What is a Crappie?

The Crappie is a member of the sunfish family that is found only in fresh water.  Scientifically known as the Pomoxis Rafinesque, Crappie can be one of two different species.  The White Crappie is most often found in  warmer waters and has a spotting pattern that tends to show up in a vertical line.  With six dorsal fins, the White Crappie tastes no different than it’s counterpart, the Black Crappie.  Black Crappies, however, tend to be found in cooler waters than the White Crappie such as large slow-moving lakes and/or rivers.  The Black Crappie has seven or eight dorsal fins and irregular spots that seem to follow no distinct pattern.  Both the white and black Crappie have similar diets, feeding mainly on  young fish and insects.  They are more active in the early evening and late night hours than they are during the day.  Crappie’s prefer bodies of water that offer some cover such as weed beds, submerged logs, or wooded areas.  They tend to stick to these spots during daylight and only move to open, deeper water once the sun has gone down.  Because of the fact that almost anyone with any skill level can fish for Crappie, they are one of the most popular game fish in the United States.