What is the best bait for winter crappie fishing?
Winter is back! That fact should leave one question on every crappie angler’s lips: What is the best bait for winter crappie fishing? Today, OTH TV host Jeremy Mattingly teams up with Garrett Garner, a renowned guide on Reelfoot Lake, to answer the question in depth.
Summary and key takeaway in 30 seconds:
The video concludes that smaller baits are more effective for winter crappie fishing. During colder months, crappies tend to be finicky, often shying away from larger presentations. Anglers should start with a smaller profile bait and adjust based on the fish’s response. Preferred bait colors vary depending on water clarity and personal comfort, but glow-based baits and natural colors like purple and chartreuse can be particularly effective. Innovative approaches, such as using scent additives or adjusting bait size, can significantly increase catch rates. The key takeaway is to adapt bait size, color, and presentation to the conditions and crappie behavior in winter.
- Start Small: Begin with a smaller bait profile, such as an 11/16 jig, and consider downsizing if the crappie are hesitant to bite.
- Choose the Right Color: Pay attention to water clarity and light conditions when selecting bait color. Glow baits can be particularly effective in winter, especially in clearer water.
- Consider Scent Additives: Using scent balls or similar products can entice crappie, making them more likely to strike in colder temperatures.
- Opt for Lighter Jigs: A lightweight jig allows for more delicate presentation, which can be crucial when crappie are less aggressive.
- Be Adaptable: Be prepared to change tactics, including bait size, color, and scent, throughout your fishing session as conditions and crappie behavior change.
Unraveling Winter Crappie Secrets: Less is More
As the chill of winter takes over, crappie anglers face a new set of challenges. Unlike the bountiful spring, when crappie eagerly snatch at almost any bait, winter demands a more refined approach. The key? Go small. This isn’t just a suggestion but a strategy born from the depths of experience and countless icy mornings on the water.
Size Matters When Temperatures Drop
When the water cools, crappie metabolism slows, making them less likely to chase big meals. This is why expert anglers downsize their baits. A tiny jig, barely an inch long, often outperforms more substantial options. It’s not about presenting a feast but offering a morsel that’s too tempting for the crappie to ignore. When the water’s cold and the fish are sluggish, a smaller bait can be the difference between a nod from a curious fish and a full-on bite.
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The Lure of Color and Glow
Visibility is another critical factor in winter. The right color can make your bait stand out or blend in, depending on the conditions. However, one constant remains—glow baits. The subtle luminescence of a glow bait can be irresistible to crappie in the clearer, calmer waters of winter. Whether it’s the sparkle of a Joker Uppercut or the consistent pull of chartreuse, choosing a bait that catches the fish’s eye is as crucial as one that fits in its mouth.
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The Lure of Color and Glow
Another layer to this cold-season strategy is scent. When crappie might be hesitant to strike, a scent ball added to your jig can turn passive onlookers into active strikers. It’s about engaging all the senses of the fish, convincing them that what’s in front of them is worth the energy to pursue.
For me, the most important part of improving at photography has been sharing it. Sign up for an Exposure account, or post regularly to Tumblr, or both. Tell people you’re trying to get better at photography. Talk about it. When you talk about it, other people get excited about it.
Scent and Sensibility
Another layer to this cold-season strategy is scent. When crappie might be hesitant to strike, a scent ball added to your jig can turn passive onlookers into active strikers. It’s about engaging all the senses of the fish, convincing them that what’s in front of them is worth the energy to pursue.
The Art of Adaptation
Lastly, adaptability is the angler’s best trait. Winter crappie fishing isn’t static; what works at dawn might not work at noon. The day’s best bait might change with the cloud cover or the water’s clarity. Successful anglers are always ready to switch sizes, scents, and colors. They understand that winter crappie fishing is a dynamic dance, and they’re always prepared to change the steps.
In conclusion, winter crappie fishing is a subtle art. Start small, stay visible, and be ready to adapt. With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to a successful haul, even when the water gets cold.
Baits recommended for winter crappie fishing & tips
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/mag-minnow-presentation/Jigs:
- An 1/16 jig, a smaller-sized jig which is the go-to for the speaker.
- An E-sized jig, which is a little longer bait, mentioned as an alternative if the fish are more active.
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Plastics:
- The speakers prefers plastic baits in the winter for their added activity.
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Minnow Baits:
- There is a discussion about the difficulty of finding the right size mag minnows, with a preference for those not exceeding an inch and a half.
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The Joker Uppercut in purple and chartreuse, with the purple having some glitter.
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The Monster Milk and The Margarita as alternative color options.
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Uppercut (baits) profile from Crappie Monster Baits, which has a flame tail that can be fished with the tail together or split apart.
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The moondust glow small fry, which is a glow-based bait.
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Ozark smoke, which has a black back and silver belly.
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A red and white bait, which is not commonly used but was successful in the situation described.
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Bobby Garland-style baits (the equivalent of Crappie Monster’s Small Fry Baits), which are a popular style among crappie fishermen.
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