Author: Darren Enns

Out of the many fish out there in the world, the crappie is one of the most fun game fish to catch. It dwells in waters of all 48 contiguous States and in Canada to this day. But despite its popularity, many beginner fishers have no clue what it looks like.

So, what does a crappie look like? Well the term crappie can refer to either the white or black crappie which have slightly different features but have similar shape, sizes and habitats. If you are interested in crappie gear check out my recommended gear page.

They live in freshwater and dwell in areas with underwater brush, rocks and weeds. There’s also a ton of neat ways to be catching them, and interesting facts to these little guys.

Here are some good hooks for crappie fishing. size 8-12 are great!

• White crappies will have vertical bars on their body.

• Black crappies will have spots all over.

• Black crappies dorsal fins will also have needle-like fins compared to white which have a smooth arch.

• Black crappies are shorter and “stubbier” than the white crappie.

So, I’d encourage you to read on and learn more about crappies and their way of life.

The Difference Between White and Black Crappie

The average crappie weighs in between ½ and 1 pound and measures between 5 to 12 inches. Considering this is the average, the crappie can grow to much larger or smaller sizes. Regardless of the type of crappie, they are very social and can form schools in the areas they live in.

But with all that said, I did mention that there were two different kinds of crappie out there: white and black. Even though the crappie live in all kinds of different parts in the US and in Canada, there are some differences that are worth discussing.

After all, even though you and I call them white and black crappie, the features of their skin aren’t always key indicators of which kind of crappie you caught. Both the white and black crappie can be completely light or dark.

Instead, you want to be looking at more distinct features of the fish to tell the difference.

Color aside, the first big indicator is the markings on their body.

If you can’t tell the difference between their markings, don’t worry. There are other factors as well. For example, you can check the dorsal spines of the fish too. Black crappies will have seven or eight dorsal fins. Dorsal means the top fin. White have fewer of these fins – either five or six.

The other thing to note is that black crappies dorsal fins will also have needle-like fins compared to white which have a smooth arch.

The final distinction is the body itself. Black crappies are shorter and “stubbier” than the white crappie.

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Where Do Crappie Live?

As I mentioned before, crappies live in freshwater where there is plenty of underwater brush, rocks and weeds for them. That said, now that you know there are white and black ones, they have different dwellings and swimming patterns. Generally speaking, though, crappie will be found in deeper water during the summer and shallow water during the spring.

Getting into more specifics where each type live isn’t too different. They both have the same kind of diet which makes sense since they look pretty much the same. The only big difference really comes down to the water they prefer swimming in.

First off, black crappies prefer the clear water and will avoid any kind of turbid or muddy spots. White crappie couldn’t care less and will leave in either clear or murkier areas. This could be the reason for some white crappies being darker in color.

On top of the water clarity, black crappies also love to be around plenty of vegetation that they can hide in. Again, weeds, brush and the like are things they love a lot. White crappies don’t mind being out in the open. In fact, if you’re looking for white crappie, you might have better luck checking out open water areas in the river.

But despite all of what I said, they’re not just found in rivers and streams as you’d think. Because the crappies don’t have a particular preference for waters in general, they can show up in lakes, ponds, backwaters pools as well. When you’re at larger lakes and reservoirs, they’ll likely be hanging around in the shallow side usually in under 12 feet of water.

What Do Crappie Eat?

Now that you know that crappies can be flexible in habitat to a degree, it shouldn’t be a surprise that their diet is rather diverse. As you might expect, they do eat smaller fish. However, what’s interesting is that they’ll even go after the young of fish that would normally eat them such as the walleye or northern pike. Talk about a bold fish.

Beyond that, crappie will also be eating insects, crustaceans, as well as zooplankton.

What Are Some Crappie Fishing Tips?

If this is your first time going out to catch crappie you are in for a treat. The name of these fish are clearly an injustice as again they are very fun to catch and they are delicious to eat as well. But you can use all of this information above to your advantage to make catching these fish easier and enjoy your reward.

Since you know their diet by this point, you can tackle it from that angle. This will come in the form of your lure. Suitable lure for them are small jigs. Actually, those would be the best bait to be using.

