Crappie Fishing Basics Simple Steps To Crappies Catching Success!

By: Mark Fleagle
Old School Crappie Fishing Family Secrets
Crappie Fishing Basics
Crappie are found all over the United States From the east cost all the way to California, from southern Canada, To Florida and just about any other place there is a lake river or stream. This fish species is one of the best to target if you are a beginning fisherman. If you have young children who are interested in trying the sport of fishing than taking them crappie fishing would be the best way to perk their interest.

The crappie’s numbers are abundant and the action is good. To start fishing for crappie is really inexpensive. Basically all you need is a cane pole 10ft plus in length, with a line hook and a bobber. All these items can be purchased for under 25$ . Of course if you get really interested in crappie fishing you will need to invest in some better equipment, but why bother until you get the fishing bug.

You will still need to learn some basic facts about this fish before you attempt to go fishing. You need to do a little bit of reading so you know what there typical habitat is so you know where to find them. You need to know what there favorite foods are so you know what crappie live baits to purchase.
Get on the internet and do some simple crappie anatomy research , for example you probably did not know that the crappies eyes can not move in a position to look downward, so therefore if you bait is below them they will never see it. Also you need to know there are two types of these fish. Both species of crappie are from the sunfish family (Pomoxis annularis) and are located in North America and can live in harmony together. There is the black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) and the white crappie (Pomoxis annularis). Both these fish are found only in North America, and they belong to the sunfish family (Centrarchidae).The sunfish family also includes such fish as the largemouth bass, bluegills, and other warm water game fish. No need to worry to make special preparations to catch either the black or the white, the same crappie fishing basics will work well on either of them. Here’s a few identification tips: As a rule of thumb, black crappie are darker as the name indicates, with a irregular pattern of spots on there bodies. The lighter colored white crappie will have a distinct vertical pattern of spots on their bodies. Here’s another way of identifying the two crappies. Count the number of splines on the dorsal fin. If the count is between 7 and 8 the fish is a black crappie, if the count is between 5 and 6 then you have a white crappie. Black crappie thrive better in colder, clear water and can be found as far north as I said in the first paragraph in southern Canada.The whites seem to like large lakes and slow moving rivers like in the south. To be honest through there Is no real separation because these fish can be found together in all the lower 48 states and into Mexico. And they do cross breed so there are a lot of cross breeds.
The crappie’s size will depend totally on it’s local environment, and there size will cycle over time, but on the average you can expect to catch fish from 1/2l to 1lb each. If you stick to some simple crappie fishing basic tips you may catch some fish in the 2lb plus range. A record white crappie was caught in Enid Lake Mississippi and weighed in at 5lb 2onces. The largest white crappie on record was caught in Enid Lake Mississippi, and was recorded to be 5lb and 2 ounces. The largest black on record is 4 lb 8 ounces caught in Kerr Lake Virginia and Otoe Lake Nebraska.
Crappies feed on small fish, like your typical crappie fishing minnow and small aquatic insects and tiny crustaceans. before the crappie reaches adulthood they will feed primarily on small crustaceans and insects , while after they reach adulthood there diet will change to larger small fish like minnows. Studies have been conducted on the both the white and black adult crappies and it seems that the black will feed a great deal on insects in the spring and switch to small fish such as minnows throughout the rest of the year. The adult white’s primary meal is small fish such as minnows throughout the year.
Well that concluded my article on crappie fishing basics, Just have fun and relax, that what fishing is all about! Good Luck On your next outing!
About the Author
Mark Fleagle Webmaster. 30+ Years Of Fishing Experience Expert Author At Ezinearticles.com. Click This Link To Find Out More About Crappie Fishing Basics

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Know How To Handle A Rod And Where The Fish Are

Know How To Handle A Rod And Where The Fish Are

Beginners for fly fishing usually have a different "control" over their rods. This is what happens and is expected from novice fly fishers as fly fishing rods aren't easy to handle right away. If there is anything that a newbie should avoid during the first few times of fishing, it is the wrong way of handling a fishing rod.

