In-fact, you may never use live bait again. Please refer to the guidelines below these are some of the oldest crappie fishing secrets and have been handed down from father to son for years.

Guideline#1 Water clarity determines what kind of crappie fishing jig you want to use.

#1.a Look into the body of water you are fishing and if you can see 3-4 feet below the surface, the water is considered clear and you will want to use dark colored crappie jigs. Crappie can see very well in clear water so you need to spice up the movement of your jig in these water conditions. You need to “entice” the crappie to hit your crappie fishing jig.

#1.b if the water color is darker and you can’t see 3-4 feet below the surface use a lighter colored lure so the the crappie can see it. Make sure you ad this tip to your artificial crappie baits usage list.

#1.c Real dark and murky water means use some “flash” to make your crappie jig look like a minnow. Tie a 1/2 inch to 1 inch blade above the crappie fishing jig.

Guideline#2 I recommend you use a slip bobber, you can a good one to use is called “Mr crappie and you can purchase them at bass pro shop on-line. The slip bobber is unique because it will not come out of the water when you are jigging for crappie. this is a little used crappie fishing secret form the past.

Guideline#3 Place a small “split shot sinker” right above your slip bobber, this will control the depth of your crappie fishing jig. You want to work the depths between 4 and 8 feet. you can do this by readjusting the depth by sliding the “split shot sinker up or down the line until you get to your desired depth. Keep working these depths until you start catching crappie.

Guideline#4 “Pop” or jerk your slip bobber so it makes a 3 to 4 inch movement through the water, make sure you do this gently.

Guideline#5 If you do not get any bites, adjust the depth. The colder it gets, the deeper you will need to go. The warmer it is, the closer the fish will be to the surface. This is a little used fishing secret.

Why is Crappie such a popular game fish for avid fisherman? Well, there are a number of characteristics that make this fish one of the most popular fish among avid fisherman.
Crappie fishing is literally a sport for all ages. Any fisherman knows that Bass and Stripers put up such a fight that a small child or weaker adult may just simply not be able to get the fish in. But on the other hand, Crappie are often so gentle that you may have caught them before you even realize it. Because of the behavior of Crappie, no fancy equipment is needed. A simple cane pole, lightweight fishing pole, or even your son’s Snoopy pole will catch a Crappie. If the experience of catching fish is what you crave, the crappie will put up a small, but admirable fight with a lightweight pole.
Crappie can be found in thousands of lake, rivers, and streams all over the united states. Generally, depending on the region, Crappie can be caught in all four seasons.
During the summer and winter, crappie form large schools near places with an ample amount of cover available. When Spring comes, they head towards their spawning grounds, which can typically be found in places that do not have much wind, and still provide an ample amount of cover. The hardest time to find Crappie is during the fall, because Crappie become somewhat unpredictable. They may be in woody cover 8 feet deep one day, and in open 30 foot waters the next day.
No matter the season, a good fish finder will help you locate Crappie, no matter where they are hiding.
The Two Species Of Crappie
Crappie actually come in two species, the black Crappie and the white Crappie. While there is little difference in the way they are caught or taste, knowing the difference may help you in various future situations.
You will be able to tell the difference of the black and white crappie by noticing the color or dorsal fins. Black crappie have seven or eight dorsal fins, and irregular spotting patterns. White crappie have six dorsal fins, and their spotting patterns are usually arranged in vertical patterns.
Black Crappie flourish in cool, slow moving waters. They can typically be found in large lakes and rivers. White Crappie prefer warmer water, and are not as fussy about whether or not the water is clear or slow moving.

