Crappie fishing techniques

There are many crappie fishing secrets, crappie fish are tricky little blighters, hopefully these crappie fishing tips will help, you need the best tips when fishing for crappie, doesn't matter whether it's fall crappie fishing or winter crappie fishing!

How to Bank Fish For Crappie

Bank fishing for Crappie is much easier than you might think. You do not need a boat to catch these delicious black and white fish. There are more places to fish than you probably imagined. On most lakes and reservoirs across the country there are man made piers and docks that provide excellent crappie fishing opportunities. If you don't know where they are at your local bait shop should be able to point you in the right direction.

Crappie can be caught at anytime of day but when fishing from a pier I think night time is the best. I have a crappie light that sits right on the water. You can purchase this at any sporting goods store. The first thing I do once it gets dark is to lower this light until it is right on top of the water. The reason I do this is to attract bugs and small underwater creatures to the light. This in turn attracts baitfish that feed off of these bugs and creatures. That, in turn attracts the larger fish, including crappie to feed on the baitfish.

Crappies love minnows. You will need a minnow bucket and a couple of dozen of live minnows for bait. Jigs will work as well but if jigs are what you want to use make sure you bring a variety of colors and types as you will have to experiment some to find out what they are biting. I will repeat Crappies love minnows and you will not lose valuable time finding the right lure.

The best way to rig your minnow is to take a #8 hook and run the hook through the minnow's lips. When you are crappie fishing the minnow must be alive and swimming around to attract the crappie. Hooking it through the lips keeps the minnow alive for a very long time, and presents it in a completely natural manner. If the minnow is hooked in a manner which doesn't keep it alive long, you're just wasting the money you spent on bait.

Place a bobber on your line and start fishing. If you don't catch one right away change the depth of the hook. Once you have hooked one and reeled it in go right back to the same spot there are more where that first one came from.

Doug Burns has been an avid angler for more than 35 years. His advice has helped many anglers achieve their goals. For more Bass fishing information visit Crappie Angling

If you want to hook a Catfish visit Catfish Angling

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Douglas_Burns

Top Crappie Fishing Tips

As new or experienced crappie fisherman we are always looking for new information and top crappie fishing tips that will make our next crappie fishing trip more successful. I would like to share my top crappie fishing with live baits tips with you. The listing is in no particular order.

Live bait Tip#1 Use P-LINE a line that is as easy to cast as standard mono, but is as invisible as pure fluorocarbon. P-line is the manufacturer's name. P-line is the smallest dia. line you can buy and also the strongest. It is about 3-10 times as strong as the ave. fishing line. It is almost invisible because of it diameter.

TIP#2 Use shiner minnows as bait . These small fishing will reflect the sunlight off there small bodies. If you have ever reflected the light off a mirror , these small fish have the same effect in the water. Many time the crappie are attracted by the light reflection more then the bait.

TIP#3 Make sure you get some "oxygen saturated powder" for your shiner minnows. It kills the chlorine and oxygenates the water. I also use a small portable battery operated air pump. You want to keep your minnows alive as long as possible.

Top crappie fishing tip #4 Use a #6 hook that is "red" the red color makes it look like the minnow is bleeding . The crappie see the minnow is being injured an and a easy meal.

TIP#5 What ever you do if you are not using a red hook, make sure you hide all the metal so nothing is showing. (recommend highly using the red hook)

TIP#6 Use a "true turn" #6 red hook. It works like a toggle bolt when you hook a crappie. It grabs hold of the tougher part of the crappie's mouth. Remember crappie's mouths are paper thin . It's easy to rip your hook right out.

Tip#7 Use a graphite jigger pole. I personally use a "uncle bucks" jigger pole but there are many more manufactures of jigger poles out there. The jigger pole is long has a very sensitive graphite tip, and it is durable but flexible.

Top crappie fishing tip #8 When you are using a long jigger pole you lesson your chances of a "snag" when you are reeling in. Put your line right in the think of the cover if you get a hit you can bring the crappie right up thru the muck and weeds with these poles. Don't hesitate to go into cover with these poles, they are designed to take the abuse.

