fishing

Springtime Crappie Catching Tips

Springtime means crappie season! As waters warm up and nature awakens from its winter slumber, crappie begin to move from the deeper waters to shallower areas, making it the perfect time to reel in a catch. In this guide, we’ll give you some tips and tricks on how to make the most out of your springtime crappie fishing adventure.

Springtime Crappie Fishing Basics

Before you start crappie fishing, it’s important to know the basics. Crappie are known to stay in schools, so if you catch one, chances are there will be more in the area. They are also more active in cooler waters, so early spring is the best time to fish for them. Crappie are also known to be attracted to cover, such as submerged trees or vegetation.

Best Time of Day to Catch Crappie

The best time to catch crappie is early in the morning or in the evening when the water is cooler. During these times, crappie are more likely to be closer to the surface and actively feeding. However, some anglers have also found mid-day to be productive, especially if the water is overcast.

Finding Crappie in Spring

Once you have an idea of where crappie might be located, it’s important to find them. Look for areas that have structure or cover, such as submerged trees or brush piles. You can also use a fish finder to help locate schools of crappie.

Using Live Bait vs. Artificial Lures

Live bait, such as minnows, is a popular choice for crappie fishing. However, artificial lures such as jigs and spinners can also be effective. The benefit of using artificial lures is that they can be reused, whereas live bait needs to be constantly replenished.

Top Lures for Springtime Crappie

fishing minnows

fishing minnows

Some popular lures for crappie fishing include jigs, spinners, and small crankbaits. Jigs in particular are known to be effective, especially when paired with live bait.

Techniques for Catching More Crappie

One technique for catching more crappie is “spider rigging,” which involves using multiple poles spread out at different depths to cover a larger area. Another technique is “trolling,” which involves slowly moving the boat while dragging lures behind it. Both techniques can be effective in springtime crappie fishing.

Crappie Fishing Gear for Spring

When crappie fishing in the spring, it’s important to have the right gear. Some essentials include a fishing pole with a sensitive tip, a small reel with a light line, and a good selection of lures. Additionally, polarized sunglasses can be helpful for spotting fish in the water.

Tips for Catching Big Crappie

If you’re aiming to catch bigger crappie, try using larger lures or live bait. Additionally, look for areas that have a lot of cover, as larger crappie tend to stay in these areas. Finally, be patient. Big crappie can be elusive, but with enough time and effort, you’ll eventually reel one in.

Best Places to Fish for Crappie in Spring

Some popular spots for crappie fishing in the spring include shallow bays, coves, and channels. Additionally, check out any areas with submerged trees or brush piles, as these are known to attract crappie.

How Weather Affects Crappie Fishing

Weather plays a big role in crappie fishing. Cool, overcast days can be ideal, while bright, sunny days can make crappie retreat to deeper waters. Additionally, sudden changes in weather, such as a cold front, can cause crappie to become more finicky and harder to catch.

Preparing Your Catch for Cooking

Once you’ve caught your crappie, it’s important to properly prepare them for cooking. Fillet the fish and remove any bones. You can then season the fish and bake, fry, or grill them.

Storing Your Springtime Crappie Catch

If you’re not cooking your crappie right away, it’s important to store them properly. Place the fillets in a plastic bag and store them in the fridge or freezer. If storing in the fridge, use them within a few days. If storing in the freezer, they can last up to six months.

With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to having a successful springtime crappie fishing adventure. Remember to have patience, and don’t be afraid to try different techniques and lures until you find what works best for you. Happy fishing!

Types of Fishing Lures

The best way to catch any fish is to use a lure, and they can be super effective for just about any species of fish. Lures are simply artificial fishing baits that are used to catch fish and they come in plenty of different sizes, shapes, and colors. But what works for one species of fish may not necessarily work for another, so you need different types of lures in your arsenal. Let’s take a look at a few of the most popular types of fishing lures out there that you need for your next trip!

Plugs

Plugs are fishing lures made of hard plastic and resemble the most common bait fish or other prey animals of your target fish species. They will usually include a thin piece of plastic on the front called the lip, and this makes the entire lure wobble and move while in the water. A plug can have many different actual designs that allow it to either float, dive, sink, or wobble through the water in order to attract fish.

Jigs

Jigs are very simple lures that will feature a weighted head on one side of it and a single hook on the other side. They will usually have a skirt made of plastic around the hook, and are effective for many different species of fish. Because they are weighted, jigs will sink very quickly and easily. This makes them a perfect choice for deep water or bottom fishing.

Spinnerbait

Spinnerbaits are unique lures that are designed to move through the water at higher speeds than other lures, and on a horizontal plane. They are available in a wide array of shapes,colors, and sizes depending on the target species and the water depth that you will be fishing.  Spinnerbaits will have a hook on one side, and a metal blade that spins (hence the name) on the other. The hook will usually have a skirt around it, and the spinning of the blade or blades will help to create vibrations in the water and attract attention.

Soft Plastics

Hook inserted and in place

Soft plastic lures are a staple among most fishermen, and are rubbery artificial baits that are made to resemble a wide variety of different creatures. You will find plastic baits in the shapes of things like worms, lizards, crawfish, frogs, and other animals that are preyed upon by fish. Soft plastics are favorite amongst bass anglers, but can be used to catch just about any species of predatory fish out there. Plastics can be all different colors and sizes to suit your needs, and can be rigged up with many different methods.

Blades and Vibes

Blades and vibes lures are very similar, but do have a few key differences. Both are designed to be used for sub-surface (often in deeper water) situations. Vibes can be constructed of different materials and generally feature a rubber skirt or other addition, while blades are usually metal or sometimes a hard plastic. Both, however, are very thin and function on the same basic principles. Using both blades and vibes is very popular because of just how easy they are to use, and how effective they are at catching fish!