That said, I wouldn’t blame you if you are using live bait. The only thing to note is to ensure the hook is the proper size. If it’s too small, the crappie will get off of it with no problem. If it’s too big, the crappie can’t latch onto it at all.

If you’re thinking of live bait, I would recommend using minnows. All you have to do is hook the minnow right below its dorsal fin and cast it out. Since crappies love small fish in general, they’re going to love munching on these.

Another angle you can approach is their habitat. Regardless of the type of crappie you’re going after, these fish will prefer deeper water in the summer and shallow water in the spring. Use that to your advantage when picking a spot. Even do this during fishing as well. Don’t be afraid to cast into deeper water at times.

Something else worth noting is that crappies also are active during the wintertime making them great for ice fishing.

Crappies also have a spawning phase between May and June, so you’ll have better odds of catching more fish during those times. Trust me, you’ll have a much easier time during that time since a female crappie will lay between 5,000 and 60,000 eggs. The eggs will then hatch between two to five days. As you can guess, they’re fertile breeders and they can over-populate small bodies of water easily if the population isn’t controlled.

Whenever you do catch a crappie, don’t be so quick to move to other spots. Even outside of spawning season, you can find many crappies in a particular spot. Furthermore, when holding a crappie, you want to put its bottom lip between your thumb and bent pointer finger. You want to maintain a tight grip.

Also, before you go out and catch them, it pays to look at state/province fishing regulations. Ensure your permit is up to date and look at additional rules. Some states will have a length and daily limits so take note of those. They may also have a certain amount of fish you can keep in a single day too.

Get Out and Catch Some Crappie

If you can follow the rules and regulations and take note of these tips, you can have a lot of fun catching crappie. Fishing around the month of May and June can ensure you keep reeling in a large amount of fish so long as you have the proper kind of bait. Regardless of it the fish is black or white these fish are a treat all the same.

It is summertime and it means now that it is time for me to go out to the lake, hop on my boat, and do one of my favorite things in the whole world, fishing!

That being said, my aim is to catch as many crappies as possible because I want to enjoy a good fish fry this summer. For that to happen I must get ready to hit the lake with the best strategy possible because when it comes down to catching crappie, there’s a bit of a trick to get them to bite the hook every time the line goes in the water.

Here are some good hooks for crappie fishing. size 8-12 are great!

In order to be ready to load my cooler with tons of crappies, I decided to do some research and find out the most effective ways to catch crappies in the summer because it turns out there’s more than just simply throwing your line out into the water and wait for one of them to bite because there are other factors also come into play when trying to catch this type of fish.

So how do you catch crappies in the summer?

Using a fast action ultralight fishing rod for a quick hook up when the fish bites, make sure you give the crappie what they want which is minnows for bait and fish over brush piles or any cover like logs or under docks in the summertime. Read on and I will explain why.

First we must understand that crappies are a type of fish that lives in the North American fresh waters. They feed primarily on smaller fish species, and these can include the young of the predators which are the muskellunge, the walleye, and the northern pike. They also are capable of feeding on zooplankton, insects, and crustaceans for sustenance during dawn or dusk times by moving into the open waters or approaching the shores.

Following that tangent, crappies tend to be far less active during the day, and have a strong tendency to seek shelter around weed beds, submerged objects such as hollow logs and debris, and even boulders.

They are a fish species that derives from the Canadian French crapet, which refers to the different species of the sunfish family. As a result, crappies are known under many different names such as the strawberry bass, speckled perch, the white perch, the calico bass, and the Oswego bass. There are also certain items that are essential in successfully catching

Having a better understanding of what the crappie fishes are, the type of habitat they inhabit, and even the different ways in which they are known as, is going to give us a huge advantage when going out to catch them. There’s no better way to get the most fish out of the water than preparation, and the more we know, the better.

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Getting Ready To Catch Crappie Fish

In order to be able to fish we must once again be aware of the fact that just throwing the line in the water is not going to be enough to catch many crappies in the summer. There’s more to understand when you’re out catching crappies in one of the most fun seasons of the year. This includes having knowledge on some items that will help you catch them more efficiently when you’re out on the waters.

Here are some of the things to keep in mind when you’re catching crappie fish in the summertime:

• Having an understanding of the type of baits that are more likely to lure them.