When you become a serious angler you know that the fishing rod you choose can mean the difference between having a great fishing day and having a bad one. If your fishing rod can not live up to its expectations, then it pulls the rest of your equipment down with it. You need to make sure that the crappie fishing rod you choose will not hinder your efforts when fishing for that big one. You need a rod that provides you with the catch of the day instead of the story about the big one that got away. Below are some crappie fishing rod reviews that will help you decide which rods will be best for you.
The B’n'M Ultimate Crappie Rod
The B’n'M Ultimate Crappie Rod is designed especially for catching crappie, walleye or bass because you can cast, flip or jig with it. You can even rig for live baiting action or for jigging. It is a very strong rod that provides excellent tip action. You can buy either the 8ft or 10 ft rod. What most anglers like the best about this particular rod is that even though it is strong enough to haul in the big fish, it is also sensitive enough so you can feel live bait wiggling on the hook. Many anglers agree it is a great buy as you can tell by the five start rating it has received.
The Ozark Crappie Spinning Rod
The Ozark Crappie Spinning Rod is made from a lightweight IM7 graphite structure. It has a cork handle with stainless steel guides. It is a great rod for spin fishing and the distance it will cast is really good. You will find that it is also a very sensitive rod while still being strong enough to haul in large fish. This makes the Ozark Crappie Spinning Rod great for trying to catch even the largest crappie. These rods received a five star rating as well.
Quantum Xtralite XP Crappie Rod
If you are a serious angler that is searching for a rod that can withstand the test of time, you will love the Quantum Xtralite XP crappie Rod. It was designed by Todd Huckabee and can provide you with three techniques for crappie fishing. Therefore, they are great for dipping, rigging and trolling. They are designed with graphite blanks and reel seats. This rod has a natural cork and fantastic ultralight action that you will simple fall in love with.
Ozark Rod Co. Crappie Rear Seat Jigging Rods
If you are in need of a jigging rod this one is a great choice. It is designed with stainless steel guides and a cork handle. The rear reel seat makes it possible to balance the rod so you have more control over it. It can be broken down into two pieces so it is much easier to carry around than the original length rods made for jigging. This one received a five star rating from anglers that have had the opportunity to give it a try.
Ozark Crappie Slow Trolling Rod
If you do a lot of trolling when fishing you will find that the Ozark Crappie Slow Trolling Rod gives a great performance. Since you will find the need to use heavy sinkers from time to time, you need a rod strong enough to support this weight. This rod is designed with fiberglass E-Glass to make it stronger. As you know it can be difficult to know when a crappie is taking the bait so this trolling rod is designed with colored tips to help out in this area. It also can be broken down into two pieces to make it simple to travel with and for easy storage.

Winter crappie fishing tips may help you to stand above the other anglers out there that struggle with crappie fishing during the colder months. Many fishermen, even experienced ones, believe you can not catch crappie anytime except the springtime. This is not a fact.
Crappie does spawn in the spring and are much easier to find in large quantities at this time, but the truth is crappie can be caught any time of the year. Perhaps the key to catching more crappie in the winter months would be to understand their seasonal habits and fish accordingly. Most importantly, know that fishing for crappie during this season may pose a challenge, but is well worth it!
When the weather begins to get warmer, crappie fish begin to migrate toward the shallows. Leaving their deeper water homes, they prepare to spawn. The timing and duration of the spawning will be different depending on the lake conditions, weather patterns, and current weather conditions.
Look for crappie during their migration, in structure such as piers, brush, and undergrowth. You will readily find them eager to munch on anything they can find because of their need for fast moving, to get to their destination.
When fishing in the late parts of winter and early spring, remember that the northern most sides of lakes and bodies of water tend to warm first, and most crappie will move to the warmer areas, and need to feed. Murky water also tends to heat faster than clear water, and your chances of getting a good catch in these types of areas is very good. Look at the layout of the lake or area you will be fishing. Where are the most ideal places for crappie to be at this moment?
In actuality, fishing for crappie during the winter months is the most predictable time of the year as far as fish behavior is concerned. During the cold time of the year, these fish will always be found in the deeper parts of the water. Using a depth finder and concentrating on the deepest areas is a great way to find the crappie for which you are looking.
The tendency for crappie to seek seclusion in structure might deviate during this time of the year. You can also find the crappie suspended in the water about midway, but looking for baitfish, such as shad, is a good way to locate the crappie you seek. With depth in fishing, tailor your fishing tackle, fishing line and rod to deeper waters. Be sure that you consider the importance of line strength here.

