How to Catch Crappie at Night

crappie

When the stifling heat and oppressive sun makes a fishing day unbearable, you will need to rely on cooler alternatives. You can still take crappie during the day, but the heavy recreational boat traffic and heat can handicap you even if you are the most experienced angler. Ideally, the best option is to venture out at night. These are some of the tips for catching crappie at night.

Get Proper Fishing Equipment

When it comes to night fishing, you need a light source. In this case, you have three types of lighting that include floating lights, gas lanterns, and submersible fish lights. For most anglers, the submersible model is the perfect option because it allows you to prevent bugs, and you can control the depth of light penetration. It is advisable to carry insect repellants as mosquitoes can ruin your outing. Other than the lighting, you should get appropriate flashlights.

Boat Organization

There is a need to prepare your boat adequately for night fishing. This is even more important if you are not fishing from the shore. Ensure your boat is organized with a lot of walking space, and lights should be positioned in strategic places.

It is advisable to minimize fishing tackle to keep the floor of your boat uncluttered. This is necessary to avoid stumbling in the dark. Since you do not require a lot of equipment, pick a few jigs.

Scouting

Ensure you scout various fishing areas a few hours before the dark. During the scouting, you need to determine the depth and structure you will fish at night. It is advisable to get a perfect summertime structure, such as channels and drop-offs. Lakes that are devoid of natural cover, the pilings attract crappie.

Night Moves

You should note that anchoring works great than trying to hold on an area with a trolling motor. After finding your spot, you can cast your minnow or jig beyond the radius of light. The strike you get can help you know the depth where fish are holding. If you have adequate baitfish and you are not catching any, you should try the depth of light. In most cases, this will make a huge difference. Remember that if you are a beginner, it may be difficult to determine where crappie are in relation to the lights.