This one is for the fishermen out there – specifically, those looking to reel in crappie. We’ve compiled a list of the best ways to catch crappie fish, based on our own experience and that of others. So read on and put these tips to work the next time you hit the water!
Contents
Crappie Fishing Equipment
When it comes to fishing, there are a lot of different techniques that can be used to catch different types of fish. But when it comes to crappie, there are really only a few best ways to catch them.
First, you need the right equipment. A crappie specific cane pole and reel combo is a great choice, as it is designed specifically for catching this type of fish. Second, you need to use the right bait.
Minnows are a great choice, as they are a favorite food of Crappie. Finally, you need to fish in the right place. Many anglers can withstand strong waves in deeper parts of the sea. You just need to have a good trolling motor for a steady and slow troll.
Look for areas with deeper water and plenty of cover, as Crappie tend to congregate in these types of areas. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to catching crappie like a pro!
Crappie Bait Basics
If you’re looking to enjoy a delicious fish dinner, catching a pressured crappie, white crappie or black crappie, is a great option. But how do you go about catching these finicky fish? In this article, we’ll share some excellent ways to catch crappie, as well as some essential bait tips.
One of the best strategies is by using live minnows. These small fish are a natural food source for crappie and, as such, are very effective at attracting them. If you’re using live minnows, it’s important to keep them fresh and lively.
- PowerBait original chrome glow crappie nibbles are a glowing formula for visual attraction from a greater distance
- Soft yet longlasting, petite, preformed nibbles are easy to use with less mess
- Non-floating formula is ideal for tipping jigs or filling tubes
The best way to do this is to use a minnow bucket with an aerator. This will ensure that your minnows stay healthy and active, making them more likely to attract hungry crappie.
Another great way to catch crappie is by jigging. Jigging is a fishing technique in which you vertically bounce your lure up and down in the water. This action mimics the movements of small prey fish, making it irresistible to crappie.
When jigging, it’s important to use a light lure so that it can easily move up and down in the water (main lake humps or shallow flats) or even in a brush pile.
Types of Bait Fishing for Crappie
There are a few different ways to catch crappie, but some methods are more effective than others. One of the best ways to get these fish is by using bait fishing. This involves using live baits or lures that mimic live baits in order to attract crappie to your line.
Live Baits
Live bait is always a good option. Minnows are a great choice as they are a favorite food source for crappie.
Another advantage of using it is that it’s more likely to stay on the hook longer, giving you a better chance of landing your fish. When choosing live bait, it’s important to select a size that is appropriate for the crappie you’re targeting.
Using too small of bait will result in lost fish, while using too large of bait can be off-putting for the crappie. If you’re not sure what size bait to use, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and use smaller rather than larger bait.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using live baits as crappie baits. First, be sure to keep your bait fresh and lively. If your bait starts to look sluggish, it’s time to replace it.
Second, be patient when fishing with live baits as it can sometimes take longer for the fish to bite. But if you stick with it, you’re sure to have success in catching crappie.
- Premium Performance Cap featuring the Fishouflage Crappie pattern
- 6-panel craftsmanship and functional, moisture-wicking headband
- Classic Fishouflage logo embroidery
Grubs
Grubs are small, soft-bodied insects that are commonly used as bait for fish. They are easy to find and usually stay on the hook well. There are also soft plastic body versions of this. Soft plastics mimic the original ones making them great alternatives.
In addition, they are a natural food source for crappie, so they are more likely to bite. When using grubs as bait, it is best to use them live or fresh-cut. This will give them more scent and make them more attractive to crappie.
If you are fishing in deep water, you may need to use a small weight to keep your grub near the bottom where the fish are biting. When fishing for crappie, always be prepared for a fight. These fish can put up quite a struggle, so make sure you have a good rod and spinning reel with a light line.
Crappie are a delicious fish, so if you can manage to catch one (or two), you’ll be in for a treat!
Minnows
Crappie anglers looking for tips should consider using minnows as bait. Minnows mimic the small fish that crappie feed on, making them an ideal choice for both live and artificial baits.
When using live minnows, it is best to hook them through the mouth or nose so they can swim freely. This not only looks more realistic to the fish, but also gives the angler more control over the bait.
Artificial minnows can also be effective, particularly when used in clear water conditions. Brightly colored lures are often most successful in attracting crappie, so it is important to experiment with different colors and patterns until you find one that works best.
Artificial Lures for Crappie Fishing
Artificial lures mimic the appearance and movement of live baitfish, making them irresistible to crappies. They also last longer than live baits, so you can keep fishing even if the bite slows down.
When using artificial lures ranging from jigs, yellow jigs to slip bobbers, it’s important to use the right size and type of lure for the conditions. For example, in clear water you’ll want to use smaller lures that are less visible to the fish.
Because water temperatures is a great factor, you can use artificial lures depending on the water temperatures. See which artificial lures work best with different water temperatures.