Whether you live in North Carolina or just visiting, if you are interested in going fishing for crappy you are in luck. You can find this species of fish just about anywhere. There are a number of different lakes you can visit scattered all over the state where you can try your hand at crappie fishing.
Crappies are divided into two varieties called black and white crappie and both have the ability to adapt to most all environments. The black crappies seem to prefer the deep waters found in some of the larger lakes and are located mostly in the northern states. The white crappie are more dominate in the southern states and can be found in mostly quite and remote places.
Techniques Used for Crappie Fishing
There are four main ways to fish for crappie that work very well. They are called drifting, casting, still-fishing and trolling. Below is a brief description of all four.
* Drifting – This technique is not only a great way to catch crappie but it is also very relaxing. All you need to do is have your equipment ready and fish while the boat is slowly drifting along with the current of the water. For the best results you need to slowly lift up the tip of the rod and then quickly drop it back, it’s a very simple technique.
* Casting – A casting rod is designed as a flexible fishing rod because it will need to bend when you will use your arm, hand and wrist to make the cast in the direction you are aiming. When done correctly the cast will land in a specific spot of your choice every time. Start by facing the target and placing your body at an angle. Hold down the release button while bringing the rod to an upright position. You will notice the rod bending from the weight and at this time flip your wrist to send the rod forward. This will cause the rod to bend in front of you and this is when you let go of the release button. It may take a little practice but with time you will cast like a professional.
* Still-fishing – This technique is very simple as it just refers to doing your fishing from a secured position. It could be a boat that is anchored in one place or it could refer to fishing from a bank, dock or fishing peer. When still-fishing you are actually waiting for the fish to come to you instead of going out searching for them. Therefore, it requires more patience than other methods.
* Trolling – Trolling is done by aligning several rods in a row and placing the same bait line and hook on each one. Make sure you check the regulations for using this technique before you do it because the laws are different in every area.
The Best Time to Go Crappie Fishing
As with most any species of fish the best time to catch crappie is when they are spawning in the spring. They tend to dwell under stumps, brush, logs and any other covering man made or natural. During the late evening and early morning you will find the crappie near the top of the water. However, as the sun comes out and starts warming things up they begin to go deeper into the water again. At night they normally go back to the deeper water but some may still feed during this time.
The best bait to use to catch these fish includes live bait, small crappie lures, crappie jigs or anything that imitate worms, minnows and insects. You will need to see how aggressive the fish are to determine how fast you can move the bait around. In other words, if they are very aggressive then you can move faster but if they seem sluggish then you need to move slower.

It has been a long hard winter and one of the most anticipated events in the spring is wetting a line on open water. While ice fishing is fun and productive, there is nothing like being out in the boat after taking a few months off. What really adds to the open water fishing experience is the thrill of catching slab crappies.

There are many fishermen who wait in the spring for the crappies to move in to spawn. Don’t get me wrong; if you find crappies on their spawning beds, the fishing can be fantastic! But why wait to the spawn when you can have your cake and eat it too. Crappie fishing right after ice out can be equally rewarding.

The water temperature right after ice out will be very frigid. After a few bright warm sunny days the lakes ecosystem will start to come alive. Many crappies in the early spring will be found deep. These deep water spots typically will be the last spots the ice fisherman were having success. By using light jigs and minnows in these deep-water spots, chances are you will have good success. But if you are really looking for fast action think shallow water.

As the water starts warming up, the insects will start hatching and small baitfish will move closer to shore. When that happens the crappies will move in right behind the food to feed. The best thing about early season crappie fishing is that the best times of the day to be out is during the peak of late afternoon and early evening when the weather is the nicest. Every lake is different, but the best early season lakes are the more shallow and muddy bottom lakes because they tend to warm up quicker.

