Since fishing is one of the outdoor sports we write applications for and I like crappie fishing, I decided why not “write about the crappie spawn”. Spring is probably the most favorite time of year for most people to fish for crappies. They will be in shallow water (0.5′ – 7′) if all other conditions are right. They will be very easy to catch. This means that the bank fisherman will be out in droves. Because of the unpredictable weather in Spring, this is not my favorite time of year to fish for crappies, but for many, it is. I’ll have to wait until the temperature gets in the 90 degree plus range to talk about my favorite type of crappie fishing (timber fishing).
Crappie will start moving to the shallows to reproduce (spawn) when the water temp gets in the mid 50′s temperature range. In north Texas, this can start happening as early as late February and the crappie spawn can last until about the first of May. Be on the look out for when the night temperatures are in the mid 50′s. Evenings appear to be the best time to go because the water has had all day to warm up. However, go whenever you can. I’ve done well when going out at mid morning.
You don’t need much as far as fishing equipment. One of my most fun times is when I rigged up an 8′-9′ three piece cane pole in memory of my grandmother and took a bucket of minnows me. Don’t spend a lot of money, it’s not required for this kind of fishing. If you’re not catching fish close to the bank, throw out into a little deeper water. For those who want to learn more about the Crappie spawn and Crappie fishing in general, go to these web sites:
Crappie.com
txfishing.com
Remember, there will be many people out so be curtious and don’t leave your trash on the bank. If you go, I want to hear about it.