We are dangerously close to Crappie spawning season in Kentucky. Late March and April is a celebrated time of year for anglers across the Commonwealth because Crappie fishing during the spawn is almost like fish in a barrel.
Also adding to their popularity is the fact that Crappie are one of the most beloved pan fish in the lake. Their mild-tasting, delicate meat makes them highly prized among fish lovers and culinary enthusiasts in the know.
I used to be a Bass fisherman. I wasn't very good at it, but I enjoyed the challenge. Then, I met my wife and started fishing with her family. They were Crappie fishermen, and I soon learned that Crappie fishing was a whole lot of fun. I also caught more Bass while Crappie fishing than I did Bass fishing. No pun intended, but I was hooked.
There's no need to be intimidated if you're new to this form of fishing, or fishing in general. If you know what to look for and you know what gear and bait to use, you will get on some Crappie.
Below is a simple guide put together with the help of Fort Knox Natural Resources Branch Chief Mike Brandenburg that will no doubt put you on the right path to becoming the best Crappie fisherman or woman you can be.
The Right Conditions
Crappie can be caught all year long, but according to Brandenburg, you're looking for the surface of the water to hit 60-62 degrees Fahrenheit. This will trigger the spawn. Crappie will come to shallow shoreline areas during this time to mate and nest. Peak spawning activity will take place when the water is between 62-68 degrees. What makes this time so special for fishermen is that the fish are congregating in concentrated areas and male Crappie, to protect their nests, attack virtually everything that comes near them.
You don't necessarily have to be out on the water at the crack of dawn either. Brandenburg says that it's sometimes best to let the sun heat the surface of the water a bit as this will trigger the fish to come up to forage for food.
The Gear
I don't care how little money you have, you can be a Crappie fishermen. Unlike other forms of fishing, you don't need high-dollar rods and reels, fancy lures and jigs, and a $25,000 Bass boat. This is what you'll need:
• Line: 4-8lb monofilament. Ensure the drag on your reel is set properly in case you hook a big one.
• Reel: Any 1000 series spinning reel. Spincast reels will work as well.
• Rod: A light to ultralight action 6-6.5 foot rod. The lighter the action, the more sensitive and flexible it will be. Brandenburg recommends the light action as an ultralight can be a bit too flexible.
• Bobbers: Bobbers or Slip bobbers that are as small as they can be, but still able support the weight of the bait. Slip bobbers can be used in conjunction with a bobber stop knot to easily set the depth of the bait.
• Boat of any kind: technically not required, but it will make getting to that hard-to-reach structure a whole lot simpler.
Bait/Lures
"Most of the lures out there are designed to catch fishermen, not fish," says Brandenburg. He recommends 1/64-1/8 ounce Crappie jighead hooks with Crappie tubes/grubs in the color combinations pictured in this article.
The tails on these tubes/grubs can be made out of feathers, hair and plastic. They all create a different action and the fish may like one better than the other on any given day, so have a variety on hand. If you had to pick one, Brandenburg recommends a black and chartreuse tube with a white and red jighead. As a general rule, he always recommends having a hint of red in any lure used to attract any type of pan fish.
Minnows can also be a good choice, but is typically a better choice for fall fishing. Brandenburg reminds those fishing on Fort Knox that the use or possession of minnows on any of the post's managed lakes is prohibited. This is to prevent the establishment of invasive species. However, dead minnows are allowed.
Technique
Crappie fishing techniques are not generally complex. For me, this is probably the best part of Crappie fishing. Unless you're the kind of person who likes to always be doing something it can be a lazy man's game. Set your depth using your bobber, throw in and relax. You can give your rod a slight twitch from time to time, but depending on the day, they may not want any movement at all. When that bobber moves or goes under, gently set the hook and reel in. Their mouths are like paper, so setting the hook with the fury of a thousand suns like you would on Bass may result in injured fish and an empty stomach.
Tips and Tricks
"You can never fish too slow or too shallow for Crappie," says Brandenburg. His theory is that the eyes of a Crappie are oriented to look up, so if you're six inches too shallow, they'll still see the bait. If you're 6 inches below the fish, they won't know you're there.
If you're fishing with a buddy, he also recommends that each of you use varying depths, lures and bait so you can more quickly identify what's working for the fish that day.
Brandenburg is a firm believer in fishing as close to structure as possible. If you're not getting hung up, you're probably doing something wrong.
He also suggests checking the soluner tables and being on the water during "major" or "minor" fishing hours.
Where to Fish
During the spawn, Crappie will be around some type of structure. This structure could include rocks, underwater ledges or submerged standing trees, but Brandenburg specifically looks for horizontal fallen trees or brush.
He also suggests being on the lookout for southern-facing banks and/or windward-facing banks early in the season when the water is below 60 degrees. After the water hits the 62 degrees Fahrenheit mark, this becomes much less important.
How to Eat Your Catch
Crappie are best eaten right after they come out of the lake. If you can't get to them right away, remove the innards, keep them on ice, but don't allow them to be submerged in water. Ensure that the water has a place to drain away from the fish as the ice melts. Crappie meat is extremely delicate and can become mushy if it gets waterlogged or is left in the refrigerator/cooler too long.
When it's time savor the fruits of your labor, descale using a regular spoon (literally the best and cheapest descaling implement known to man -- accept no substitutes), season with salt or favorite fish seasoning and grill whole. You may also elect to fillet, coat with your favorite batter recipe and fry. You're looking for an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit if you're trying to be on the safe side. Enjoy.
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