The black crappie

The black crappie is making a huge uproar in the Canadian fishing world. It’s quickly becoming one of the most popular species for fishermen to target. Nicknames for this feisty little fellow are papermouth, calico bass, slab and strawberry bass.

Its main foods are insects and small fish, which are definitely what an angler wants to imitate.

Although they can be caught year-round, spring is a favourite time to go for crappie. They move into the shallows to spawn and are very easy to catch. All one needs is a small float and a few tiny jigs in order to “fill the boat.”

The 1-inch (2.5-cm) tube jig is by far the most effective and popular lure for crappie. We recommend Rattlesnake tubes in light colours with 1/16- to 1/8-ounce (1.8- to 3.5 g) tube jig heads.

As far as rods and reels are concerned, you can use your everyday outfits but an ultra-light spinning combo is the most efficient and fun. Try spooling on a 4- or 6-pound (1.8- or 2.7-kg) test line and it’s “fish after fish.”