In stained or muddy water, on the other hand, you can use larger lures that are more likely to attract attention. Experiment with different lure types and sizes until you find what works best in your local waters.
Jigs
Crappie are one of the most popular fish to catch, and for good reason. They’re quite tasty and relatively easy to reel in. But in order to have a successful crappie-catching expedition, you need to know the best ways to catch them. One of the best baits you can use is a jig.
Jigs come in all different sizes and colors, so you can find one that best suits your needs. You can also add a live minnow to the jig to attract even more crappie.
Another tip is to fish around areas with submerged brush or logs. Crappie tend to congregate near these areas, so you’re more likely to reel them in if you cast your line nearby.
Spinners
Spinners are a type of lure that is often used to target trout, but they can also be effective for catching crappie. When fishing with spinners, it’s important to use ultralight spinning outfits and cast your line into areas where crappie are known to congregate.
Slow-moving waters are often best, as the fish will be more likely to strike at the bait. retrieved slowly. Experiment with different colors and sizes of spinners until you find the ones that work best in your area. With a little patience and practice, you’ll be catching crappie like a pro in no time!
Slip Bobber
Fishermen have been using slip bobbers to catch crappie for generations. This simple, yet effective bait consists of a small float that is attached to the line above the hook.
The depth of the bobber can be adjusted by sliding it up or down the line, which allows fishermen to target fish that are holding at different depths. Slip bobbers are often used in conjunction with live baits, such as minnows or worms.
The bait is placed on the hook and allowed to swim freely beneath the bobber. As the bait moves through the water, it will often trigger strikes from nearby crappie.
Slip bobbers are an incredibly versatile tool that can be used in a variety of fishing situations, making them one of the best crappie fishing baits. Even the classic bobber will do the trick.
Crappie Bait Color Guidelines
Any angler worth their salt knows that one of the best ways to snatch some crappies is by using the right bait. But what many people don’t realize is that the color of your bait can be just as important as the type of bait you use.
Here are some general guidelines to help you choose the best crappie bait color for your next fishing trip.
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a bait color is the amount of light that is present. In general, brighter colors are best used in well-lit conditions, while darker colors are better suited for low-light situations.
For example, chartreuse and white are good choices for sunny days, while black and blue work well at night or in cloudy conditions.
The depth of the water you’re fishing in is another important factor to consider. In shallow water, bright colors are often more effective because they’re easier for fish to see.
In deep water, however, dark colors tend to be more effective because they’re less likely to be obscured by murky water.
Finally, it’s also important to consider the type of water you’re fishing in. Clear water often requires lighter colors so as not to spook the fish.
- 【What You Can Get】: Dovesun Crappie lures kit has three types of soft lures and jig head hooks, in which the lures come in six colors. There are 80pcs of bait in total, the jig head hooks...
- 【The Enticing Grub Lures】: The Crappie lures kit contains two types of Grub Lures with four different colors, made of high quality soft rubber. The one combines a spiraling body profile and a...
- 【Flexible Tube Bait】: This soft plastic crappie tube bait is available in two colors that fish can’t resist, and provides plenty of durability. Even when used with jigheads, they will not...
Choose Your Method
Jig Fishing
Jig fishing is hands-down one of the best fishing techniques to snatch some crappies. For starters, it’s a versatile technique that can be used in a variety of situations.
Whether you’re fishing in deeper water or shallow water, slow trolling or still fishing, vertical jigging always has the potential to produce results. And, when it comes to presentation, there’s a jig for just about every situation imaginable.
If you’re looking to fish deep water structure such as weed beds, swim jigs and vibrating jigs are hard to beat. If you want to fish over suspended fish or around brush piles, consider using a slip bobber rig with a small tube or twister-tail jig.
Especially when fishing in deeper water, slip bobbers are always better to use than fixed bobber set. Remember this when you’re trying to catch crappie in a deep structure.
No matter what the situation, there’s a jig that will get the job done. Another great thing about jigs is that they’re relatively inexpensive and easy to use.
When compared to live baits rigs or other more complicated setups, jigs are downright cheap, and they’re also pretty straightforward to use. Even if you’re new to crappie fishing, chances are you can pick up a jig and start catching fish with very little trouble.
So, if you’re serious about catching crappie, make sure you give jig fishing a try.
Night Fishing for Crappie
One of the best ways to do crappie fishing is to do it at night. The reason for this is that crappie are nocturnal feeders, so they are more active and can be easier to catch at night. It’s when it’s easier to find feeding fish.
There are a few things to keep in mind when night fishing for crappie.
First, use a lighted bobber so you can see when the fish are biting. Second, use live bait such as minnows or worms. And third, fish near drop-offs, docks, or other structures where crappie tend to congregate.
