Facts about Crappies

Fishing for crappies gives every fisherman a great deal of fun all around the year. Although this kind of sunfish can be quite fussy compared to bluegill type, crappies are not as hard to catch and can be found in most river banks in spring. There are various types of water that crappies can be found across the country including lake, ponds, reservoirs and rivers as well. 

Basically, there are black and white crappies which both belong to the sunfish family. Both are also found in the same school of fish. It’s normally difficult to distinguish between the two types. The easiest way you can differentiate between the two is that while a white crappie fish has 6 dorsal fins, the black one will have 7 – 8. These types of fish are often found in groups of 5 to 25, or larger schools as they are schooling fish. Crappie fish are normally quite fertile as they normally reproduce fast within a particular period of time. This means that you’ll readily find many crappies in a given river due to their high population. Their white flesh is quite tasty and flakey and is considered to be among the tastiest fresh water fish. Crappies, both white and black produce eggs when the temperatures of the water are between 58 and 64 degrees Fahrenheit. When they are fully grown up, their sizes range from 12 to 18 inches long. 

Due to the fact that crappies normally feed on insects, minnows and other tiny fishes, fishing is quite easy. The easiest way is to hook a minnow which is approximately half an inch below the dorsal fin with a spilt shot which is attached to a 12 inches long line above the hook and beneath a bobber. Alternatively, a light jig head with a minnow made of plastic or twister tail style can be used. It is recommended to do much of your fishing during the sunrise and sunset since this is the time they like feeding most. It is also recommended to use hook sets that will not tear its mouth since crappies normally have very thin and delicate mouths. 

Crappies are normally found along the banks during the reproducing period, that is spring season, and this is the easiest time you can catch lots of them. The most active crappies are found beneath water structures and areas that are shady. Such water structures include brush piles, docks and hanging tree logs along the shore. Crappies also hide in areas that are rocky during this season. These fish normally get back to deeper waters when summer sets in since the water normally gets warm. Crappies will still find water structures, submerged brush piles and deep weed edges to hide in. 

If you love fishing, have fun and fish safely.