Black crappie in Florida

Meet the species

Black crappie
Image credit: © duane raver, jr.

Scientific name

Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Overview

Unlike most other panfish, crappie spend much of their time offshore feeding on small fish in lakes or in large slow-moving clear water rivers.

Typical size

Big catch minimum: 14 inches or 2

At a glance

Peak months
February–march
Regions
Statewide freshwater
Water
Freshwater
Bait
Drift missouri minnows or grass shrimp below a float & with a #4 hook and small split shot.

Florida fishing record

Weight
3 lb 13 oz
Location
Lake talquin, gadsden county
Date
Jan 21, 1992
Angler
Ben curry, sr.
Type
Florida state record

Open record source

Record catch notes

3.83 lb; by ben curry, sr.; on 1/21/1992; at lake talquin, gadsden county

When to fish

Peak months

February–march

Good months

November–december, january–april

Season notes

Peak months feb, mar from FWC 'full moons of february and march' & good months cooler months nov–apr.

More season details

Where to fish

Florida regions

Statewide freshwater

Water

Freshwater

Habitat

Unlike most other panfish, crappie spend much of their time offshore feeding on small fish in lakes or in large slow-moving clear water rivers.

More locations and access

How to catch

Specks are a cool-weather favorite and excellent table fare. Crappies are common throughout Florida. Drift missouri minnows or grass shrimp below a float, with a #4 hook and small split shot. Depth is key, as crappie school at the same level. When crappie move inshore to spawn, a bright 1/16-oz. To 1/8-oz. Jig or hal-flies will produce. Image credit: © duane raver & jr.

Bait

Drift missouri minnows or grass shrimp below a float & with a #4 hook and small split shot.

Lures

Jig or hal-flies will produce.

Videos

Sources

Information comes from the supplied source datasets. Check linked FWC regulations for current rules.