Top 5 Crappie Fishing Tips

Are you an avid fisherman? Are you new to Crappie fishing or a long-time fan? Regardless of your experience level, there is a lot to learn about crappie fishing which can improve your skill and performance. It's also very helpful to learn what other crappie fishermen have to say since everyone may have their own way of doing things but different situations may call for different fishing tactics to be successful.

Know Your Bait

Next on your list is to find out what type of bait you will be using so you know how to use it properly. Since crappie can see color, many fishermen decide to use colorful baits to attract them. Just remember that your fish's sight can be hindered by water depth and other conditions.

Many professional fishermen like to use darker colors of red, green or orange when fishing for crappie in winter waters. Bright colors are also very helpful in the fall when it seems to many that crappie disappear completely.

Find Your Technique

When fishing for crappie, it's going to be important to find your technique. When you get "in the groove" of your fishing technique, it will come more easily and all else will begin to fall into place. Sometimes low bottom fishing is the best way to go. Other times you need to fish in deep waters and with artificial baits or varying colors. There may be times when you want to fish with scented lures.

Remember once you find your technique to remain flexible. While there may be one particular way that's worked for you in the past and that you feel most comfortable with, this doesn't mean that is the only way that works. If you're typical technique is not capturing you any fish, it may be time to open up to other ideas.

Weather/Season for Crappie Fishing

One of the most important steps to fishing for crappie is to know what season you are fishing in so you can adjust your fishing tactics accordingly. Depending on the season and the weather, your crappie fishing techniques will be different. In the winter time, the temperatures could be as low as 40 degrees. At these times, the crappie will be further to the bottom of the water. You should fish for them at areas of 18 or 20 to 40 feet deep for best results.

In fall it may seem that the crappie disappear completely. Many people feel this is the most difficult time to fish for crappie but it doesn't mean it can't be done. If you know where to search for them, you can find crappie even in the fall. Crappie are very elusive at this time of year and may be found in very shallow waters at one time and deep waters the next. Your best bet is to learn how to attract them out to where your bait is. Crappie fishing in fall will require slower fishing so they have more time to see the bait, using brighter colored baits to capture their attention and even using scented artificial baits.