3 Lures to Help You Catch Crappie
Catch Crappie
As one of the most popular game fish among anglers, crappie are versatile feeders, which makes choosing the right lures to catch crappie fairly simple. Although they typically feed on most types of aquatic insects, worms, minnows and small crayfish, lures can also be highly effective.
Let’s dive into the varieties of crappie, the top time of year to find them and then take a look at a few of the hottest lures that best mimic a bait fish and help you catch more crappie.
What’s the Difference Between White vs Black Crappie?
Both white crappie and black crappie can be found in the same freshwaters, even schooled together and often respond to the same lures and fishing tactics. Though they have the same body shape, their coloration and markings differ.
Black crappie, for example, are primarily silver with black speckled markings. They have 7-8 spines on their dorsal fin. White crappie, on the other hand, are mostly silver but their markings are faint vertical bars. They have only 6 spines on their dorsal fin.
When Can You Catch Crappie?
Though crappie fish are fairly active all year-round, spring is coming up which means they’ll be hitting hard in the warming waters. Found throughout the US in many lakes, streams and ponds, when waters reach 48-51 degrees, crappie typically move to shallow waters to feed aggressively before spawning (typically once the water temperatures reach 60 degrees). Spring is one of the best times of year to fish for crappie.
In the summer months, they move out to deeper and cooler waters. Look for crappie near submerged structures such as brush piles or fallen trees. But once summer waters start to cool in the fall months, they start feeding aggressively again in shore areas to fatten up for the winter. This “fall feed-up” can also offer a good opportunity for anglers to catch crappie.
What Are the Best Lures to Catch Crappie?
No matter what time of year you’re fishing, crappie like to eat a variety of bait, but they’re also attracted to a few different lures. There are so many options to choose from, but here are a few top picks to add to your tackle box:
- Jigs
Small jigs (1/8 ounce tend to be consistently effective) are one of the most popular and effective lures to tempt a hungry fish and catch crappie. They’re versatile and can be used in almost any fishing condition. Plus, when fished properly, crappie are usually eager to bite (especially in the spring). Remember to be patient; avoid retrieving and casting too quickly. Slow and steady will get you more action.
- Spinnerbaits
Grab the attention of a nearby crappie with a stainless steel spinnerbait. Designed to rip through vegetation without a snag, their flashy and vibrating features will attract fish wherever you cast. Just remember to keep your line tight so it doesn’t tear since crappie are known to have a soft lip.
- Curly-Tail Grubs
Found in most tackle boxes, curly-tail grubs are soft plastic baits with curly tails on the back that produce a lot of movement in the water when jigged. Try the Berkley Gulp Grub, which has a natural and biodegradable formula with extreme scent dispersion to expand your strike zone and entice action.
Some Crappie Fish Just Know
Love chasing anything with fins? Fill your tackle box with only the best. Contact the Fishermen’s Source experts at 800-388-4149; we’ll lure you in with our unparalleled customer service that you won’t find anywhere else. See for yourself.