It is not entirely an incorrect way how to handle a fishing rod. It is just not exactly how it should be since the needed muscles and force aren't exerted this way. When you handle a fishing rod using your thumb on top of the rod handle; this position doesn't allow you to take advantage of the force and strength that your hand is capable of because your wrist is in tension.










The proper way of how to handle a fishing rod is when you don't feel any tension in your wrist between the rod and your arm. Make sure that the body of the rod handle should be well placed in between your thumb and palm. The base of the handle should just be a little well outside the palm; while your thumb should be situated on top of the rod which is directly opposite the fly reel. The index finger, at this point, should be positioned ahead of your thumb always. Just try to imagine that you are accepting a piece of paper from somebody who is directly handing it over to you. The most important indication for you to look out for which tells whether your rod-handling grip is the correct one is when you don't feel any sort of tension - at all.

Still think that you are not handling the fly rod the proper way? Think of it this way; your arm is an extension of the fly rod - seriously. When you start to feel for the rod and what it actually can deliver in effect to the water and the fish, you start to feel a sense of accomplishment. Also, keep your arms up high, overhead. This gives you better control in terms of pulling and tugging motion necessary when you have a catch.
Catching a fish for someone who has just started fly fishing is a great accomplishment. There are many tips and basic information that a fly fisher has to learn first; especially if he considers himself a novice in this field. While learning, fly fishers need to enjoy each step that they take in making it possible for them to fish for the right kind of species in the right areas as well. It would be completely useless if all the energy and effort is exerted but to no avail in the end.

One of the most basic technique one has to apply when fly fishing in a new fishing area is to check with the other fly fishers who have already memorized the place and the exact location of the fish. The behavior of the species to certain kinds of weather conditions, lure types and the like are also important information you can obtain not from any other reading material; but straight from the genuine anglers themselves. Being plain friendly to people surrounding the same fishing area that you are in is going to get you just the right information that you need.

Now, being in the actual location for fishing is the real challenge. Whatever you have learned from the collective answers obtained from expert fly fishers and the books or sources that you have read pertaining to fly fishing; you can certainly apply it all from the moment you cast your fishing line in to the water.

The next question that you need to ask yourself and answer as well is whether you are on the right spot where your target species live. This isn't a very easy question to answer since you cant just easily dive in the water just to find out if, indeed, there are trouts, for example; underwater. You'll definitely scare the fish away if you do this, so, by all means, don't. Instead, try to check the water first from a distance and make sure that you are not too visible from the fish' point of view. Try to see if there are any significant objects and insects that can possibly attract a fish. Knowing where the fish lives as well is an extra help.
About the Author
Fly Fishing Tips is a perfect site in the internet which contains useful information about fly fishing.

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Fly Fishing For Crappie - Is it Possible to Catch Crappie Fly Fishing?

Fly Fishing For Crappie - Is it Possible to Catch Crappie Fly Fishing?

If you've never fished for crappie with a fly rod, then you've really missed something. In my opinion, crappies, and other panfish, are the ideal fly rod quarry for the following reasons;
There are plenty of them.
They are almost everywhere.
They are scrumptious!
They are incredibly willing to smash your fly (most of the time) and do battle.

Unless you live in Alaska or Hawaii, chances are good that you live within one or two hours from a body of water than has crappie in it. Crappies are seasonal migratory predators. I won't go into their seasonal habits here because that is a subject unto itself. Suffice to say it helps to know your quarry.

It's pretty simple for most of the year. If you find em..you'll catch em. The notable exception is summertime, when crappies get moody, sulk and suspend in open water. They frequently get lock-jaw at this time and will even refuse a live minnow dangled right under their nose!

You don't need a $1000.00 fly rod to catch crappie (or in my experience, any other freshwater fish). A $19.99 Wal-Mart special will catch just as many crappies as an $850.00 outfit from G. Loomis. For crappie, you want to go light. A 6-1/2 to 8-1/2 2 or 3 weight fly rod is perfect for crappie. If you want to chase crappie during the summer, you may want to move up to a 5 weight rod with a sinking line, to get your fly to the depths quicker.

