Black Crappie
Black Crappie Fishing Techniques
The black crappie is one of the most popular fish native to North America. It is sometimes confused with the white crappie, although it is deeper bodied and darker in color than its cousin.
The black crappie can be distinguished from white crappie by its dorsal fin which has seven or eight spines. Other names for the fish include calico bass, speckled perch and speck.
Black crappie are favorite freshwater fish among anglers of all ages. They are strong fighters, beautiful fish and delicious as table fare.
Black crappie are enjoyable to catch and make excellent table fare. Fishing for black crappie is common event throughout spring, summer and early fall. Some hardly anglers even fish for these fish thru the ice. Anglers fish for crappie with ultralight equipment, fly gear or special "crappie poles".
Baits for black crappie include crickets, mealworms, waxworms, redworms, earthworms, nightcrawler chunks and maggots. When using worms, be careful not to put too much bait on the hook, as bluegills are accomplished thieves. Some anglers target larger crappie with live minnows or other large baits.
Lures for catching crappie include crappie jigs, microjigs, small spinner baits, grubs, tube jigs, and miniature soft plastics. Fly fishing gear is also popular for catching black crappie. Anglers use dry flies, nymphs, poppers or terrestrial flies. Among the more popular terrestrial fly patterns for catching black crappie are crickets, grasshoppers, foam spiders, and ants.
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