• Knowing when are the best times in the day or the evening to go out and effectively catch them.

• The types of environments in which they are likely to gather in large numbers.

• Using artificial bait effectively when natural bait is not available.

• The region’s in which they have the largest populations, so they become easier to catch.

• Angling methods that work effectively in catching them.

• The different types of life bait that are bound to lure them.

• The importance of the weather.

• The importance of depth in the lake.

• How to use a rod and a line effectively.

Having awareness on the factors that make crappie fishing the most effective in the summer, is going to help you make the most out of your fishing experience when you’re out on the waters looking to get a good catch for the day. This is also important because you simply don’t want to be wasting valuable time and energy looking to catch crappies during hours of the day where they are unlikely to appear in larger numbers.

There is also an extra hidden benefit to fishing crappie in the summer, and that is the ability to go out and explore new places, which is one the most natural and instinctive drives every person has, the need to travel and explore. Fishing provides the perfect avenue to do just, and if you need some inspiration to get out on your fishing boat, then here are few words of motivation by the professional golfer Jack Nicklaus:

“There are always new places to go fishing. For any fisherman, there’s always a new place, always a new horizon”

Know Your Target

There’s no way we’re going to get on a boat to go on the water and fish for crappies without familiarizing ourselves with them in the first place. That’s like saying that you know the Starbucks secret menu and end up ordering a regular caramel frappuccino. You gotta know what you’re after, and in this case we’re after the crappie fish.

As pointed out earlier before the crappie fish is located mostly in the Northern American regions, and to be more exact, these are the North American regions where you can find them:

• Alabama

• Arkansas

• Florida

• Illinois

• Louisiana

• Mississippi

• Missouri

• Oklahoma

• South Carolina

• Tennessee

To get a better idea, here’s a map you can check out:

Source: https://www.in-fisherman.com/editorial/crappie-nation-the-most-popular-panfish-of-this-or-any-other-time/155017

These locations are going to help you capitalize on your catches, and will eliminate the hassle of guessing where to go and find the best fishing spots. Not only that, but if there’s a region you haven’t visited on this list, and you’re curious about it, now is the perfect chance to plan a trip and explore a new area. After all, fishing is all about exploring new horizons and this is a great perk you can take advantage of from the fishing world.

The Sun and Depth Go Hand In Hand

This is to be expected when the research shows that the best times to go fishing for crappies are on the dusk or dawn hours. This means that when there’s less sun out on the sky, there are more crappie fish out on top water levels. However, this also means that when the sun is out, these types of fish are going to stay from these water levels because the heat from the sun makes it very uncomfortable for them to breathe. Especially in the summertime.

So what does this mean for you?

It means that go into the waters to find the crappie fish schools that are trying to stay away from the sun.

Luckily, you don’t have to go to the deepest parts of the lake to find them!

Crappie fish like to stay close to their feeding grounds, and they also tend to stay in water levels that are rich in oxygen. They don’t go into the deeper waters because they won’t find what they need l to sustain themselves at those levels; giving you the benefit of avoiding throwing too much of your line to try and catch them.

Also keep in mind these types of fish have a preference for hiding from the sun in weed spaces and boulders, finding these spots shall give you more options to keep your fishing game even after the sun is out and you didn’t listen to your alarm go off early in the morning. It happens to the best of us.

The Bait That Works Best

Thanks to the fact that the crappie fish has a varied diet, finding a bait for it to catch isn’t difficult. The real challenge is to figure out which one is the most effective out of all of the different types of critters the crappie fish feed on. Also, there’s the question as to whether or not artificial baits work with a similar rate of effectiveness as the natural live bait.

Well, it has been found that out of all the live baits available for luring crappies, the minnows are the favorite choice used by most fishermen due to its clear coloring and ideal small size to attract their attention. This choice is even more popular than the commonly used choices that are worms and insects.

Here is a picture of what a minnow looks like, so you identify right away next time you find yourself in the fishing store:

Souce:https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnow

When it comes to artificial baits, the colors matter more than the texture or shape of the bait. Especially when it comes to the time of day and the clarity of the water. For instance, using artificial grubs with bright colors are perfect for bright sunny days and clear waters. On darker waters it is best to use bait that reflect as much color as possible. On cloudy skies, it’s best to go for darker artificial grubs with a flash to them to attract attention.

