The Crappie is arguably one of the most-loved panfish among fishermen. Though small in size (consider yourself lucky to catch one that weighs more than a pound), the Crappie provides a feisty fight when hooked and offers a tasty meal when lightly breaded and deep fried.

Crappies can be caught year-round, though where they are located in the lake changes with the seasons and water temperature. Following the spring thaw, as water temperatures begin to rise, Crappies will congregate in shallower waters that offer protection, such as submerged brush or fallen trees. They need this protection for the spawning process, which typically occurs when the water temperature reaches 60 to 65 degrees. It is during these conditions when Crappie are most accessible to shore fishermen. Don't hesitate to cast a thermometer into your favorite Crappie lake to monitor the water temperature. Once it reaches that magical 60 degrees, it's time to swap the thermometer for something with a hook!

The best way to catch spring Crappie is by using an ultralight rod and reel combination with a live minnow suspended about three feet beneath a small bobber. Crappies love minnows but at times can be timid in taking the bait. A small bobber will provide you with that delicate balance of being buoyant enough to suspend the bait but light enough to signal even the lightest strike. Use a small hook (I prefer a #6 or #8) and hook the minnow through the back just below its dorsal fin. Be careful not to pierce the minnow's lateral line that runs about half way down its body as this can kill the minnow.

A word of caution about setting the hook. Crappies are also called "Papermouths," and for good reason. In your excitement of seeing the bobber disappear beneath the water's surface, do not set the hook too hard as this will merely tear the hook right through the fish's mouth! Set the hook quick, but with a gentle snap of the wrist, and you will increase your odds of catching the would-be minnow thief. Keep a tight line when reeling in your catch as even the slightest bit of slack can cause the hook to fall from the fish's mouth.

As water temperatures continue to warm and exceed 65 degrees, Crappie will migrate to the deeper parts of a lake. However, they still enjoy sunken trees and similar protective cover. If you do not own a boat, it becomes much more difficult to catch these summertime Crappie, but not impossible. A weighted lure is essential to catch Crappie in deeper water; the preferred

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