If you’re planning a crappie fishing trip, you’ll want to make sure you have the right lures in your tackle box. Crappie are known for their finicky feeding habits, so it’s important to have a variety of lures to entice them. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best crappie fishing lures on the market.
One of the most versatile crappie lures is the jig, along with the huge variety of soft plastics. Jigs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a great option for targeting crappie in different water conditions. They can be fished vertically, cast, or trolled, and can be tipped with live bait or soft plastics.
Another popular crappie lure is the spinner. Spinners are great for covering a lot of water quickly and can be effective in both shallow and deep water. They come in a range of sizes, colors, and blade styles, and can be tipped with a variety of baits to make crappie to bite.
Before we dive in, I want you to understand that sometimes fish get really picky and stop biting even the finest lures. While using the recommended lures won’t guarantee a hooked crappie, they will increase the rate your catching them by a lot. With all this being said, let’s discover the best lures for crappie in 2024.
1. Best Overall: Berkley Powerbait Maxscent Tube
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Tubes are perhaps the best lure for enticing crappie to bite. They’re highly versatile and you can use them all year round. The tentacles provide a very nice action in the water, making them irresistible for crappie not to bite. It comes in 10 colors, all very effective for different types of water. But there are some essential ones, such as the White Pearl and Black Blue Fleck. This soft plastic is a must if you’re serious about catching crappie.
Another option here is the classic Berkley Powerbait Power Grub. This list wouldn’t have been fair without this lure. It’s one of the most versatile options out there that work for a variety of fish and techniques, while also being relatively cheap for what they offer. This is a must in every angler’s tackle box.
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2. Best Jig: Z-Man Chatterbait MiniMax
This awesome jig is a high-quality options if you like using jigs for crappie. I must warn you that hungry bass will also go after this lure, but I don’t think it’s a problem for many anglers. It’s called the “MiniMax” for a reason, as it has a smaller hook and blade than the previous models, while keeping your catch rate to the max. With plenty of colors too choose from, I’m sure you’ll get the best out of this jig and catch more crappie than ever.
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3. Best Crankbait: Strike King KVD Hard Knock Squarebill Crankbait
This crankbait made it to the list mainly because Hard Knock rattle system, which can be used to cover more water more effectively. It’s the lures main selling point, for the effective action it makes in the water. It’s a durable crank available in a whopping 25 color schemes, so you can be sure to find one that fits your fishing style. The only downside are the hooks, which need to be upgraded, but this depends on your individual needs. If you prefer crankbaits for targeting crappie, then you need to get this lure.
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4. Best Spinner: Booyah Pond Magic Spinnerbaits
For the price of about $5, you get an excellent long-lasting lure that will catch countless fish without breaking. It’s really the price of these that makes them stand out from the rest and the quality is not bad at all. The two blades shine really nice in water and it also comes with a sharp Mustad Ultra Point hook that won’t fail to keep the fish tight while you’re reeling it in. With 9 eye catching color combinations, I’m sure you’re going to catch some nice crappie with this shiny spinner.
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5. Best Jerkbait: 6th Sense HyperJerk Finesse
I know that some of you like using jerkbaits for any fish and technique, so here is one of the best options. The name says it all. This is a finesse jerkbait that will entice crappie to bite with its realistic design and a feather on the rear hook to make it more presentable to fish. It works well for long range casting and you can use it with a variety of techniques, depending on your preference.
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6. Best Lure Kit: Bobby Garland 158-piece Deluxe Crappie Kit
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Many anglers like buying kits especially for the more convenient prices. With this 158 piece kit you get an excellent quality for the price. If you would buy all these lures separately, you will end up spending a lot more. You get a bunch of soft plastics, different sizes jigheads and also a Thill Crappie Cork which can be useful for some. This kit doesn’t limit to crappie only, as you can catch a wide variety of fish with it. And all this without sacrificing quality and performance. It may not fit everyone’s preferences, so you still might want to consider buying other additional lures.
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Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned about the best crappie lures of 2024, you’re ready to hit the water and start catching some fish! Remember, the key to crappie-catching is to use the right type of lure for the conditions you’re fishing in.
Soft plastics, jigs, spinners, and crankbaits are all effective options, so experiment with different types and see what works best for you. Keep in mind that crappie can be finicky, so don’t be afraid to switch things up if you’re not getting any bites.
When selecting a lure, consider factors like water clarity, temperature, and depth. Brightly colored lures are often effective in murky water, while natural colors may work better in clear water. Additionally, certain lures may work better at different depths, so pay attention to where the fish are biting and adjust accordingly.
Until the next one, tight lines!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best lure for crappie?
The best lure for crappie depends on the fishing conditions and the preferences of the angler. Some popular options include jigs, spinners, and crankbaits. Jigs are versatile and can be used in various depths and water conditions. Spinners are great for covering a lot of water quickly, and crankbaits are effective for mimicking the movement of baitfish. Ultimately, the best lure for crappie is one that you feel confident using and that is appropriate for the conditions you are fishing in.
What color lure is best for crappie?
The color of the lure can make a difference in the success of your fishing trip. Generally, it is best to use light-colored lures in clear water and dark-colored lures in murky water. Some popular colors for crappie lures include chartreuse, pink, white, and black. It is also a good idea to match the color of the lure to the color of the water and the natural color of the baitfish in the area.
What is the best crappie tactic?
The best crappie tactic depends on the time of year and the fishing conditions. In the spring, crappie tend to move into shallow water to spawn, so fishing near the shorelines and inlets can be effective. In the summer, crappie tend to move to deeper water, so fishing near drop-offs and underwater structures can be effective. In the fall, crappie tend to move back to shallow water, so fishing near weed beds and brush piles can be effective. It is also important to use the right lure and technique for the conditions you are fishing in.
Best live bait for crappie
Live bait can be effective for catching crappie. Some popular options include minnows, worms, and crickets. When using live bait, it is important to use a hook that is appropriate for the size of the bait and to keep the bait alive and active in the water. It is also important to use the right technique and to be patient when waiting for a bite.
Best bait for crappie in winter
In the winter, crappie tend to move to deeper water and become less active. Some popular baits for winter crappie include jigs, spoons, and live bait such as minnows. It is important to fish slowly and to use a small jig or bait that mimics the movement of a dying baitfish. Fishing near underwater structures and drop-offs can also be effective in the winter.
Best lures for crappie in summer
In the summer, crappie tend to move to deeper water and become less active. Some popular lures for summer crappie include jigs, spinners, and crankbaits. It is important to fish near underwater structures and drop-offs and to use a lure that mimics the movement of a baitfish. Fishing early in the morning or late in the evening when the water is cooler can also be effective in the summer.