As far as shapes go, the three most popular choices are the jigs, grubs, and spinners.

Here’s an image of what they look like:

Source:https://www.ebait.com/baitrigs/product/SS-80.html

THE FISHING ROD MATTERS

This is something that may be probably unexpected because most of us think of bringing a fishing rod with some weight added to it that can help us get an edge catching fish. That’s not the case when it comes to crappie fishing. In fact, using heavy rods only ends up working against you because of the fact that crappie fish have very soft mouths and the hook might not catch them properly.

It’s best to use a light or an ultra-light fishing rod with fast action for the purpose of setting your hook faster, and use that extra time more effectively catching fish.

Related Questions

Are there other seasons in which crappie fish can be caught?

Yes, as the matter of fact the winter is an ideal season for catching crappie fish. There’s even a method known as ice fishing in which fishermen take crappies out from frozen lakes and ponds.

Is it necessary to use minnows as live bait?

Although they are the preferred choice, the minnows are not necessary for the purpose of using live bait. Worms and other grubs can also be used for live bait. There are also artificial baits available in case live isn’t an option, or they ran out of them at the fishing stores.

Crappie is some of the most popular eating fish in North America. However, to catch them, you’ll need to make sure that you are using the right baits. Minnows are one of the best ways to get a crappie to bite.

So, how to fish for crappie with minnows? The technique you use when fishing with a minnow will often depend on the condition they are in. If they are alive, it’s best to hook them through the tail, or the top of their back. If they are dead, you might want to hook them through the snout and mouth. You can get the best results by jigging or trawling. The best type of hook to use can be found on my Resources Page Here.

There are a few things that you’ll need to know to give yourself the best chance of catching. Let’s look at some of these.

Here are some good hooks for crappie fishing. size 8-12 are great!

How To Hook Minnows When Fishing For Crappie?

There are several hooking methods that you might want to explore. The most effective one will depend on whether the minnow is alive or dead. Hooking them through the tail or back is good if they are alive. However, if they are dead, you might want to hook them through the mouth.

One of the biggest factors that will determine whether you land a crappie will be the way that you hook the minnow. This will impact the way that the bait will move through the water. It will also change the type of fishing techniques that you use.

It’s generally best to use live bait. This will produce the most realistic movement. However, they will also require a special hooking method, to ensure that they live for a long time. It’s best to hook them through the tail and back. This will make sure that you are missing any vital organs, so they’ll be able to stay alive and swimming. Even if you do this, you might need to rebait occasionally.

When fishing with live bait, you’ll need to wait a few seconds before you pull on the line, to set the hook.

If you pull it too early, you risk pulling the bait out its mouth, losing the fish. Often, this technique can take a lot of practice to master.

If you are using dead minnows, you’ll need to set the hook in the mouth or snout. This will give you more control, allowing you to create the impression that the fish is swimming.

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Also, when using this technique, the hook is in the front of the minnow. When the crappie takes a bite, you’ll be able to set the hook immediately, giving you a better chance of hooking up.

In many cases, you’ll need to experiment with a few types of hook positions, to find the one that works best for you. It can help to keep a fishing journal, so you’ll be able to keep track of the results you were able to generate with each hook position.

What Method To Use When Fishing For Crappie?

Once you’ve got the hook set, you’ll need to decide what method you’re going to use. In some cases, you might want to park your bait over the crappie, dropping the bait on top of them.

At other times, it might be best to jig past them. The right approach will often depend on what the conditions are.

There are several techniques that you might want to use. First, you might want to drop your minnow over the area where you suspect the crappie will be.

In most cases, they tend to stick around brush piles of timber, as this gives them plenty of cover. If you do this, they will come out of their shelter to feed, latching onto your bait.

In other cases, you might want to take a more active approach. In this case, you’ll need to jig the minnow past the place where the crappie is hiding. The movement in the water will make it easier to spot, so the crappie more likely to eat them.

If you want to take the jig approach, you might want to consider attaching a float. This will prevent the hook from getting tangled on any underwater obstacles. It can often help to use a pencil float.