Ice Fishing
If you’re looking to add some winter crappie, white crappie, black crappie, speckled perch, white perch or strawberry bass to your freezer this winter, then ice fishing is the way to go. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
First, you’ll need to find a good spot. Crappie tends to congregate around structure, so look for areas with submerged logs or brush piles. Once you’ve found a likely spot, drill a series of holes and try each one until you find where the fish are biting.
Next, it’s time to choose your bait. Minnows are always a good choice, but small jigs can also be effective. If you’re using minnows, make sure to use a hooked enough so that they don’t swim away when the big crappie hit.
Finally, once you’ve got your bait in the water, all that’s left is to wait patiently for a bite. Always remember that water temperature is a big factor when trying to catch crappie. Crappie aren’t particularly active in cold water, so don’t expect too many hits.
But if you stick with it, eventually you’ll hook into a nice mess of crappie. Ice fishing is still a great way of catching crappie. Hair jigs is great to use during the winter.
Spider Rigging for Crappie Fishing
There are a variety of different techniques that can be used to catch crappie, but some methods are more effective than others. One of the best ways is known as spider rigging.
This involves using multiple fishing rods to fish with, each equipped with a hook and bait on rod holders. The baits are then placed around the perimeter of the boat, giving the fish plenty of opportunity to bite from each rod tip.
Spider rigging can be particularly effective in areas where there is heavy cover, as it allows the angler to fish multiple spots at once. A longer rod ranging from 6ft to 16ft is ideal to use.
With multiple long poles and all the rods working simultaneously, fishing for crappie can become much faster.
Another advantage of this technique is that it can be used to target both deep and shallow areas, giving you the best chance of finding fish no matter where they are hiding. If you’re serious about catching crappie, then spider rigging is definitely worth trying.
If a single rod tip is not enough for you, then you should definitely try a spider rig. They’ll be like overhanging tree limbs. Two jigs, maribou jigs, aberdeen hook, you can use multiple techniques with spider rigging. Also great to fish in deep cover.
Know Where to Look
Crappie are one of the most popular fish to catch, and for good reason. They’re delicious, they put up a good fight, and you can find them in lakes and rivers all across the country. But if you’re new to crappie fishing, you might be wondering where to start. Here are a few tips on the best ways to catch crappies.
The Crappie Spawn
Spring is the best time to catch crappie, as they are spawning. One of the best crappie fishing tips is to find them by looking for them in areas with brush or other type of cover near deep water.
Another good way to find them is by looking for them near areas where there is an incoming tide.
In order to catch them, you will need to use live bait such as minnows or worms. A minnow attached is always great. The best way to fish for crappie is with a jigging spoon, a jig, or a minnow. Once you have found a schooling fish, you will need to wait for them to bite.
When they do, you will need to set the hook immediately. Crappie are most active in the early morning and late evening hours. So, if you want to catch the most crappie, you will need to fish during those times.
- PowerBait original chrome glow crappie nibbles are a glowing formula for visual attraction from a greater distance
- Soft yet longlasting, petite, preformed nibbles are easy to use with less mess
- Non-floating formula is ideal for tipping jigs or filling tubes
Seasonal Habits
As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, most anglers start to think about one thing: crappie fishing. Crappie are a popular target for many fisherman because they are relatively easy to catch and make for a delicious meal.
Looking to do some crappie fishing of your own? Here are a few tips to help you start.
First, it’s important to know that crappie are seasonal fish, which means that their behavior changes throughout the year. In the spring, for example, crappie will move into shallower water in order to spawning.
This makes them much easier to catch. In the summertime, however, crappie will move into deeper, cold water in order to escape the heat. This can make them more difficult to catch. Remember that water temperature is a big factor when crappie fishing.
Knowing the seasonal habits of crappie when crappie fishing will help you know when and where to fish for them. In general, spring and fall are the best times of year for crappie fishing. It’s ideal to catch fall crappie.
And as far as location goes, it’s best to focus on areas with plenty of cover, such as logs or downed trees. Crappie like to hide in these areas, so that’s where you’re most likely to catch more fish there.
Shoreline Fishing for Crappie
Shoreline fishing is one of the best crappie fishing tips. Follow these tips to start your journey with crappie fishing. First, look for areas where the water is deep and there is cover nearby, such as trees or brush.
Crappie will often congregate in these areas. Second, use bait that is small and colorful, such as minnows or crappie jigs. Baitfish attracts crappies and causing them to strike at the bait aggressively. Finally, be patient and wait for the fish to bite.
Crappie are not always the quickest fish to take the bait, so it may take a few minutes before you feel a bite. But when you do, be ready to set the hook!
Try shoreline fishing, a great way to catch crappie. And, to start on your success of getting more crappie, follow the tips listed above.
Try Catching Some Crappie Today
If you’re looking for a fun, challenging fish to catch, crappie might be the perfect choice for you. You can fin these little fishes in many different waterways across the country, so there’s no excuse not to get out and try your hand at catching some today.
We hope this article has given you a few good ideas on how to go about it. As always, happy fishing!