How do I know which is the best crappie lure?

There is no way to know which is the best crappie lure because everyone will tell you what they like and use, but you might not find the same answer from anyone. The best lure is the one that you find works the best for you. You might have luck with a Booyah Bucktail jig and another angler will swear that is the worst one to use. If I were you, I would buy one or two crappie lures and see if one or the other works for you. In most cases, I think you are going to find that a small jig and a small night crawler will work just as a small minnow will work. You could try a Yum Woody Curltail or a Yum Wooly Beavertail. I would just find a lure and try it. It would not be proper to tell you what the best lure is because what might work for me, might not work for you. I believe that crappie fishing is about the area you fish. The crappie is an easy fish to land. I have seen anglers throw in a jig and a minnow on an old pole they found in the basement from ancient times and catch a crappie. I suggest making your own decision. Get about two or maybe three lures that are meant for crappie fishing and see if they work for you. Take along some live bait and a jig just in case. If all else fails, go with the easy set up.