Fishing with live bait series
Using minnows to catch crappies
There is nothing more exciting than using live minnows as bait for catching crappies. Crappies are a freshwater fish found throughout the United States in lakes, reservoirs, rivers, streams, and ponds. There are two species of crappie, the white crappie and the black crappie. Though both will eat worms, insects and water insect larvae (nymphs), their favorite food is minnows.
When fishing for crappies in shallow water, one strategy is to use a 1/0 hook tied to an 8lb test fluorocarbon leader. Pinch a small split shot sinker about six inches above the hook and attach a bobber two feet above the sinker. Next take a live minnow and run the hook point up through the minnow's lips starting with the bottom one. Now cast this rig out into shallow water (depths from three feet to ten feet) and watch the bobber. The best areas to fish for crappies are areas that have plenty of nearby structure, (submerged rocks, logs, tree branches etc.). When the bobber starts moving quickly or takes a plunge, set the hook.
Black Crappie Hook minnow through lips