If the lake has a small bay or channel the crappies will be drawn in there like magnets. Fallen trees, sticks brush and last years weeds will attract more insects that are hatching that the crappies will feed upon. This combination will become your “A” fishing spot. The water temp that typically starts this early season action is about 50 degrees. There are many fishermen who incorrectly think the crappies at this time are coming in to spawn. They are simply coming in to feed at this time. Crappies will move in to spawn a little later in the spring when the water temperature is about 65 degrees.

There are many fishermen that will use a jig and minnow. They will catch fish, but if you really want the fast action switch your presentation to a tube jig. The best depths typically here are about 6 feet or less. When you rig you tube jig, place a small bobber a foot and a half up from the jig. Cast and retrieve it slow. The bobber basically simply keeps your jig at the same depth. In detecting the bite, crappies will often grab your jig and swim side to side or the bobber will tip up and then move slowly down. The tube jig body is plastic so give the crappie a little time to suck it down. The best thing about the tube jig is that if you miss you will often get another bite right away. When using minnows for bait, you miss your done.

Once the crappies move in, the action can get very fast. This spring crappie pattern usually lasts a few weeks. After that the crappies move slightly deeper staging for the spawn and then move back in. So why wait for the crappies to spawn? You waited all winter. Early spring crappie fishing is a real bonus.

Crappie are a very curious species of fish and they love to attack schools of minnows to satisfy their amazing live bait appetite. The following crappie fishing technique will create a small, tight little group of minnows, each one with a hook in it. If fished properly this small group of minnows can be amazingly successful, and a very productive way of filling your fish basket.

You must get a good rod and reel combo the reel being a small spin cast Variety that accepts 4 to 6lb dia. Test line. The rod needs to be over 8ft long preferably 10ft plus. I personally use a set up that consist of a small spin cast reel that is rated for 6lb test line. The reel is loaded with a braided :fireline that is rated for 10lb test but has a dia. of 4lb test line. My rod is a two piece fly rod 12ft long that I purchased from bass pro shop.

Steps To Success The “Crappie Minnow” Rigging Technique

Step#1 Get yourself (3) three small three way swivels that work for crappie fishing.

Step#2 Get yourself some 3 small spinner blades 6 beads. They make excellent crappie minnow baits.

Step#3 You will need to find some bass or egg sinkers that are 1/4oz. You can find them at any department store fishing tackle area or any local bait shop.

Step#4 Get yourself some 10lb test fire line, this will have the dia. Of 4lb test, now load your spin cast reel.

Step#5 Cut (3) 16” inch pieces of fire line use a Palomar knot to tie on a no1,1/0,2/0 gold Aberdeen crappie hook to each piece of line on one end only. The length needs to end up at approximately 12 inches.

Step#6 Cut (3) 8” inch pieces of fire line, do not tie anything on them at this time. These pieces will be used for spacing between each 3 way swivel, and leader.

Step#7 Release enough fire line out of your rod and reel combo and run it through the eyelets on your rod. Make sure you have enough line extending past the eyelets to work comfortably when you are tying on your crappie fishing rig tackle.

Step#8 Now orient your first three way swivel so when you tie the top eyelet to your fire line there is a second eyelet approximate 90degs located on the left hand side.

Step#9 Pick up one of the 12” leaders you made in step 5 and slide one bead up the line. Next slide one of the spinner blades up the line behind the first bead. Next, Slide another bead up the line behind the spinner blade. Now, tie the end of the leader without the hook to the free eyelet on the 3 way swivel that is on the left side 90degrees from the top.

Step#10 Tie one end of the 8” pieces of fire line you cut in step 6 to the bottom eyelet of the first 3 way swivel, then tie the other end of the line two your second 3 way swivel. Make sure the open eyelet that is 90degrees from the top on the second 3 way swivel is located on the right hand side. After your tying is done, you want to end up with approximately 6” of space between the first and second eyelet.

