No activity is more classic than crappie fishing. Get ready to chill out with friends on a warm night and score dozens of fine fish. Read on to learn our four essential tips for nighttime crappie fishing.
Understand the Process
If you’re new to nighttime crappie-catching, it’s important to understand how the process works to get the best results. You’ll start with floating and submersible lights to attract crappies—the lights intrigue plankton, plankton pique the interest of baitfish, and baitfish bring in the crappies. Depending on the night, this process could take an hour, or you might see crappies within minutes. Sit back, relax, and let the crappie come to you.
Scout the Area
In daylight, scout out the area you’ll later fish. Plan out a few spots in case something changes, and make sure you can find your way back in the dark. Crappies like open water near areas where there’s a change in depth to the lake bottom, so keep an eye out for signs of deep-water ledges and creek and river channels.
Mark Your Equipment
Before the sun sets, pick up a can of fluorescent paint and mark your gear—you won’t believe how much easier it’ll be to spot your needle-nose pliers on the floor of your boat. Your tackle box, bobber, and rod tip are the best places to start, though your favorite pieces of equipment may vary.
Go Green
You’ll have several options for choosing a light, and you can experiment if crappie fishing becomes a regular hobby. For first-timers, though, we recommend sticking with the tried-and-true green underwater lights. They’re proven to attract plankton, which, as we mentioned earlier, is the first step in your crappie-fishing bonanza.
Now that you’ve got these essential tips for nighttime crappie fishing, find your spot, mark your gear, and catch your fish!