10 Best Live Bait For Crappie (2024 Update)

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If you are an avid angler and looking to catch crappie, then you must know that choosing the right bait is crucial. Live bait for crappie is an excellent choice, as it is more appealing and natural to the fish. However, choosing the right live bait can be confusing, given the variety of options available in the market. Here are five key points to consider when looking for live bait for crappie.

1. Type of bait: Crappie are known to favor minnows, worms, and insects. Therefore, these are the most popular types of live bait for crappie.

2. Size of bait: The size of the bait should be appropriate for the size of the crappie you are targeting. Small crappie prefer smaller bait, while larger crappie tend to go for larger bait.

3. Water temperature: Crappie tend to be more active in warmer water temperatures. Therefore, the type of bait you choose should be based on the current water temperature.

4. Water depth: The depth at which you plan to fish also influences the type of live bait you should choose. For example, if you are fishing in shallow water, then small minnows or worms would be ideal.

5. Availability: Finally, check the availability of the bait in your area. Fresh bait is always better, so try to source it from a reliable supplier.

In conclusion, choosing the right live bait for crappie requires some research and planning. Consider the type, size, water temperature, water depth, and availability of the bait before you make your choice. By taking these factors into account, you can increase your chances of catching more crappie on your next fishing trip.

10 Best Live Bait For Crappie

1. Live 500 Bait Maggots Ice Fishing Grub Worms Pan Fish Bait Crappie & Perch

The Live 500 Bait Maggots Ice Fishing Grub Worms Pan Fish Bait Crappie & Perch is a high-quality bait that is packed fresh daily, making it an excellent choice for ice fishing enthusiasts looking to catch pan fish such as crappie and perch. This bait is also great for steelhead and trout.

One of the key features of the Live 500 Bait Maggots Ice Fishing Grub Worms Pan Fish Bait Crappie & Perch is its ability to keep well at temperatures between 33F and 36F degrees. This ensures that the bait remains fresh and effective for longer periods, increasing the chances of catching more fish.

In addition, this bait is similar to reptile food such as the Phoenix Worm or Wax Worm, making it a versatile option for those who enjoy both fishing and keeping reptiles. This bait is also shipped fresh on Mondays and Tuesdays, ensuring that it arrives in optimal condition and ready to use.

For added convenience, the Live 500 Bait Maggots Ice Fishing Grub Worms Pan Fish Bait Crappie & Perch comes with free insulation when needed. This ensures that the bait remains at the right temperature during transit, reducing the risk of spoilage and ensuring that it remains effective for longer periods.

Overall, the Live 500 Bait Maggots Ice Fishing Grub Worms Pan Fish Bait Crappie & Perch is an excellent choice for ice fishing enthusiasts looking for a reliable and effective bait option. Its ability to keep well at low temperatures, versatility, and free insulation make it a top choice for anglers who want to increase their chances of catching more fish.

2. 15 Pk 1/8 Oz No Collar Live Bait Walleye Crappie Fishing Jigs Red Sickle Hooks

The 15 pack of 1/8 oz No Collar Live Bait Walleye Crappie Fishing Jigs Red Sickle Hooks is an excellent choice for anglers looking to enhance their fishing experience. These jigs are designed to provide a perfect balance between weight and size, making them ideal for catching different types of fish.

The jigs feature a round head design with no collar, making them an excellent choice for tying flies. This feature makes it easy for anglers to customize their fishing gear to suit their specific fishing needs. Whether you are fishing in a river or a lake, these jigs are sure to provide you with a successful fishing experience.

These jigs come well-packed, ensuring that they remain in perfect condition during shipping. They are shipped from the United States, making them readily available to anglers across the country. With their excellent quality and affordable price, these jigs are a must-have for any angler looking to improve their fishing game.

The 1/8 oz weight of these jigs makes them perfect for catching walleye and crappie, two popular game fish among anglers. The red sickle hooks are sharp and strong, ensuring that once you hook a fish, it won't escape. These hooks are also designed to minimize the chances of the fish swallowing the hook, making it easier to release it back into the water.

With 15 jigs in each pack, anglers have a variety of options to choose from, ensuring that they can catch fish in different conditions. Whether you are fishing in shallow or deep waters, these jigs are sure to provide you with the best results. The jigs are also perfect for both novice and experienced anglers, making them a versatile option for any fishing enthusiast.