Tip#9 Always mark how much line you real in. this marks the depth that you are catching fish. You can do this simply by counting your real clicks.

Tip#10 Hook your shiner minnow through the lower and upper lip.

These fishing tips should make your next fishing more successful . Don't hesitate to ad these top crappie fishing tips to your fishing arsenal. GOOD LUCK and GOOD FISHING!

Mark Fleagle is the owner of eaglesnestmarketing.ws and oldfishinghole.com Mark Is a dedicated fisherman with 30+ years of experience and has published numerous articles on fishing. He offers free fishing information and "how to articles at his websites. Visit his site at top crappie tips and download a free copy of his "78 fishing discoveries unleashed" You can also contact him his e-mail address admin@oldfishinghole.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Fleagle

Enjoy your crappie fishing, crappie fish are beautiful fish. I hope reading these crappie fishing tips will enrich and help your fishing for crappie.

Crappie fishing - Early Season

How To Catch More Early Season Crappies

It has been a long hard winter and one of the most anticipated events in the spring is casting a line on the open water. Ice fishing can certainly be fun and productive, but there is nothing like being out in the boat after taking a few months off. But, what really adds to the open water fishing experience is the thrill of catching slab crappies.

There are many fishermen who wait in the spring for the crappies to move in to spawn. Don't get me wrong; if you find crappies on their spawning beds, the fishing can be fantastic! But why wait to the spawn when you can have your cake and eat it too. Crappie fishing right after ice out can be equally rewarding.

The water temperature right after ice out will be very frigid. After a few bright warm sunny days the lakes ecosystem will start to come alive. Many crappies in the early spring will be found deep. These deep water spots typically will be the last spots the ice fisherman were having success. By using light jigs and minnows in these deep-water spots, chances are you will have good success. But if you really want to find fast action think shallow water.

As the water starts warming up, the insects will start hatching and small baitfish will move closer to shore. When that happens the crappies will move in right behind the food to feed. The best thing about early season crappie fishing is that the best times of the day to be out is during the peak of late afternoon and early evening when the weather is the nicest. Every lake is different, but the best early season lakes are the more shallow and muddy bottom lakes because they tend to warm up quicker.

If the lake has a small bay or channel the crappies will be drawn in there like magnets. Fallen trees, sticks brush and last years weeds will attract more insects that are hatching that the crappies will feed upon. This combination will become your "A" fishing spot. The water temp that typically starts this early season action is about 50 degrees. There are many fishermen who incorrectly think the crappies at this time are coming in to spawn. They are simply coming in to feed at this time. Crappies will move in to spawn a little later in the spring when the water temperature is about 65 degrees.

There are many fishermen that will use a jig and minnow. They will catch fish, but if you really want the fast action switch your presentation to a tube jig. The best depths typically here are about 6 feet or less. When you rig you tube jig, place a small bobber a foot and a half up from the jig. Cast and retrieve it slow. The bobber basically simply keeps your jig at the same depth. In detecting the bite, crappies will often grab your jig and swim side to side or the bobber will tip up and then move slowly down. The tube jig body is plastic so give the crappie a little time to suck it down. The best thing about the tube jig is that if you miss you will often get another bite right away. When using minnows, you miss your done.

Once the crappies move in, the action can get very fast. This spring crappie pattern usually lasts a few weeks. After that the crappies move slightly deeper staging for the spawn and then move back in. So why wait for the crappies to spawn? You waited all winter. Early spring crappie fishing is a real bonus. Have Fun!

