subject: Black Crappie Bait [print this page] When it comes to fishing, the crappie are some of the most popular types out there and can also be some of the easiest to catch.
Black crappie are very popular and with the right bait, you can be catching them with ease. From new fishermen to the more experienced, many people still seek out black crappie and they can be a great deal of fun to catch.
The black crappie, scientific name, Promoxis nigro-maculatus, is actually a member of the sunfish family. It is most easily recognized by the dark color and the spotted fins. They also have seven or eight dorsal spines.
Black crappie are most commonly found in the northern states so if you fish up north often, you've probably already seen some at least once or twice. However, they can still be found in the southern states as well. In fact, crappie are commonly found all over the country, making them an easy fish for anglers to get.
Sometimes black crappie are known calico bass. This is a member of the sunfish family, as mentioned earlier. These fish are very popular, especially in areas of central Maine, even though they have been artificially introduced to the area. The fact that they are so easy to catch is one thing that makes them so greatly popular.
Live Baits
Using live bait is the best option in most cases. When using live bait it's important that you keep it fresh by keeping it in a cooler or in the bait-well if you're on a boat. The fresher the bait the better results you will enjoy.
Crappies usually won't strike at old bait but fortunately they are attracted to several different types of live baits such as the ones listed here:
Minnows
Worms
Grasshoppers
Bugs
Crickets
Crawdads
Frogs
If you're catching your own live bait, then it's suggested that you do so in the same water where you plan to fish. This way you will be using the natural food source of the crappie in that area and you should have better results. They won't strike at anything that appears foreign to them.
If you are not having any luck with the bait you're using check the size, you may need to use something smaller. If that doesn't seem to be the problem then try something different. It may be that the crappie is simply not in the mood for your offering at this time.