In conclusion, the 15 pack of 1/8 oz No Collar Live Bait Walleye Crappie Fishing Jigs Red Sickle Hooks is an excellent investment for anglers looking to enhance their fishing experience. With their well-designed features and affordable price, these jigs are sure to provide you with a successful and enjoyable fishing experience.

3. 30 Pack Of 1/16oz Crappie Jig Heads With 3d Eyes For Bass, Crappie, Trout, And Panfish Fishing. Made With Live Bait Plastic For Freshwater Use.

The Dr.Fish 30 Pack Crappie Jig Head is a great addition to any angler's tackle box. With its unique 3D eyes and bright colors, it is sure to attract the attention of most species of fish. These jig heads are easy to install, making it simple to make your soft plastic bait look like live prey. The jig head has sharp double barbs that can hold plastic securely, ensuring that your bait stays on the hook.

These fishing jigs are suitable for catching all kinds of small-mouth predator fish, such as crappie, bluegill, trout, and white bass. Anglers of all levels of experience will find them easy to use. The fishing hook is made of sturdy carbon steel, which ensures higher durability and strength. The pointed hook is sharp, ensuring better penetration and effectiveness in hitting the target with the bait.

The Dr.Fish 30 Pack Crappie Jig Head comes in three sizes: 1/32oz, 1/16oz, and 1/8oz. This range of sizes is excellent for anglers who want to try different weights to see which one works best for them.

These jigs are perfect for freshwater fishing, and the pack of 30 means that anglers will have plenty of options to choose from. The quality of the product is evident, and the jigs are built to last. Anglers can trust that the sharp hooks will not let them down when it matters most.

In summary, the Dr.Fish 30 Pack Crappie Jig Head is a versatile and effective fishing lure suitable for anglers of all levels of experience. With its unique 3D eyes and bright colors, it is sure to attract the attention of most species of fish. The sturdy carbon steel hook ensures higher durability and strength, while the range of sizes offers anglers the flexibility to experiment and find the perfect weight for their fishing needs.

4. Bobby Garland Crappie Baits Garland Slab Huntr Live Minnow 2 1/4"

The Bobby Garland Crappie Baits Garland Slab Huntr Live Minnow 2 1/4" is a top-quality fishing bait designed to attract crappies. It is a large profile minnow bait that features a unique easy-swim tail, making it irresistible to crappies. The bait is designed to mimic the movement and appearance of a live minnow, making it an effective tool for luring crappies.

One of the standout features of this bait is its unique body design that allows it to hold optional scent. This feature allows anglers to add additional scent to the bait, making it even more attractive to crappies. The scent helps to mask any unnatural odors and makes the bait even more enticing to the fish.

The Bobby Garland Crappie Baits Garland Slab Huntr Live Minnow 2 1/4" also features a crappie rattle that serves up a sight, sound, and smell that crappies simply cannot resist. The rattle produces vibrations in the water that mimic the sounds of a school of minnows, attracting crappies from far and wide.

The bait is also incredibly durable and long-lasting. It is made from high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of fishing, ensuring that you get the most out of your investment. Whether you are a professional angler or a weekend warrior, the Bobby Garland Crappie Baits Garland Slab Huntr Live Minnow 2 1/4" is sure to be a valuable addition to your fishing gear.

The Bobby Garland Crappie Baits Garland Slab Huntr Live Minnow 2 1/4" is perfect for boating enthusiasts who love to fish for crappies. The large profile minnow bait is easy to use and incredibly effective at attracting crappies. Whether you are fishing in shallow or deep water, this bait is sure to deliver results.

In conclusion, the Bobby Garland Crappie Baits Garland Slab Huntr Live Minnow 2 1/4" is a top-quality fishing bait that is perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Its unique design and features make it an effective tool for luring crappies, and its durability ensures that it will last for many fishing trips to come. If you are looking for a high-quality fishing bait that delivers results, look no further than the Bobby Garland Crappie Baits Garland Slab Huntr Live Minnow 2 1/4".

5. Bobby Garland Crappie Baits Bs369-18 Baby Shad 2"

The Bobby Garland Crappie Baits BS369-18 Baby Shad 2" is a highly effective fishing equipment designed for crappie fishing enthusiasts. This product is made in the United States with meticulous attention to detail and quality materials to ensure superior performance on the water.

The Baby Shad 2" is a versatile bait that can be used in a variety of fishing styles and techniques. It can be used with a jighead or as a trailer on a spinnerbait or jig. The bait's compact size and realistic design make it an excellent choice for catching crappie, but it can also be effective in catching other species such as bass, panfish, and even trout.