All you need is a single action reel, and it does not have to be an expensive one. Next, you will need a WF2F, or WF3F, or ST fly line, or maybe a DT5S for summer. Top it off with a 5 tapered leader (crappie are not line-shy, so a long leader is not necessary) and a 4X or 5X tippet, and your almost ready to go.

If you need to learn how to fly fish, I'd like to recommend the premier website for all things fly fishing FlyAnglersOnline. Here you will find all the information you need, and then some, for learning how to properly fly fish, find your quarry, and make and maintain your equipment. There are thousands of proven fly patterns there, with complete directions and step-by step instructions for tying them. There is also a forum where you can ask us any questions you want.

A few accessories are nice to have. If you fish from a boat, and plan to crappie fish all year, a good depth finder is a necessity. You'll want a landing net, because crappies have very tender mouths and can tear-off easily. For the same reason, a floating fish basket or live well is good to have, because crappie can tear off of a stringer easily.

You'll need a lantern for night-fishing. If you don't have a boat, you might want to look at the various models of Belly Boats, or Float Tubes. They are great for crappie fishing in still waters.

Now, for the most fun part of flyfishing selecting your flies. You have two options: You can look for a supplier that ties the patterns you want, or you can do what the rest of us do, and tie your own. This is as much fun as fishing!
About the Author
Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Get more information on The Evening Secret here: http://www.askcrappiefishing.com/editorials/EveningSecret.html

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A Fishing Guide - Fishing Made Easy

A Fishing Guide - Fishing Made Easy

Fishing is considered a favorite past time among Americans. A majority of Americans have had the ultimate fishing experience. Fishing is the activity of catching species that live and breathe underwater.Today more advanced fishing techniques were developed to make the activity more exciting and challenging. Before 2005, all fishermen had to do was hit a macro to catch a fish. Today there is a more developed fishing system; it involves fighting a fish to reel it in.A simple fishing guide would make understanding fishing easier. There are five steps to follow for beginners. Start out by preparing your rod and reel. The reel has to have a line then press the button of your spin-cast reel. Make sure that enough line is pulled to thread it through all of the guides of the rod.





 In the second step of the fishing guide it is important to attach a hook. One thing about hooks is that they come in different shapes and sizes. An acceptable size to use is #6 or #8. A clinch should be used to tie the hook to the line.

The third step of the fishing guide involves attaching a bobber by threading the line to the top and bottom hooks. The purpose is to attach the bobber so the fish hook hangs just above the structure.

Attaching the bait is the next step. Attach the bait to the hook using either worm rig method, worm rig for bait stealers method or doughball method.

The final step in the fishing process is to cast and retrieve. First cast the bait, then turn the reel crank forward until it clicks to prevent more line from coming out. You know you are catching a fish when the bobber moves or when you feel a tug on the line. Make sure the hook is in the fish's mouth. If more detailed instructions are needed there are numerous fishing guides on the web or in books.

One guideline is very important before going fishing. Check the fishing regulations to see if the fish you catch according to size is legal to keep. If it is a fish that is not legal to keep, it must be released and handled as little as possible.

If this is a fish that can be kept a good way to keep it alive is to place it in a cooler until it is ready to be cleaned. So if your purpose is fish as hobby and use the catch and release method, fishing regulations do not need to be considered. Fishing is mostly done for recreational purposes, such as fishing tournaments or hobby but some actually catch fish that they plan to cook with. Whatever the reason your reason for fishing is it blends well with the American way of life. Remember to take along your fishing guide!
About the Author
For more information on all aspects of fishing, and to download a free guide, visit The Fishermans Guide

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Top 5 Crappie Fishing Tips

Top 5 Crappie Fishing Tips

Are you an avid fisherman? Are you new to Crappie fishing or a long-time fan? Regardless of your experience level, there is a lot to learn about crappie fishing which can improve your skill and performance. It's also very helpful to learn what other crappie fishermen have to say since everyone may have their own way of doing things but different situations may call for different fishing tactics to be successful.







Know Your Bait
Next on your list is to find out what type of bait you will be using so you know how to use it properly. Since crappie can see color, many fishermen decide to use colorful baits to attract them. Just remember that your fish's sight can be hindered by water depth and other conditions.
Many professional fishermen like to use darker colors of red, green or orange when fishing for crappie in winter waters. Bright colors are also very helpful in the fall when it seems to many that crappie disappear completely.

