Difference Between Crappie And Sunfish

Telling the difference between Crappie and Sunfish may be a little difficult as they are part of the same family. They are both popular game fish that are found in lakes, streams, and rivers.

There are two types of crappie; the white crappie and the black crappie. They are both part of the North American sunfish family. Both have silvery-white bodies with distinctive black markings.

Sunfish are a species where crappie are included, but so are bluegill. The bluegill are the smaller fish in the white range of the sunfish family. The most prominent difference between the crappie and other sunfish is the size and the coloring. In terms of mating, males creating the nests, and feeding crappie and sunfish are very similar.

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Some of the most common fish that are classified in the sunfish family; bluegill, pumpkin seeds, ocean sunfish, redear sunfish, warmouth, green sunfish, and banded sunfish. Fish that are categorized in the crappie species/family; white crappie, black crappie, white perch, and redear sunfish.

We are going to provide you with some suggestions on catching the sunfish and crappie. The best action is said to be during the spawning season around the full moon cycle in April, May, and June. Scouth the shoreline for their plate-sized beds. But beware, sunfish are going to fiercely defend their nests against any intruders including your bait. If you are bait-fishing, it is suggested that you use small worms or crickets that are weighted with a small slip shot. Soft plastic baits will also work to catch sunfish. You will want to cast out past the nest and crawl the bait through it, slowly.

Experienced anglers and beginner fishermen will find enjoyment in fishing for the sunfish. Sunfish are typically the first type of fish that kids will catch when taken out for their first trip. Sunfish are small and fun to catch and they are found in most fresh bodies of water throughout the United States. Here are 3 tips on catching the sunfish.

Cane poles, fiberglass poles, ultralight spinning tackle, and fly casting tackle is all you need. There is no reason to purchase expensive equipment. 4-6 pound test line and a small hook top off the items that will give you the best results. For kids, you can/may need to add a small sinker and a bobber.

As stated above, use a small hook. Sunfish are a smaller species, so you don’t need to use the same hook that you would use for a larger fish like smallmouth bass. Recommended hook sizes are 6-10, as sunfish can close their mouth around them easily.

Live bait is the preferred option. Sunfish are not a picky fish and will latch on to just about anything that you present them with. Grubs, earthworms, crickets, and red wigglers are most used to entice the sunfish. If you choose to use worms, remember that you do not need to use the whole worm. If you do so, the sunfish will just nibble at the worm until the hook is empty. Use a small portion of the worm, and the sunfish will take it, hook and all in one bite. The preferred artificial bait/lure for sunfish is small jigs, spinners, or spinner-bait.

When it comes to location, you can fish in the lakes or rivers. Both can yield good sunfish catches. Try fishing different bodies of water in and around your area until you find the spot with the best population of sunfish.

Going from sunfish to crappie, which are similar species and in very similar genus and families, we will provide you with a few tips on catching the crappie. A lot of the same techniques/tips from above will also work when fishing for crappie but there are a few differences.

Crappies prefer to be in habitat that is moderately acidic and highly vegetated. The crappie is considered a schooling fish and can sometimes be found in schools with other ‘panfish’. For the most part crappie tend to stay in deeper water during the day. They prefer underwater structures, like fallen trees, for hiding out. Crappie will emerge around dusk and dawn, close to shore for feeding.

Crappies are popular to fish in the winter, ice fishing, as they do not go into any type of semi-hibernation. So, you can fish for crappies year round if you choose to do so. Below are a few tips to help you bring home a dinners worth of crappie on your next fishing trip.

Artificial bait: ⅛ ounce jigs seem to be the most consistently used. The spinnerbait and minnow bait are both highly recommended.

Live bait rig: #6 hook, split shot, slip bobber, and a live minnow. Nothing expensive or extravagant, just plain and simple.

Finding the right depth: they are normally found between three and six feet deep. During the hotter times of the day they will go a bit deeper to stay cool, but will be at the surface at dusk and dawn to feed, close to the shoreline.

Slow-down: crappie will provide more action if you stay slow and steady with your minnow and/or jig. If you know that there are crappie in the area, try slowing down your retrieve. 8 times out of 10 that will work nicely.

There you have it! We have tried our best to explain the differences (and similarities) between the crappie and sunfish. We have provided you with some of the most popular tips and tricks in catching both of these popular gaming fish. Now the only thing that you have to do is make sure that you have the proper equipment, baits/lures, a perfect spot to go and relax and you will be set to catch some crappie or some sunfish. Always remember to check rules and regulations where you will be fishing, and to take a long lunch or snack if you plan on being out all day, especially in the warmer weather. Safety always comes first when out in the hotter weather. Happy Fishing!

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