Stephen Long is an author for Sportsmans Article Resource Directory. Learn how to catch more spring crappie as well as other fishing tips at http://www.profishingtips.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Long

Crappie Fishing Techniques - Drift fishing for crappie

Drift Fishing For Crappie

Equipment You Will Need

• Boat
• Trolling motor
• Marker buoys
• Light Spinning Tackle
• Crappie rigs
• Marker buoys
• Jigs

Best Location To Drift Fish For Crappie

The hardest part about catching crappie while drift fishing is locating the schools. You will need a topographical map of the area, and should have a good depth, fish finder. You can pick the topographical map up at the local bait store. (It's advisable to go there to get the latest fishing report anyway.) Crappie school in open water and if you can find the schools you can catch a good batch of crappie. Also it has been my experience , the crappie you catch in open water while drift fishing seem to be bigger. The first step you should before you get out on the water is locate the deepest part of body of water you are fishing on from your topographical map, this will be your starting point. You will be fishing the break area's on the bottom surface. To Locate a break area look for changes in depth on your depth finder. Any break deep to shallow, or shallow to deep are good spots to drift. Try to avoid any flat dead pan bottom surface areas. You will just waist your time in these areas

How to Set Your Drift for Crappie Fishing

Locate the winds direction and set you boat in position to drift along the break. (change in bottom depth) Make sure your boat drifts along the deeper side of the break. You will use your trolling motor to keep your drift in position along the deep side of the break. If you don't have a trolling motor your have to use you boat motor to get back in position. (this can spook the fish, that's why a trolling motor is recommended. The Depth finder will be your guide to stay along the deep side of the break, and to locate the fish. Set up a weighted crappie rig to just touch bottom with sinker position your baits about 18 to 24 inches off the bottom.

As you drift, watch the rod tip, it will bounce up and down slightly as the weight drags along the bottom. If the tip of the rod remains still the sinker is not in contact with the bottom. When you catch the first fish drop one of your marker buoys to mark the spot. Continue to drift until another fish is caught or about 75 yards, then drop another buoy. This marks your drift location for a return drift or anchor position. Drift about 50 more yards past the second buoy then start up your boat motor and go around the buoys approximately 75 yards away. Know move your boat back in position for another drift. Normally the school will be concentrated in one area. Keep working the spot until you get no more bites. If your lucky you can catch your limit and a short time.

You can use this technique on any body of water so have fun! And good luck!

Mark Fleagle is the owner of oldfishinghole.com Mark Is a dedicated fisherman with 30+ years of experience and has published numerous articles on fishing. He offers free fishing information and "how to articles at his websites. Visit his site at drift fishing crappie and download a free copy of his "78 fishing discoveries unleashed" You can also contact him his e-mail address admin@oldfishinghole.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Fleagle

Winter crappie fishing

How to Catch More Crappie in the Wintertime - Winter Crappie Fishing Tips

Winter crappie fishing tips may help you to stand above the other anglers out there that struggle with crappie fishing during the colder months. Many fishermen, even experienced ones, believe you can not catch crappie anytime except the springtime. This is not a fact.

Crappie does spawn in the spring and are much easier to find in large quantities at this time, but the truth is crappie can be caught any time of the year. Perhaps the key to catching more crappie in the winter months would be to understand their seasonal habits and fish accordingly. Most importantly, know that fishing for crappie during this season may pose a challenge, but is well worth it!



When the weather begins to get warmer, crappie fish begin to migrate toward the shallows. Leaving their deeper water homes, they prepare to spawn. The timing and duration of the spawning will be different depending on the lake conditions, weather patterns, and current weather conditions.

Look for crappie during their migration, in structure such as piers, brush, and undergrowth. You will readily find them eager to munch on anything they can find because of their need for fast moving, to get to their destination.

When fishing in the late parts of winter and early spring, remember that the northern most sides of lakes and bodies of water tend to warm first, and most crappie will move to the warmer areas, and need to feed. Murky water also tends to heat faster than clear water, and your chances of getting a good catch in these types of areas is very good. Look at the layout of the lake or area you will be fishing. Where are the most ideal places for crappie to be at this moment?

In actuality, fishing for crappie during the winter months is the most predictable time of the year as far as fish behavior is concerned. During the cold time of the year, these fish will always be found in the deeper parts of the water. Using a depth finder and concentrating on the deepest areas is a great way to find the crappie for which you are looking.

