the most common, and can be found in both fresh and salt water. White crappie are less common, and are typically only found in fresh water. Yellow crappie are the least common, and are only found in very specific areas of the southern United States.
Each type of crappie has its own unique set of characteristics that can help you identify it. Black crappie have dark green or brown bodies with a mottled pattern of black spots. They have large mouths with small teeth, and their eyes are set high on their head. White crappie have silvery-white bodies with fewer spots than black crappie. They also have large mouths, but their teeth are larger and more visible. Yellow crappie have bright yellow bodies with few spots. They have small mouths with no visible teeth, and their eyes are set low on their head.
Now that you know the different types of crappie, you can start trying to catch them!
Where to Find Crappie?
If you’re looking for a good place to find crappie, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, crappie tend to congregate in areas with plenty of cover, such as trees, brush, or docks. They also prefer areas with moderate to slow-moving water.
To find crappie hotspots in your area, try talking to local fishermen and bait shops. They can usually give you some good tips on where the fish are biting. You can also check out online forums and message boards dedicated to fishing; there’s bound to be someone who knows where the crappie are hiding.
Once you’ve found a promising spot, it’s time to start fishing! Try using live bait such as minnows or worms, as crappie are attracted to movement. If you’re not having any luck, try moving to another location; there’s no shortage of places to find these elusive fish.
What Time of Year is Best for Crappie Fishing?
The best time of year for crappie fishing is typically in the spring, when the water temperatures are warmer and the fish are actively feeding.
However, crappie can be caught throughout the year if you know where to find them and what techniques to use. In the winter, for example, they will often congregate around deep structure such as submerged brush piles or ledges. And in the summer, they will often be found in shallower waters near aquatic vegetation. So no matter what time of year it is, there are always opportunities to catch crappie if you know where to look and what tactics to use.
What Bait to Use for Crappie?
There are a variety of baits that can be used when fishing for crappie. Some of the most popular include minnows, jigs, and crankbaits.
Minnows are perhaps the most common bait used for crappie. They can be fished live or dead, and are often used in conjunction with a float or jighead. Jigs are also popular, especially when tipped with minnows or plastics. Crankbaits can be effective as well, particularly in stained or muddy water.
When choosing a bait, it is important to consider the size of the crappie you are targeting. Smaller baits will usually work better for smaller fish, while larger baits may be necessary to entice bigger fish. Experimentation is often necessary to find out what works best in a particular situation.
How to Clean a Crappie?
If you’re planning to eat your catch, it’s important to clean a crappie properly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Start by removing the scales from the fish using a sharp knife.
- Cut open the belly of the fish and remove the guts.
- Rinse the inside and outside of the fish with cold water.
- Pat the fish dry with a paper towel.
- Cut fillets as desired and cook according to your recipe.
Proven Rigging Jigs
When it comes to crappie fishing, one of the most important things you can do is to use proven rigging jigs. There are a ton of different jigs on the market, but not all of them are created equal. Some jigs will catch fish consistently, while others will only catch fish occasionally.
If you want to be successful when crappie fishing, you need to use proven rigging jigs that have a track record of catching fish. Here are a few of the best rigging jigs for crappie fishing:
- The B&B Crappie Jig is one of the most popular and effective crappie jigs on the market. It features a unique design that allows it to swim through the water column quickly and efficiently.
- The Bobby Garland Baby Shad is another great option for crappie fishing. It’s small size makes it perfect for targeting Crappies, and its action in the water is deadly on these fish.
- The Mr. Twister Curly Tail Grub is a great choice for those who want to add a little bit of flash to their presentation. This grub has a curly tail that creates a lot of action in the water, which is sure to attract attention from near by Crappies.
Avoid the Expensive Fluorocarbon Braid and Braid: Go Mono
Fluorocarbon braid and braid are both excellent options for fishing line, but they can be expensive. Mono is a great alternative that is just as effective and much less expensive. Here are some tips for using mono to catch crappie:
- Use a small diameter mono. This will allow you to fish smaller lures and baits effectively without spooking the fish.
- Go with a clear mono. This will make it much more difficult for the fish to see your line, giving you a better chance of getting a bite.
- Use a leader with your mono. A fluorocarbon or braid leader will help improve your knot strength and abrasion resistance.
- Don’t be afraid to try different pound test lines. Mono is available in a wide range of pound tests, so you can experiment to find what works best in your particular situation.
Crappie fishing techniques
Crappie fishing techniques vary depending on the time of year and the type of water you’re fishing, but there are a few general tips that will help you catch more crappie. In the spring, look for crappie spawning in shallow water near brush piles or other structure. Minnows are the bait of choice for most crappie anglers, but jigs can also be effective.
In the summer, when crappie move to deeper waters in search of cooler temperatures, minnow rigs and jigs are still effective baits. Another good technique is to use a small crankbait or spinnerbait to attract Crappie to your area and then switch to a minnow or jig to hook them.
Fall is a great time of year to target Crappie as they begin to feed heavily in preparation for winter. Again, minnows and jigs are good baits, but topwater lures can also be effective as Crappie feed on shad near the surface.
Winter is a tough time to fish for Crappie as they tend to huddle together in deep water and are less active. However, if you can find them, vertical jigging with minnows or jigs is usually the best bet.
Conclusion
Remember these top tips the next time you go crappie fishing and you’re sure to have a successful trip. Leave us a comment below if you have any other great tips or techniques that have worked well for you in the past. And be sure to check out our selection of Crappie Fishing Gear before your next trip so that you can be prepared with all the right equipment.