This ensures that, when the fish bites, you’ll notice the lure ducking under the water, signaling that it’s time to start reeling it in.

When deciding which approach to use, it can help to know a little about . During the spring, they tend to be the hungriest, eating a lot of bait.

This makes them relatively easy to catch. During the summer, you might need a little more effort, trolling around weeds.

As the fall sets in, the crappie becomes the hardest to catch. It’s best to look around weeds and underwater obstacles. In the winter months, the crappie tends to slow down. But, if you bob the minnow up and down, they should find it and take a bite.

If you aren’t sure about the right technique to use, try a few. Vary the depths and tactics, to see which one produces the best results.

The good thing is that crappies don’t tend to be too fussy, so if you present an attractive minnow as bait, you’ll usually be able to land one.

How To Get Minnow?

If you plan to use minnow as bait, you’ll need to know where to obtain them. There are two ways to get minnow. You can either catch them yourself, using a trap, or purchase them from the shop.

Once you have minnow, you might want to start breeding them, so you’ll always have a continuous supply.

The easiest way to get crappies is by purchasing them from the store. These are a fairly popular bait, so you shouldn’t have any problems tracking down a fishing shop that sells them.

If you can, try to get live minnows. As we mentioned, earlier, they can make a more attractive bait.

In other cases, though, you might want to catch the minnows yourself. If this is the case, you won’t be able to use a hook, because they are so small. Instead, you’ll need to use a trap.

You can buy these at most fishing stores. Or, if you want to save a little money, you can.

Once you have the minnows, you might want to breed them. You can do this by placing them into a tank and feeding them.

As long as you have a good mix of males and females, they should start to mate. This will ensure that you have a steady supply for future fishing trips.

Related Questions

Can I keep the crappies that I catch? This depends on the laws in your state. You’ll often need to meet minimum size laws. In some cases, you’ll need to apply for a fishing license. Check the local regulations before your trip.

Can you eat crappie? It is safe to eat crappie, as long as it’s been prepared properly. It’s best to clean it thoroughly before you start cooking.

You might also want to add a little more salt and seasoning, as it tends to have a more subtle taste than other species.

Final Thoughts

To get the best results when fishing for crappies with a minnow, you’ll need to make sure that the hook is the right place. Then, you’ll need to pick the right technique, to attract the attention of the fish. If you can do this, you’ll be able to land crappie.

Just because ice has started to form on the lake and rivers doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to catch crappie. If you use the right lure, you’ll be able to get plenty of action during the winter months.

So, what are the best ice fishing lures for crappie? It’s best to try to use lures that use that glow in the dark. You might also be able to get great results by using smaller baits, which resemble the foods that they tend to eat. You might also want to think about using a soft material, so it wiggles as it moves through the water, resembling a real fish. See My favorite choices for Crappie Lures Here on my resources page.

Ice fishing for crappie can be a very rewarding experience. However, there are a few things that you can do to give yourself a better chance of catching one. Let’s look at some of the things you need to know about the best ice fishing lures for crappie.

What Lures Should You Use When Ice Fishing For Crappie?

Do you need an Ice Fishing Flasher? Heres some good choices!

It’s best to try to stick to smaller lures, that resemble the types of foods that crappie usually eats. It can be a good idea to get one that glows in the dark. Also, try to get a lure that has a natural movement as it jigs through the water.

The type of lure that you use will have a big impact on whether you will be able to catch crappie.

This is especially important during the winter months when they tend to be more lethargic and reluctant to eat. There is a range of things to look for when selecting your lure.

First, think about the type of lure that you are using. You’ll often want something small.

Crappies tend to focus on prey like larvae and insects. If you can imitate these food sources, they will be more likely to bite. Also, it limits the size of the hole that you need to drill in the ice.

Here are some good hooks for crappie fishing. size 8-12 are great!

If the crappie is deep under the ice, you might want to upgrade to a larger lure. By presenting a juicier lure, you’ll give them more reason to bite.

This is especially important during winter when the crappie is trying to conserve energy.

Another important tip is to try to stick to lures that can glow in the dark. During the winter, crappies tend to move to lower depths. As a result, there is less light to see what food is available.