The tendency for crappie to seek seclusion in structure might deviate during this time of the year. You can also find the crappie suspended in the water about midway, but looking for baitfish, such as shad, is a good way to locate the crappie you seek. With depth in fishing, tailor your fishing tackle, fishing line and rod to deeper waters. Be sure that you consider the importance of line strength here.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Get more information on crappie fishing in the winter here: http://www.askcrappiefishing.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Eggertsen

Winter crappie fishing tips, are few and far between. fishing for crappie, especially winter crappie fishing is going to become very big, so good luck with this amazing sport.

Please sir can we have some more crappie fishing tips?

Crappie fishing tips!

Crappie fishing can be one of the most satisfying sports on the planet... if it's properly done. Knowing some good Crappie fishing tips can dramatically increase your catch rate, which means more fun on the water, and more food on the table! So, let's get started!

Crappies are opportunistic feeders and will smash an array of baits (or imitations), like crayfish, worms, and minnows. However, most crappie fisherman would agree, that these fish LOVE minnows - or minnow imitations, for that matter. As far as lure size, your offering should usually be in the 1 - 2 inch range, and no larger than 3 inches, in most cases.

Because of the crappies minnow-feeding habit, they are best caught with suspending presentations - whether it's a bobber setup or a minnow lure of some sort. This pattern is especially prevalent in the spring, when the shallow water is warmed by the suns first spring rays. In the fall, crappies can be located a bit deeper. Summed up, your presentation should be in the strike-zone at all times. If you're not sure, a good depth finder can usually pick them out, since they tend to school quite heavily.

One problem that often plagues live bait fisherman is the struggle to keep their offering lively. No doubt - a squirmy critter on the end of your line will definitely out-perform a sluggish one. You can keep your bait lively longer if you first obtain it from the lake your fishing and store it in water temps closely matching the lake temps.

The single most important thing to remember while crappie fishing (or fishing, period) is to have fun and enjoy the sport we all love!

I am an avid angler from Somerset, New York. If you enjoyed reading the above fishing article and are a serious fisherman who loves the outdoors, I would like to invite you to my website where you will find tons of information dedicated to the sport we most love at http://www.TheArtofAngling.com Also, you’ll have free access to my fishing forum and newsletter – all FREE!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicholas_Cudzilo

Winter crappie fishing tips

Hot Tips For Winter Crappie

For most Crappie fishermen, catching Crappie in the Winter is something that is just impossible. Many fishermen believe that Crappie can not be caught at all during the colder months. This just isn't so! Crappie have to feed during the Winter just like they do any other time of year. They're fish, not Bears. They don't hibernate!

The nice thing about Winter Crappie fishing is once you find the pattern on a given body of water, they will normally hold that same pattern for many days, sometimes weeks. Of course, a storm front may shut them down for a day or so, but generally they'll come right back, hungry as ever!

In most lakes at this time of year, Crappie can almost always be found hanging around deep brush on submerged river or creek channels. Vertical bluff-type structure, and manmade brushpiles in deep water are also excellent areas to find Winter Crappie.

It's true that Winter Crappie spend most of their time hanging around brush located along deep drop offs. But not always. Several days of warmer than normal weather can cause Crappie to move up to within a foot or so of the surface. It may also cause them to leave their deep water hangouts and move across shallow flats.

Make sure you use the right tackle for Winter Crappie fishing.

Don't make the same mistake of using the same tackle to catch Winter Crappie as you did back in the Summer or Spring. Think light for Crappie fishing in the Winter. Four pound test line, 6 or 7 foot ultralight rods and small baits is what will fill you live well. When the temperature drops, Crappie want smaller baits.

I like to use a light graphite spinning rod, four pound test line and small tube jigs or minnows to locate deep water Crappie holding in brush. My set up includes a 3/8ths weight tied to the bottom of my line with two drops space about 12 to 18 inches apart above the weight. This way, I'm able to "feel" my way around those deep brush piles.