Step#11 Round up (2) of the beads and (1) of the spinner blades from step five, and slide one bead up the 12” inch leader and then slide on a spinner blade spinner blade. Next slide a second bead up the 12” leader behind the spinner blade. Now tie the end opposite the Aberdeen gold crappie hook. And tie it to the 90deg eyelet that is on the right hand side.

Step#12 Now pick up one of your 8” connecting pieces of fire line and tie one end to last remaining open eyelet of the second three way swivel , then tie the other end to the top eyelet of the third three way swivel, but make sure the open eyelet 90degs from the top is on the right hand side before you tie. When you have completed the tying process you should have approximately 6 inches between the two eyelets.

Step#13 Pick up the last 12” leader you made in step 5 and slide one bead up the line. Next slide one of the spinner blades up the line behind the first bead. Next, Slide another bead up the line behind the spinner blade. Now, tie the end of the leader without the hook to the free eyelet on the third 3 way swivel that is on the right side 90degrees from the top.

Step#14 Tie one end of the 8” pieces of fire line you cut in step 6 to the bottom eyelet of the third 3 way swivel, then tie the other end of the line too your 1/4oz egg or bass sinker. After your tying is done, you want to end up with approximately 6” of space between the third 3 way swivel and the sinker.

Crappie fishing is a sport that the whole family can enjoy. Crappie remain small, typically around 8 to 12 inches, and weight about a pound. Crappie, unlike other types of fish, do not struggle once they are caught on a hook. Because of the nature of Crappie, young children, senior citizens, and avid fisherman alike are able to catch and reel in Crappie.
There are actually two species of Crappie, distinguishable by there color, spot patterns, and dorsal fins. Primarily you will find Black Crappie in the northern regions, but you may come across a White Crappie as well. Black Crappie’s spots will be randomly placed, while White Crappie will have vertical bands of spots. The most noticeable characteristic is the dorsal fins, Black Crappie with have either 7 or 8, and White Crappie will have 6.
Black Crappie prefer warmer water then their White Crappie counterparts, as well as many other types of fish. You will be able to find them in Southern Canada, and in the Great Lakes Region. Generally, you will not find any type of Crappie in central or northern Canada.
If you are thinking about fishing in Canada, you may want to consider fishing in the water around Georgian Bay and in Lake Simcoe. You can find these waters around the Ontario Canada Area. The Crappie in these waters are extremely over populated. If you are looking for an experience, or to catch a large number of Crappie, you may want to consider visiting these places first.
Essential Equipment Needed When Fishing For Crappie
While there are thousands of different types of fishing equipment available, you will only need the basics to catch Crappie.
Bait
Nothing will work better for Crappie fishing then the bait that the fish on a daily basis. Crappie will always respond to the bait they know before responding to artificial bait. The first thing you must do is find out what the Crappie in your area eat. While minnows is always your best bet, there may be a more predominate bait fish in the water, such as shad. Contact your local government or wildlife/outdoors office, as they can typically help.
While frozen bait is available and will work, when using real bait, the best way to catch crappie is to use live bait. By placing the live bait on the hook through the rear body near the tail, live bait will live for a small amount of time after being placed on the hook. This allows the bait to move and swim, attracting the crappie.
If you do not prefer to use live bait, a variety of artificial weight is also available.

