Some people will only fish for crappie in the early spring because that is when their spawn is, but what about the rest of the year? You could be catching those delicious fish all year round and having them right at your dinner table. People might find it hard to catch crappie in the summer because of the heat and its post spawn so the fish aren't as active. But with a few tricks and some tools to help you, you could be catching your limit year round.
When and Where To Fish
Because it is summer time the best times to fish would be in the morning and late evening. I recommend the morning more because the water had all night to cool off and the fish seem to be more active at first light. If there is a storm that passes through some might see this as a disadvantage because it messes with the waters barometric pressure, which changes the fish's patterns. This is true, but it shouldn't scare people to go fishing. In fact I believe this to be the best time for fishing. The rain cools off the water and washes bugs into the water activating the food chain.
When searching for the best places to catch crappie of course look for the top places they gather such as brush, rocks, and shady areas. But since we are fishing in the summer look for drop offs going from 4 to10 feet, a good water run off after the rain, and look for shore lines that gets sun but not all day.
What Soft Plastics to Use
My favorite color to use is natural blue colors. Something that will match the minnows or shad in the water. Crappie Kickers thin tail soft plastics is what I would use during this time. The thin tail will put off attractive movement for the crappie, while not putting off a too small or too large of a presence. Now if you want different colors and different movement I would suggest starting with a variety pack. This comes with 12 different types of plastics and 10 jig heads, that way you are ready to hit the lake right when you get this package.
You can fish with a bobber or just a cast and retrieve. Finding the fish will depend on the time of day. In the morning the will be more active so make sure your lure has more action. If you are fishing mid-day find shadows or in deeper water, because the crappie will want cooler water. If fishing in the evening look for that cover and cooler temperatures.
Jig Heads
Jig heads are used not only for the hook in your jig but to give a better look to the jig as a whole. Buying a set like this 60 piece jig head set, will give you a good variety to start with and will show you what is working in your area. The best color that works for me is a yellow head. I would also suggest getting roadrunner heads for they also attract fish by reflecting the light. If you want something simple just go with the lead head, it keeps it simple by keeping the weight to the lure but wont give it a funky color.
Feathered Jigs
Feathered jigs are great to use because they wont wear away as fast as the soft plastics and they still come in a variety of colors. These feathered jig heads are what you need to have great success on the water. You will use these in the same manner as the soft plastics, but I feel like you can control these easier, so you can give them good little bops when reeling it in.
Crappie Nibbles
Of course when the fishing gets tough you can always throw on one of these crappie nibbles. They will help attract the fish in with its sent, color, and of course taste. The reason I put this last is because you'll have more smaller fish attracted to your lure, other than crappie. This could your skunked day into bountiful day with a lot of fish.
I am apart of an affiliate program. That means I may earn a commission on the purchases that are made. This will help me in making better quality content and more opportunities to to share information like this to you. Thank you, GH Outdoors.
Comments