What Size Hook Should I use to Catch Crappie?
This is a question that is commonly asked by novice anglers planning their first crappie fishing excursion. Unfortunately, there is no single right answer to this question, which is why it is almost invariably answered with another question: What are you using for bait?
Minnows call for a #2 light wire Aberdeen hook, since you don’t want to kill the minnow before it can attract crappie. This smaller hook also allows for more movement, ideal for slow trolling for crappie. I almost never use a #4 or #6 with minnows, unless I’m just dunking the bait in brush piles to see if there’s any response while trying to avoid getting snagged.
If you’re using minnows with a jig, I still say a #2 hook is the answer. If you want to use a jig with spikes or waxworm though, then go with a #4 or #6 hook instead. With Roadrunner jigs, a 1/8 oz jig with minnows, 1/16 for tubes, grubs and other smaller baits.
I should also mention that hook gap is actually more important than hook size. A live bait hook with a bigger gap lets you go with a smaller size like#6. A small hook is easier for your bait and reduces the odds of losing a crappie by tearing off their lip! Crappies have very soft, easily injured mouths. If you’re doing catch and release, then a smaller hook is better since it causes less damage and gives the fish better odds of surviving the experience.
00 sizes are good for Roostertail, Mepps and other French type spinners. You can go as high as 0 or even 1 if you have especially large crappie in your local waters. 1/8 oz Roostertail or Panther Martins are fine, but anywhere up to ¼ oz works pretty well.
With a Daredevil, go for size 0. If you use crankbaits, you want ultralight models (Rapala or Heddon are good ones); but something like a 1/8 oz Lazy Ike is murder on crappie.
Finally, for all the fly fishers out there, I recommend Clouser Minnow flies and Crappie Candy sized 8-12 depending on your local stock. Tied on a straight-eye streamer hook, these are about as good as crappie fishing gets.