Author: Jeff Matura
Article: Crappies provide fisherman of all ages and skill level entertainment through out the year in variety of waters across the country. While this variety of panfish can be more finicky when compared to bluegill these fish are still relatively easy to catch and can also provide excellent shoreline fishing in the spring. Crappies can be found across the country in a variety of waters including ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and even rivers
Both white and black crappies are members of the sunfish family and can quite often be found in the same school. At times these two fish can be rather difficult to tell apart. The simplest technique to properly identify these fish is that a white crappie will 6 dorsal fin spines while a black crappie will have 7-8 dorsal fin spines. Crappies are a schooling fish and most often can be found in groups of 5 to 25 fish, with larger schools often occurring. Crappies are also a prolific breeder meaning that they can quickly over populate a body of water hence limits for these fish are most often very generous. Crappies also have a very tasty flakey white flesh which is known to be among the best tasting fresh water fish. Both black and white crappie spawn when the water temperature reaches 58 – 64 degrees Fahrenheit. Adult crappies range in size from 12 to 18 inches.
Since crappies naturally forage on underwater insects, minnows, and other small fish presentation techniques are quite simple. The simple technique is to hook a 1 -2 inch minnow underneath the dorsal fin with a spilt shot attached to the line about 12 inches above the hook and underneath a bobber. A slip bobber may be needed for deeper water presentations. Another option is a light jig head with a minnow imitator plastic body or twister style tail. Small Rapala size 5 and 7 minnow baits can also be effective for more aggressive crappies. Since crappies feed mostly at sunrise and sunset, you will want to concentrate your fishing efforts at these times. Since crappies have very thin mouths more subtle hook sets are recommended as to not tear the hooks from their mouth.
In the spring time crappies can be found close to the shoreline during the spawning season are can be quite easy to catch. Look for underwater structure and shaded areas to find the most active fish.
Examples of structure would include docks, brush piles, and over hanging tree branches along the shore line. Rocky areas can also hold fish during this time of year. As summer begins and the water warms crappies will back off into deeper waters. When out in deeper waters crappies will still seek out structure which can submerged brush piles or deeper weed line edges.
Have fun fishing and always remember to fish safe!
About the author: Jeff Matura has been fishing during the open water season and through the ice for over twenty years. The majority of his time fishing has been spent in the Midwest on lakes and rivers including the Mississippi River.
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