Because of this, it can be hard for them to spot what they should be eating. Choosing a glow in the dark lure is like putting a spotlight on your offering. As the crappies move closer to the surface, move to natural colors.

Another good way to make sure that your lure is standing out underwater is by picking one that has a rattle.

The next thing to consider is the way that the bait moves through the water. The vibrations will make it easier for the crappie to spot the food, giving you a better chance of getting a bite.

In the summer you might want to use live bait, like the minnow. However, during winter, they might die from the cold temperature.

Instead, you’ll need to create a lure that artificially creates movement.

To tell you how the lure will move through the water, there are a few things to look for. First, you should try to look for a soft plastic.

The soft parts will wiggle as it is dragged along, attracting the attention of the crappie. You might also want to at the front of the lure.

It’s best to choose something with a small spoon. This changes the way that the lure ‘swims’, making it imitate prey in distress.

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It’s usually best to have a wide selection of lures that you can choose from. If one isn’t working, don’t be afraid to swap it out for something that will deliver better results.

You might need to try three or four lures to get to the one that works best in that location. Keep a fishing journal to help you keep track of these changes, so you can better plan future trips.

Where To Fish For Crappies In Winter?

Once you’ve found the right lure, you’ll need to focus your energy on the places where crappies are most active.

In a fertile environment, they tend to stick to the deeper water in the middle of the lake. In most cases, they will stick close to things like weeds, logs, or rocks which can provide cover.

There is a range of places that you might want to look for crappies. In most cases, you’ll want to try fishing close to healthy vegetation, like underwater weeds.

This provides the crappies with shelter and nutrients. However, if there aren’t weeds available, try other underwater obstacles, like rocks or logs.

The depth that crappies occupy during the winter can vary. In most cases, they will stick to the deeper waters, in the middle of the lake.

However, if they are feeding, they might rise to higher levels, sometimes just a few feet below the ice. You might be able to find a better location if you use a sonar device, which lets you see what is going on under the water.

To find the best location, you’ll need to be prepared to experiment. It might take multiple holes before you find one that delivers results.

In some cases, it can help to work with other fishermen. This makes it easier to find a lucrative spot.

How To Rig A Lure To Catch Crappies In The Winter?

It’s also important to check the way that you’ve set up your rig. During winter, you’ll need to choose a more sensitive line, so you know when you are getting bites. It can also help to use a clear line, so the fish won’t be able to spot it.

There are several techniques that you can use when rigging your line. First, you’ll need to think about the kind of equipment you’re getting. It can often help to make sure that you are using a sensitive rod.

This will let you know when you are receiving bites. You must pull on the hook, setting it in the mouth of the fish. You should be able to feel your bait as it moves through the water.

You might also use a lighter line. In the clear waters, the fish will be able to spot the fishing line. This

makes them wary of biting. If you’re using a lighter line, make sure to get a good knot. This will make sure that the lure doesn’t slide off after it gets bitten.

Related Questions

What’s the best time of day to ice fish for crappie? It’s usually best to try to fish during the middle of the day. This is when the temperature will be warmer and the fish will be the most active. You might also find some good activity at nightfall.

Where is the ice thickest? Ice will always be thickest towards the center of the lake. If you’re fishing in this area, be prepared to use an auger to help you drill a hole.

Final Thoughts

Crappie can be a great species to target during the winter months. While they might be a little more lethargic, you’ll still be able to get them to bite. The key to doing this is using the right lures.

It’s best to stick to soft plastics, that glow in the dark. If you can get the right lure, in the right spot, you should be able to enjoy a delicious crappie dinner.

Check out these Recommended Ice Fishing Boots from Amazon.

When a fisherman has decided to start specializing in a particular breed of fish, whether they are six or sixty it doesn’t take long for them to realize that they need to start understanding fish behavior better. Of course, once you get hooked on crappie, the same principle applies: you want to know everything you can about this particular species.

Thus, you will definitely have a lot of questions about crappie. You would probably want to know such things as when do they breed? Where do they eat? What do they eat? You want to know as much as you can about these crappies, because it will help you to catch them better.