This fishing equipment is lightweight and easy to handle, with a package weight of just 0.023 kgs. Its compact size also makes it easy to store and transport. The item package dimensions are 0.5 L X 10 W X 15.2 H (Cm), making it a convenient size for anglers to carry in their tackle boxes.

The Bobby Garland Crappie Baits BS369-18 Baby Shad 2" is made with high-quality materials that are both durable and reliable. The bait is designed to withstand the rigors of fishing, including bites from fish, exposure to water and sunlight, and frequent use. This ensures that anglers can get the most out of their fishing experience and catch more fish with ease.

Overall, the Bobby Garland Crappie Baits BS369-18 Baby Shad 2" is an excellent fishing equipment that is highly recommended for crappie fishing enthusiasts. Its realistic design, versatile application, and high-quality materials make it a top choice for anglers looking to boost their fishing success. With its compact size and lightweight construction, it's also a convenient item to carry and store, making it a must-have for any fishing tackle collection.

6. Bundle Of Berkley Gulp! Alive! 1.5" Chartreuse Jigging Grubs For Ice Fishing Panfish And Crappie Bait.

The Gulp! Alive! Berkley 1.5 inch Chartreuse Jigging grubs 2 jar Bundle is a game-changing ice fishing bait for panfish enthusiasts. This product has been specifically designed to outfish and outlast live bait, making it a go-to option for ice fishermen.

The Gulp! Bait grubs are packed with powerful attractants that make them irresistible to fish. They are created to look, feel, and taste alive, making them an excellent option for ice fishing. The grubs come in a 2.1 oz. jar, making it easy for anglers to bring them along on their fishing trips.

The Gulp! jigging grubs are perfect for panfishing for crappie, perch, and trout, either through the ice or in open water. The potent attractants in the grubs help to draw fish in, making them an excellent option for anglers looking for a reliable bait.

One of the most significant benefits of the Gulp! Alive! Berkley 1.5 inch Chartreuse Jigging grubs 2 jar Bundle is its ability to be recharged. Anglers can place the grubs back in the powerful attractant to restore their potency and effectiveness. This feature is particularly useful for anglers who spend long hours on the ice and need to keep their bait fresh and potent.

The Gulp! grubs are super panfish bait that is designed to outfish live bait. They are ideal for ice fishing, but they can also be used in open water. The grubs come in a bright chartreuse color that is particularly attractive to fish.

Overall, the Gulp! Alive! Berkley 1.5 inch Chartreuse Jigging grubs 2 jar Bundle is a must-have for any ice angler looking for a reliable and effective bait. The grubs are packed with potent attractants that make them irresistible to fish, and their ability to be recharged makes them a practical option for long fishing trips. If you're an ice angler looking for a game-changing bait, the Gulp! jigging grubs are definitely worth a try.

7. Frabill Magnum Bait Station 13 Quart Live Bait Well, White And Yellow

The Frabill Magnum Bait Station is a top-quality live bait well designed for storing and transporting live bait. With a capacity of 19 quarts, it is spacious enough to accommodate a large number of live baits. The bait well comes in a white and yellow color combination, and its dimensions are 19.5” L x 17.75” W x 13.8” H.

The bait well features a deluxe dual-speed aerator that is integrated directly into the lid. The aerator is powered by a 12V power adapter and ensures that the bait remains alive and active. The bait well also comes with a padded shoulder strap and a lift-out net liner for easy and convenient use. The aerator can also run on two D batteries (not included) for added convenience.

The injection-molded body of the bait well is designed to protect live bait at any temperature. The bait-friendly rounded internal corners prevent live bait from getting damaged, and the 1” commercial grade foam insulation ensures that the bait remains safe and active. The insulation also makes the bait well a great cooler when not used for bait.

The Frabill Magnum Bait Station is a durable bait cooler that has been tested in below freezing temperatures and has functioned at the highest level. The bait well features a large carry handle for heavy loads, and a non-slip bottom to prevent slipping and sliding. The bait well is also easy to clean and maintain, ensuring that it lasts for years of use.

Overall, the Frabill Magnum Bait Station is an excellent choice for anglers who want to keep their live bait fresh and active. Its high-quality construction, spacious design, and innovative features make it a top choice for anglers of all levels. Trust in Frabill, a brand that has been trusted by anglers since 1938, and get your hands on the Magnum Bait Station today.