When looking for Winter Crappie, my other terminal tackle includes small jigs, spinners and minnows. I use 2 to 4 pound test line. If using minnows, I'll use a #6 Tru Turn gold aberdeen hooks. Jigs or ice fishing spoons should be in the 1/32 and 1/64 ounce area. Crappie don't like large baits during the Winter, I'm not sure why but I've always caught more with small baits than with big baits and heavy line.

Don't overdo your jigging during the Winter. Crappie won't chase down your offering, so move it very little and make it easy for them. One successful tactic I routinely use is to just do nothing with my jig. Sometimes just holding it motionless is all it takes. If you must move it, move the line ever so slightly with your index finger and keep the rod still.

So don't sit at home waiting for the Crappie fishing to heat up during the spawn. Some of the most reliable fishing for Crappie is right now!

Billy Bob lives in Louisiana and considers hunting and fishing the only sport for real men. When he's not paddling his pirot through the swamps hunting gators or deer hunting, you can find him out on the lake Crappie fishing. Billy Bob loves being out on the water and teaching others how to catch Crappie as well as other panfish.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Billy_Bob_Desrouleaux

Crappie Fishing Tips

This article will explain some simple crappie fishing tips that will enable you to catch more crappie. This article will focus on anglers that don't have a boat, because for most of my fishing life, I've been in exactly that predicament. No boat to help you get to the "right" areas. The first thing to understand is that most areas throughout the United States have accessible crappie fishing water for those of us without the help of a boat. On many lakes and reservoirs there are man made piers that provide excellent crappie fishing opportunities. Your local bait shop should be able to point you in the right direction. Once you locate your local fishing pier, and know that people fish for crappie there, follow these tips, to help you catch them.



A crappie's favorite meal is live minnows, there's no doubt about that. You're going to want some small jigs in a variety of colors as well, but a crappies favorite meal is a live minnow. Therefore you're going to need a minnow bucket to keep and carry your minnows. Once you have a couple of dozen live minnows, you're ready to head to the fishing pier.

The best time to catch crappie is at night. Under certain conditions they can be caught all the time, but as a general rule, most anglers fish for crappie off of these piers at night. The first trick, as you will quickly find out, is to position a light above the water once night falls. There are "crappie lights" that a person can purchase, or you can simply attach a propane lantern to a rope, lower in off of the pier, and position it right above the water. The purpose of doing this is to attract bugs and small underwater creatures to the light. That, in turn attracts bait fish to feed on the bugs and small underwater creatures. That, in turn, attract larger fish (such as crappie) to feed on the baitfish. You then lower your live minnow, attached to a bobber, into the water and wait.

What about rigging your live minnow? What's the best way to do this? A set of #8 or 10 gang hooks is the best way to rig a live minnow. A set of gang hooks is simply two small hooks tied in tandem. You simply hook the minnow's lips through the top hook and leave the trailing hook alone. As long as you're using size 8 or 10 hooks, they won't be noticed by the fish. When crappie fishing, the minnow must be alive and swimming around under your bobber. If the minnow is hooked in a manner which doesn't keep it alive long, you're just wasting the money you spend on bait. Hooking it through the lips keeps the minnow alive for a very long time, and presents it in a completely natural manner. A set of gang hooks is the best way to present your minnow to the crappie, and with two hooks, will increase your hook up rate as well.

These simple tips will help you catch more crappie, and we all know why we want to catch more crappie. These little black and white fish are absolutely delicious. We fish for some fish for the fight or their beauty, but crappie? We fish for crappie so that they can grace our dinner table. Crappie are easily one of the best tasting fish that can be caught in freshwater.

Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 20 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his three year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country.....Montana!

Gang Hooks Tied & Ready!!!: http://www.jrwfishing.com/gang_hooks.asp

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Crappie fish are unique, crappie fishing tips are rare! When fishing for crappie, whether that's fall crappie fishing or winter crappie fishing, grabbing as many crappie fishing techniques as possible, will only help in the long run.