How much do you know about California crappie fishing? You don’t hear a lot about fishing for crappie in California so many people do not realize just how abundant this species is here. In fact, many people may even think that crappie do not live in this area. However, it is interesting to know that even though California is not one of the most well-known places to catch crappie it doesn’t mean they are not there. You may be a little surprised to learn that many of the lakes in California have a large supply of crappie most anytime of the year. Below are the names of a few of the lakes and where they are located in California.
If you are fishing in Northern California there are several lakes where you can find crappie. Lake Oroville, Clear Lake, Lake Berryessa and Folsom Lake are a few. Central California has Lake Camanche, Lake McClure, Pine Flat Lake and The Delta Lake. Southern California is home to San Vicente Lake, Big Bear Lake, El Captain Lake and Lake Sutherland. Of course, there are plenty of other lakes in California where you can find crappie, these are just a few. Any one of these lakes would be a great place to fish for crappie when in California.
There are two main types of crappie which are called the Black crappie and the White crappie. The Black crappie is recognized as being dark in color with spotted sides and seven to eight dorsal spines. These are more common in the northern part of California. White crappie has six dorsal spines, is lighter in color and can have eight or nine bands located vertically down its side. These are more common in the Southern areas.
The best techniques to use when fishing for crappie are casting, trolling, still-fishing and drifting. The one you choose will depend on the lake you are fishing and the weather conditions. As any angler knows, different conditions require different techniques to have the most success. The fishing conditions will also determine the types of rod, reels and other equipment you will need when fishing.
You will find that the crappie will usually travel in schools, which make them easier to catch because when you find one there are normally more around. Spring is always the best time to fish for crappie because this is when they are spawning. During this time you can have a lot of success fishing in medium to shallow water. Live bait, spinners and jigs are the best to use with the techniques listed above.
In the summer the crappie will be deeper in the water during the day but they can still be found in the shallows during the early morning and late evening. Live bait, jigs and spoons are great choices for bait. In the fall live bait and spinners work great during the morning and evening hours while spoons and jigs are recommended for the middle of the day. In the winter the crappie are not quite as active so you have to move your bait slower during this time than other seasons. Using small worms and jigs are recommended for the best results.
Some of the best locations anytime of the year to find crappie will be near grassy areas, stumps, brush and any other covering artificial or natural. There are different methods available that you can use for catching crappie that can be very successful. Trolling is one of these methods in which you use several rods to fish with at one time. Other methods include jigging, drifting, casting and still-fishing.

The ice off most of the lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers now it’s time to wait for the crappie spawn to catch those jumbo slabs. Wrong! Spring crappie fishing right after ice ou is the most amazing time of year to catch trophy slabs. The fishing pressure will be light because of the still very cold weather. If you can tolerate some very inclement weather you will experience some of the most amazing spring crappie fishing.

After ice out it is time to go out and start your spring crappie fishing. The crappie are still in deep water but will start their move into holding areas close to their spawning beds. The large slab crappie will be feeding in ernest. The water is extremely cold, so you will have to use a very slow bait presentation. The trick is being able to locate the fish, there are some fundamentals you need to be aware of to find the big slab pre-spawn spring crappie. Oh you won’t have to be out on the lake at first light either. It has been my experience , Fishing right after lunch is better because there is some sun warming and the crappie feed on the moving bait fish more in the afternoon.

A good place to start your spring crappie fishing is at the last places the ice fisherman were catching crappie. If you don’t ice fish contact some ice fisherman and find out their last fishing locations. The fish will be holding at these locations right after ice out. If your lake is shallow, head to the deeper boat channels around your lake, the fish will be locate here. In deeper lakes head to narrowing creaks and channels feeding off the lake the spring crappie will be located there. I rivers head for channels that feed off the main river.

When fishing In cold water I prefer ultra light equipment. When your fishing for spring crappie the bite will most likely be very light. You need to be able to feel the bite to catch fish Use 2lb test and an open face reel and a graphite rod, with a good tip. If you are breaking line and snagging a lot move to 4lb fluorocarbon.. I recommend you use 1/32oz or 1/16oz jig heads that have eyes painted on them. The color of the jig head can very, but my preference is chartreuse or pink. with split tail plastic tubes. with some glitter color. My preference is to use clear color tubes with some glitter color in them for clear water. In murky water use white or yellow. If the water is real muddy use chartreuse.

If you use these tips you will be successful. When you catch a giant slab crappie in early spring there is no better feeling. Well good luck with your spring crappie fishing.