8. Engel 13qt Bait Cooler With 2nd Gen 2-Speed Aerator Pump For Live Bait – Tan

The Engel 13qt Live Bait Cooler Box with 2nd Gen 2-Speed Portable Aerator Pump is the perfect fishing bait station for those who want to keep their shrimp, minnows, and other live bait fresh and lively. This product is made of high-quality injection-molded (PP Copolymer) material, which is insulated with high-grade molded polystyrene foam. This makes the cooler box highly durable and efficient in keeping the bait fresh.

The airtight EVA gasket seal and recessed ergonomic carry handles (ABS) make the cooler box easy to transport and ensure that the bait stays fresh. The integrated shoulder strap (PP) and self-stopping hinge (ABS) add to the convenience of carrying the cooler box. All fittings are secured with stainless steel screws, making it a reliable and long-lasting product.

The Engel 13qt Live Bait Cooler Box is stain and odor-resistant, with a non-absorbent surface that is easy to clean. This feature ensures that the bait doesn't attract any unwanted smells or stains, making it ideal for long fishing trips.

The 2nd Gen 2-Speed Portable Aerator Pump maximizes aeration and battery life, ensuring that the bait stays alive and lively. The water-resistant housing protects the motor and suppresses noise, making it a quiet and efficient product. The flexible silicone hose and weighted air stone provide lively bubbling action, which is essential to keeping the bait fresh and lively.

The Engel 13qt Live Bait Cooler Box comes with a pullout net, which is an all-new feature that adds to the convenience of using the product. The net makes it easy to retrieve the bait from the cooler box, without having to put your hands in the water.

In conclusion, the Engel 13qt Live Bait Cooler Box with 2nd Gen 2-Speed Portable Aerator Pump is an ideal fishing bait station for those who want to keep their bait fresh and lively. Its high-quality material, efficient insulation, and convenient features make it a reliable and long-lasting product.

9. Toledo Goldfish's Black Fathead Minnows, Tuffies Or Crappie Minnows – Ideal Pond Feeder Fish (1000, 0.5-1.5 Inches)

Toledo Goldfish offers Black Fathead Minnows, Tuffies or Crappie Minnows that are perfect as feeder fish for ponds. These high quality feeder minnows are shipped directly to your door within 48 hours of your order and arrive Tuesday through Friday. The fish are born and raised in the USA on a family farm and are a hardy species that is great for stocking as a feeder fish for a recreational pond.

To ensure the health of the fish, step by step acclimation instructions will be included with your order. Toledo Goldfish stands behind all of their products and offers a live arrival guarantee. If for any reason the fish do not arrive in good condition, the company will either ship replacements or refund your purchase.

The Black Fathead Minnows are great to use for feeder fish, bait or crappie minnows. They are a hardy species that can survive in a variety of water conditions, making them ideal for stocking in a recreational pond. When used as feeder fish, they provide a source of food for larger fish in the pond.

Customers can purchase the Black Fathead Minnows in quantities of 1000 fish, ranging in size from .5 to 1.5 inches. The pictures shown on the website are a good representation of the fish, but not the exact fish that will be received. Toledo Goldfish ensures that all of their fish are healthy and of the highest quality.

In summary, Toledo Goldfish offers high quality Black Fathead Minnows that are perfect for use as feeder fish, bait or crappie minnows. The fish are born and raised in the USA on a family farm and are shipped directly to your door within 48 hours of your order. With a live arrival guarantee and step by step acclimation instructions included with your order, customers can be confident in their purchase. Stock your recreational pond with these hardy fish and provide a source of food for larger fish in the pond.

10. 100 Pack Dr.fish Baitholder Fishing Hooks, High Carbon Steel, Down-Turned Eye, Black Nickel, Size 5/0 For Live Bait Fishing Of Bass, Trout, Crappie, Bluegill, And Surf Fishing.

Dr.Fish offers a product that is ideal for avid anglers who are looking for high-quality, durable fishing hooks that can be used for a variety of fish species. The Dr.Fish 100 Pack Baitholder Fishing Hooks are designed to provide anglers with a reliable and efficient way to catch their desired fish.

These hooks are made from high carbon steel, which ensures that they are strong, tough and corrosion-resistant. This material is known for its long-lasting durability, which means that anglers can use these hooks for multiple fishing trips without worrying about them getting damaged or breaking.

One of the key features of the Dr.Fish bait holder hook is its efficient fixation of bait. The two barbs on the back of the long shank lock the bait firmly in place, preventing it from falling off the hook while fishing. This means that anglers can spend more time fishing and less time fixing their bait.