One surprisingly dominant (and underrated) question that many people might have would be concerning whether crappie have a tendency to jump out of the water or not. Now, of course, when people think of fish jumping out the water, they naturally think of bass or trout. But what about crappie? Let’s examine that for a while.

Understanding All Fish Behavior

The key to determining whether the crappie will jump out of the water is to simply begin by understanding the behavior of all fish. For starters, there is a common joke among anglers that goes a little something like this: “Q: Why do fish jump out of the water? A: Because they don’t have any fingers.” All joking aside, there is definitely some creedence to that joke. Of course, the next thing you should understand is just why fish jump out of the water in the first place.

Indeed, if you are wondering why any particular fish would jump out of the water, it can be summarized in just two words: chasing. bait. That’s right. Almost all fish will jump out of the water simply in order to chase bait. Naturally, this is most common among the larger fish species such as bass, trout, or salmon, but rest assured, that it does occasionally happen among crappie as well. It may not happen as much, but it does indeed happen.

Of course, another part of the reason why all fish, including crappie, will definitely jump out of the water is simply because they can. Although it’s hard to tell what is going through the fish’s mind, the sense of exhilaration, adventure, and the rush of endorphins is probably the reason why they might go ahead and jump out of their watery home.

Are crappie attracted to light? HERE is an article that sheds light on that question.

The Debate Over Jumping Crappie

Within fishing circles, there is definitely a debate over whether crappie jump or not. Although we did just state that crappie do indeed jump some, the evidence appears to be sparse for it. Generally we will see two different camps regarding whether the crappie will jump out of the water. Thus, we should absolutely examine these two points of view:

Camp #1: They Don’t Do It/I’ve Never Seen Them Do It

The first camp is those who have extreme difficulty believing that crappie will jump out of the water. There are many anglers who claim that they have been fishing for fifty years and that they have never personally seen the crappie jump out of the water like they have bass or trout. They say that if the crappie were to start jumping, it would be because the water tended to be at a very low point. Either way, these gentlemen are convinced that the crappie are not a species that will readily jump, and many of them actually will encourage people to be diligent with their bait and get ready to be persistent about catching their crappie.

Need CHUM ? Here’s an article you might like about chum for crappie.

Camp #2: They Do It; It May Not Be As Much As Other Fish, But Yes, They Do It

On the other hand, there are some people who claim that they have seen crappie feeding and jumping out of the water. Again, most of the time the people who notice these crappie jumping out of the water will say that they are doing so because they are chasing bait. Indeed, one anecdotal report claims that these crappie will chase anything, including lures. Some of the anglers claimed that the jigs and the bobbers would draw the crappie and cause them to leap out of the water. Thus, even though the crappie don’t have a reputation as being jumpers, they will leap out of the water if they are hungry enough.

Well…Do Crappie Jump Out of the Water or Not?

It’s hard to say either way whether crappie will jump out of the water or not. Of course, some individuals swear that they have seen the crappie do it. I don’t know…maybe it has something to do with the region or the time of year? And, like we’ve mentioned previously, there are many career crappie anglers who say that no, they haven’t seen them jump out of the water, and they are adamant that it just isn’t something that they do.

There’s no general consensus, and to my knowledge there is no poll that has been done regarding this topic. However, whatever your personal experiences with jumping crappie might be, let this be a lesson to you: once you specialize in a particular species of fish, you definitely need to learn all you can about their particular behavior.

Crappie Behavior

The first thing you need to know is that crappie behavior is that they have at least four distinct cases. There is Pre-Spawn, Spawn, Post-Spawn, and Winter. One of the hardest times to fish for crappie (and the time where it would be least likely to find them jumping out of the water, if at all) would be during the post spawn period.

This is because both the male and female crappie have just gone through the spawning period, and that is very draining time for them. Thus, they will usually retreat to deeper waters in order to recover. During the day, they will often be as deep as 30 feet. Of course, if you are going to have any chance at all at catching them it would during the night. They will usually rise to about five feet during the evening hours.

Thus, even though there is no conclusive way to prove that crappie do jump out of the water, it still illustrates to us just how important it is for us to fully understand their behavior.

Hey FISHMONGER – make sure to check out my FISHING RESOURCES page.

Here are some good hooks for crappie fishing. size 8-12 are great!