Find Your Technique
When fishing for crappie, it's going to be important to find your technique. When you get "in the groove" of your fishing technique, it will come more easily and all else will begin to fall into place. Sometimes low bottom fishing is the best way to go. Other times you need to fish in deep waters and with artificial baits or varying colors. There may be times when you want to fish with scented lures.
Remember once you find your technique to remain flexible. While there may be one particular way that's worked for you in the past and that you feel most comfortable with, this doesn't mean that is the only way that works. If you're typical technique is not capturing you any fish, it may be time to open up to other ideas. 

Weather/Season for Crappie Fishing
One of the most important steps to fishing for crappie is to know what season you are fishing in so you can adjust your fishing tactics accordingly. Depending on the season and the weather, your crappie fishing techniques will be different. In the winter time, the temperatures could be as low as 40 degrees. At these times, the crappie will be further to the bottom of the water. You should fish for them at areas of 18 or 20 to 40 feet deep for best results.

In fall it may seem that the crappie disappear completely. Many people feel this is the most difficult time to fish for crappie but it doesn't mean it can't be done. If you know where to search for them, you can find crappie even in the fall. Crappie are very elusive at this time of year and may be found in very shallow waters at one time and deep waters the next. Your best bet is to learn how to attract them out to where your bait is. Crappie fishing in fall will require slower fishing so they have more time to see the bait, using brighter colored baits to capture their attention and even using scented artificial baits.
About the Author
Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Get more information on crappie fishing here: http://www.askcatfishfishing.com/

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Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Top 5 Crappie Fishing Tips

see my previous post:
Learning From Guided Fishing Trips - A Beginner’s Ideal Destination

Learning From Guided Fishing Trips - A Beginner’s Ideal Destination

By: Abhishek Agarwal
Guided fishing trips nowadays are very popular. These fishing trips are guided by trained professionals with a bag lot of experience. The guided fishing trips are apt for a professional fisherman or beginners. The main aim is to get away on relaxing a vacation which allows one to do what he/she loves best, the fish. Many Americans at the mere age of sixteen start experiencing fishing. Every human being has enjoyed fishing and it’s the old time hobby.




There are a lot of places which offer these guided fishing trips with other different things which come in the package. Most of the packages depend on whether they are overnight packages or day trips, offer shelter, top of the line equipment and boats in the price and food. This is a very good experience to learn different techniques and better fishing. Whether on is fishing for bass, trout, salmon or catfish there are different bait and techniques for every fish among others. In the guided trips one learns fish correctly, the best time for fishing for specific kinds of fish and which bait is the best for fishing. One would learn the regulations for fishing regions. You would also be taught the method of catch and release.

Browsing the net for information on these trips is a very good way to find an approximate price for the services rendered. Different packages come with different prices. The rates per package differ. The package chosen by a person may b costlier than the package combined by two. For instance a full day guided trip for a person would cost 260$ while for two it would cost 335$. Same way a half day trip might cost 210$ for a person while it will cost 260$ for two. A full day float trip would cost 390$ for one as well as two people whereas an overnight package would cost 155$ for one and 255$ for two. Lastly a guided overnight fishing trip would cost 415$ while it would cost 590$ for two. All these trips have necessary lunch and equipment.

The above mentioned options give a lot of alternatives for fishing while learning about it. It is indeed a very good experience to travel to different parts of this world and look at what the different regions have got to offer. The trip will provide you with a strong knowledge of the fish’s habitat and teaches you the tactics or techniques of catching the fish. The guides are skilled professionals and experts so they do things what they like. They bring forward their personality and professionalism to the trips.

The main intention of this trip is to learn a lot of useful techniques of fishing. The guides also teach the learners different areas which are the best to fish. This increases their existing knowledge. So, fishing is a great hobby which is also a popular activity.


About the Author
Abhishek is an avid Fishing enthusiast and he has got some great Fishing Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 116 Pages Ebook, "Fishing Mastery!" from his website http://www.Fishing-Masters.com/772/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.

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