Fishing for crappie has long been a favorite pastime for anglers across the globe - and for good reason! Crappie not only taste delicious, but they are also an exciting fish to catch, so it offers a great experience for both beginner and seasoned anglers.
Not everyone likes to eat fish, though. Some are out just for the thrill of the catch. If you’ve got crappie in your pond, and aren’t one for filleting fish, make sure to follow the best practices for catching and releasing crappie - whether in your own pond or public lake.
2 Reasons Crappie Fishing Has Become Popular
Most any fisherman will tell you how much they enjoy catching their favorite sought after fish. Some even discuss the tactics it takes and how to catch them. Many different species of fish offer a variety of ways to catch them and not all fish are the same!
That is why Crappie stands out from gamefish and non-sportfish as well!
1. Crappie Make Great Table Fare
Crappies are renowned for their delectable taste, making them a prized catch for anglers who enjoy bringing home a fresh catch for dinner. There’s nothing better than gathering friends and family and having a good ol’ fashioned fish fry! 
2. Crappie Make for an Exciting Catch
Additionally, crappie are known for their challenging nature, providing an exciting and rewarding experience for fishermen of all ages and skill levels.
Their schooling behavior and elusive nature add an element of strategy and skill to the sport, making it a favorite among fishing enthusiasts. If you can find a “Honey Hole” you’re in for a real treat!
Best Ways to Fish For Crappie
Like all species of fish, there are a variety of ways to collect them, however the rod and reel technique called “angling” is the preferred method.
Here are a few tips to help you catch more crappie on your next fishing trip!
Fishing Tips for Catching Crappie with Live Bait
One of the most effective methods for catching crappie is using live bait. Live minnows, small shad, or other small baitfish can be enticing for crappie.
When using live bait, it's essential to employ a light tackle setup, as crappie have a subtle bite.
Ensure that your bait is presented naturally, and use a slip bobber to adjust the depth based on where the crappie is suspended in the water column.
Where to Purchase Live Bait for Crappie Fishing
Most reservoirs have bait shops located nearby as a convenience for fishermen. Pond King carries Golden Shiners a majority of the year to use for crappie fishing.
Fishing for Crappie with Artificial Lures
Artificial lures are another successful approach for crappie fishing. Jigs, soft plastics, and small crank-baits can mimic the movement of prey, attracting crappie to strike.
Experiment with different colors and sizes to determine what the crappie are biting on that particular day. Slow and steady retrieves are often effective, especially in colder water when crappie are less active.
Use Proper Care when Handling and Releasing Crappie
When you release crappie, be sure to handle them with care, and use proper techniques to minimize stress and potential injury. Once you have landed the crappie either in the boat or on the shore, you will want to remove the hook as quickly as possible to get the fish back in the water. 
The Proper Way to Handle and Release Fish
The most common way to remove a hook from the fish is by “lipping” the Crappie (inserting your thumb on the bottom lip while using your index finger underneath the mouth to form a grip on the Crappie.
Be careful removing the hook to limit scarring. Sometimes needle-nose pliers may be needed for assistance.
You could also consider using barbless hooks, which makes it easier to remove the hook from the Crappie’s mouth after you’ve caught it. This will reduce the amount of time the fish is out of water, and reduce its stress.
If you hold the crappie horizontally, be sure to use your opposite hand for support by placing it under the belly. This will prevent excess stress on the jawline of the crappie.
Release Fish Back into the Water Gently to Prevent Injury
When releasing back into the water, gently lower the crappie to allow it to swim away. Never throw it back in the water from a distance. This can cause irreparable damage. Also try to avoid letting your fish flop around on the ground or your boat. This can cause the fish’s slime coating to be removed, leaving it vulnerable to parasites and disease.
Why it is Best to Harvest Crappie Greater than 10” in Smaller Ponds and Lakes
In smaller ponds and lakes, managing the crappie population becomes crucial for maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Harvesting crappie greater than 10 inches in length is recommended and helps control the population by ensuring the remaining fish have sufficient resources to thrive.
This is contrary to the information on harvesting largemouth bass. Due to this, often the belief is to harvest smaller fish. However, larger crappie are typically older and have already contributed to the spawning cycle, and harvesting these fish allows for sustainable fisheries management.
Catching and Releasing Crappie May Not be Ideal for Small Ponds
If crappie becomes too populated, which has a greater tendency to happen in smaller ponds, then there will simply not be enough forage fish for the Crappie to grow to a larger size.
Releasing these smaller Crappie back into the water only compounds the issue of overpopulation. If you’re wanting to grow those slab crappie, you’ve got to make sure you’re harvesting some fish on a regular basis.
Additionally, large schools of crappie compete heavily for available food sources with larger predatory fish. Private pond owners looking to grow large bass may not want to stock their pond with Crappie.
Why Private Lake Owners Love Stocking Crappie
Fishing for crappie is a beloved pastime that offers both excitement and culinary rewards. Whether using live bait or artificial lures, understanding the best practices for catching and releasing crappie is essential for preserving this enjoyable sport for future generations.
By incorporating these practices into a crappie fishing routine, private pond owners and anglers can contribute to the sustainability of crappie populations while enjoying the thrill of the catch. If you haven’t ever anchored down over some schooling Crappie, you are in for the time of your life.
Trust Pond King for Crappie Management on Texas Ponds and Lakes
If your pond has an overabundance of crappie or you are looking to introduce crappie to your lake, the fisheries biologists at Pond King recommend a site assessment for proper management.
Our experts will determine the right population management plan for years of fun and enjoyment. Contact us anytime or call with any questions about stocking Crappie or to find out how to properly manage the crappie in your fishery.
Happy fishing, and we’ll see y’all down at the pond!