The Dr.Fish bait holder hook is suitable for freshwater and saltwater fish, making it a versatile option for anglers who enjoy both types of fishing. The hook is ideal for catching bass, panfish, crappie, bluegill, Trout, carp, salmon, snapper, tuna, halibut, and pompano.

One of the things that sets the Dr.Fish bait holder hook apart from other fishing hooks is its unique offset point design. This design slips easily into the deep corner of the fish's mouth, preventing the fish from swimming away. This means that anglers can increase their hook-up ratios and catch more fish.

The Dr.Fish 100 Pack Baitholder Fishing Hooks come in a variety of sizes, with size 5/0 being one of the most popular. Each pack contains 100 hooks, which are packaged in a PE bag for easy transportation and storage.

In conclusion, the Dr.Fish 100 Pack Baitholder Fishing Hooks are a great investment for any angler who is looking for a reliable and efficient way to catch fish. With their high carbon steel construction, efficient fixation of bait, wide applicability, and effective hook-up ratios, these hooks are sure to enhance any fishing trip.

Best Live Bait For Crappie FAQs

How do you properly rig live bait for crappie?

To properly rig live bait for crappie, anglers typically use a small hook, such as a size 4 or 6, with a split shot weight attached about a foot above the hook. The live bait, such as a minnow or worm, is then hooked through the lips or just behind the dorsal fin. It's important to use a light line, around 4-6 pound test, and to keep the bait moving slowly and naturally in the water.

Some anglers also use a bobber or float to keep the bait suspended at a certain depth, which can be adjusted based on where the crappie are located in the water column. When fishing with live bait for crappie, it's important to be patient and let the fish take the bait before setting the hook. Once the fish bites, gently reel it in and avoid jerking the line, as crappie have soft mouths and can easily tear off the hook.

How long can you keep live bait for crappie before it becomes ineffective?

to answer the question, the lifespan of live bait for crappie depends on several factors such as the type of bait, water temperature, and storage conditions. Generally, minnows can last up to 24 hours in clear and cool water. However, they can last up to a few days in well-aerated water with a temperature range of 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, worms and other baits can last up to several days if kept in a cool and moist environment. It's important to keep the bait alive and healthy by changing the water often and avoiding overcrowding. Moreover, it's important to use fresh and lively bait to increase the chances of catching crappie. Replacing the bait every few hours is recommended to increase your chances of success.

What are the best live bait options for crappie fishing?

I can provide you with the best live bait options for crappie fishing. The most effective live bait for crappie fishing includes minnows, worms, and crickets. Among these, minnows are the most popular and widely used bait for crappie fishing. It is recommended to hook the minnows through their lips or dorsal fins and use a slip bobber rig to present the bait at the desired depth. Worms are another popular bait for crappie fishing, and they are best presented on a small hook with a split shot sinker to keep them at the desired depth. Crickets are also effective bait for crappie fishing, and they are best presented on a small hook with a bobber to keep them at a consistent depth. Ultimately, the best live bait option depends on the individual angler's preference and the fishing conditions.

What is the most effective way to present live bait for crappie?

The most effective way to present live bait for crappie is by using a jig or a small hook with a minnow or a worm. The key is to match the size of the bait to the size of the crappie you are targeting. For smaller crappie, use smaller bait and for larger crappie, use larger bait.

When using a jig, choose a color that matches the water conditions and the type of baitfish that the crappie are feeding on. Slowly jig the bait up and down or side to side to entice the crappie to strike.

If using a hook and minnow or worm, hook the bait through the lips or back and suspend it at the depth where the crappie are located. Use a bobber or a slip float to keep the bait at the desired depth.

Overall, the key to presenting live bait for crappie is to keep it natural and mimic the movements of the baitfish that the crappie are feeding on.

Where can you find live bait for crappie in your local area?

There are several options for finding live bait for crappie in your local area.

1. Local Bait and Tackle Shops – These shops usually carry a variety of live bait, including minnows, which are a common choice for crappie fishing.

2. Sporting Goods Stores – Some larger sporting goods stores may also carry live bait, including minnows and other small fish.

3. Local Fishing Guides – Fishing guides in your area may be able to provide live bait or direct you to a reliable source.

4. Online Retailers – There are several online retailers that sell live bait, including minnows and worms, which can be shipped directly to your home.

5. Local Fishermen – You may be able to find local fishermen who sell live bait, such as minnows, from their own personal stock. This can be a good option if you want fresh, local bait.

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