Whether you call it crappie, spotted perch, speck, or sac-a-laits, this elusive fish is hard to spot and a lot of fun to catch. Take some time to understand their habits, find the right bait, and be patient when you are in the water. Follow these instructions to catch the mysterious crappie.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Knowing Where to Look for Crappie
Step 1. Search lakes, rivers and streams with clean water
Crappie is a freshwater fish and is found abundantly in wild areas and in ponds and lakes. They are native to North America, but today they can be found in many areas around the world. Black crappie and white crappie are virtually indistinguishable so that many anglers don't notice the difference.
Step 2. Find crappie near submerged bushes and trees
Crappies love to spend time in hiding - greenery, tree tops and fallen logs into the water, and piles of other debris are good places to look for them.
- You can also build some kind of crappie shelter to attract them to a particular area. Bring some branches to a point on the lake where there are no shelters and drop them to the bottom. Note the exact spot - chances are, when you visit it again, crappie are around.
- Sometimes crappie spend time in the water among the branches instead of near them. Some larger fish can stay in the crevices of a fallen branch. The best fishermen manage to fish in those spots.
Step 3. Fishing near piers and piers
When there are no natural shelters in the water, crappie tend to gather around these artificial structures. It's a good place to look if you're fishing from a dock instead of a boat.
Step 4. Use a fish finder to find hidden openings in the bottom
Crappie spend time in areas with deep water where there is shelter, such as submerged bushes or sunken trees. Finding spots where others rarely fish is one way to find larger fish.
Method 2 of 3: Use the Right Equipment
Step 1. Use a rod or rod and reel
The old and simple rod is used by most crappie anglers and is quite effective. You can use a cheap bamboo or fiber or graphite one. Light ones are usually the best, but if you prefer to use rod and reel that's fine too
Step 2. Purchase a collection of jigs
Jigs are the most used lures when fishing for crappie. But don't rely on one and that's it - crappie is a fussy fish, so you'll need several jigs to choose from every time you go fishing. They come in different weights, shapes and sizes. Crappie generally prefer smaller ones.
- The jigs are covered with a soft layer made of various materials and are made in various shapes and colors.
- Some are made to resemble particular lures.
Step 3. Use the minnow as bait
If you don't want to use synthetic bait, use a minnow. Crappie are attracted to these fish.
Method 3 of 3: Understanding Crappie Habits
Step 1. Bottom fishing during the winter
When temperatures drop, crappie tend to settle in deeper waters. Given that many fishermen put away their equipment in cold weather, fishing during the winter can be the right opportunity to catch the biggest crappie. Be patient and spend time in areas where the water is deeper.
- When it is cold and windy, do not stay on the shore or in sheltered areas. You'll be better off in places like this, but you'll have a better chance of catching fish if you venture into deeper water.
- Crappie are more apathetic during the winter and are slower to bite, so you will have to spend more time outside waiting to get one.
Step 2. Move to shallow water in the spring
In spring, when crappie spawn, they are easier to catch in shallow water. Fishing near bushes and wooden structures near the shore.
- Look for the areas where there is the current that enters the lake, this is the point where the females enter the lake and lay their eggs.
- Spring floods are often the best time to catch these fish as they congregate near the spawners.
Step 3. Fishing in clean water
If the water is muddy, it can be difficult for the crappie to see the bait. These fish find food by sight, not by smell, so they may never bite the bait if the water is cloudy. Find a place where it is clean and use large, light-colored baits.
Step 4. Ask other fishermen what they use
Crappie from different areas have different habits. They may be attracted to a particular color, or they may bite on a certain type of bait you don't use. Before setting off on the boat stop at a fishing shop and ask what is working on that particular day. It is likely to work with you too.
Advice
- Use a loop knot when using a jig.
- Use lures and light-colored jigs, depending on the level of visibility in the water (if the water is clear, if there is sun, etc.).
- Crappie are good to eat, but be sure to check the regulations for fishing in public areas.
- Try using a 2 '' Rapala sinking. Mack's Wedding Rings also work well if you put a worm in them
Warnings
- Be careful when using the hooks.
- Check the size regulations for fish release in your area. Don't destroy the fish population for other fishermen!
