| Crappie, known scientifically as Pomoxis | | | | submerged objects, wooded areas, and weed |
| Rafinesque, are members of the sunfish family. | | | | beds. At dusk and night, crappie are more active, |
| Crappie are only found in freshwater. However, | | | | feeding in more open, deeper waters. |
| do not let this fool you, Crappie can be found in | | | | Crappie is a Popular Game Fish |
| large lakes, ponds, rivers, and pretty much any | | | | Crappie are often considered to be one of the |
| other body of water were cover is available. | | | | most popular game fish. Perhaps this is because |
| Crappie actually come in two species, though | | | | the nature of the crappie, which allows pretty |
| most fisherman do not take the time to decipher | | | | much anyone to fish for crappie, no matter their |
| the difference. | | | | age or disability. |
| Crappie actually come in two species, the black | | | | Another reason Crappie are so popular is the |
| Crappie and the white Crappie. While there is little | | | | great taste of Crappie. Crappie meat is a flaky, |
| difference in the way they are caught or taste, | | | | white mean that can be cooked a number of |
| knowing the difference may help you in various | | | | ways. Once a Crappie is caught and filleted, the |
| future situations. | | | | fillets can be baked, battered, friend, or broiled. At |
| You will be able to tell the difference of the black | | | | fishing camps, a Crappie can be thrown on the |
| and white crappie by noticing the color or dorsal | | | | fire whole, cooked, and then peeled. Once the |
| fins. Black crappie have seven or eight dorsal fins, | | | | meat is cooked, it is easy to remove the skin and |
| and irregular spotting patterns. White crappie have | | | | bones. |
| six dorsal fins, and their spotting patterns are | | | | The most popular way of cooking Crappie, |
| usually arranged in vertical patterns. | | | | especially in the south, is battering and frying. |
| Black Crappie flourish in cool, slow moving waters. | | | | Pre-made fish batters are available at your local |
| They can typically be found in large lakes and | | | | market or grocery store. If you are feeling a little |
| rivers. White Crappie prefer warmer water, and | | | | creative, or are in the mood for something a little |
| are not as fussy about whether or not the water | | | | different, you may want to consider making your |
| is clear or slow moving. | | | | own batter. Even if you have never done this |
| Daily Feeding Patterns | | | | before, you will find it is much easier then it |
| Crappie have very diversified diets. An adult | | | | sounds. Many traditional batter recipes are |
| crappie will feed on insects, microscopic | | | | available online or in cookbooks. Use these |
| crustaceans, and young fish. The young fish they | | | | traditional recipes as a backbone, while adding you |
| feed on are also the fish that, as adults, will also | | | | own flare. Feel free to experiment with different |
| feed on crappie. | | | | things. Who knows, you may even create a |
| Crappie tend to be much less active during the | | | | batter that will be considered a "traditional" batter |
| day. They keep primarily to cover such as | | | | in the future. |