Black crappie, known locally as speckled perch or specks, are a cool weather favorite in Florida. Crappie weighing up to two pounds are common. The state record is 3.83 pounds and was caught in Lake Talquin.
Habitat
Unlike most other panfish, crappie spend much of their time offshore, feeding on small fish insects and crustaceans. Successful anglers often drift through deeper water, fishing with small minnows or freshwater grass shrimp until they find a school. During spawning runs in cooler months, crappie will come inshore to areas of vegetation to spawn. Anglers often target them in these areas using cane poles or light spinning tackle, fishing jigs or grass shrimp.
When to Fish
Many anglers target black crappie early in the morning or in the evening. Most crappie fishing occurs in the cooler months, but anglers who fish into the summer do very well, especially at night. Night fishing for crappie is an effective technique year-round.
Range
Black crappies can be found throughout the state, with large nutrient rich lakes supporting the best fisheries. Lakes and rivers such as the Lake Talquin, Kissimmee Chain, St. Johns River, and Okeechobee are world renown crappie destinations. Unlike other parts of the southeast, Florida does not have white crappie (Pomoxus annularis). Go here for black crappie fishing spots.
Tackle and Bait
Use a light wire #4 hook and small split shot below a float. Speck anglers typically use several rods or poles, fishing at different depths until they pinpoint concentrations of fish. Crappie also readily strike artificial; 1/16 oz. to 1/8 oz. feathered or curly-tail jigs in white, yellow, pink and chartreuse are popular. Tipping these jigs with a live minnow makes them even more effective. Any of the above baits fished near a lantern or floodlight can produce nice stringers.
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