Crappie are fish for everyone. They are relatively easy to catch, are widespread in various types of water, they bite year round and they are among the finest tasting fish we have. In February around here their schools begin to move toward shallow water in preparation for spawning where they are easier to locate and catch. This always seems to happen before we are ready for them. It’s a safe bet that hereabouts the schools of white perch have already charted their courses to the shallows and are lining up for the annual migration.

This late winter/early spring crappie “bite” is the most exploited period for anglers. Even casual fishers who go for crappie only a couple times a year will take advantage of the February and March surge.

I am basically a bass and fly rod enthusiast who likes a few crappie trips a year and have always thought I knew the formula; light line, small float and a bunch of minnows or different colored jigs. Well I just completed reading Keith Sutton’s new book, “The Crappie Book, Basics and Beyond,” and I found out I had barely scratched the surface of crappie lore. I am now laughing at myself for all the years when I thought I knew what I was doing in white perch water.



Information galore



Let me tell you. If you know as much about crappie fishing as is contained in Sutton’s book, you should be making a living in the sport fishing industry. I have not been this excited over an outdoors book in a long time. I usually pass off “how to” books and articles as just another production of the same old stuff that everyone already knows.

But as I read each of Sutton’s eight chapters, I wanted to make notes of things I am determined to try. But so much eye opening material is there that I decided to just take the book along in my boat as a ready reference when my tactics aren’t working.

After an introductory chapter, “Getting to Know Crappie,” there follows chapters on tackle, lures, baits and my favorite, “Crappie Seasons.” This chapter is a detailed look at where crappie are and how to catch them every month of the year. Lure and bait types and sizes, how to locate crappie, tackle and more. I can’t wait to go for crappie in months when I have always fished for other species.

And just when you think there is no more one could know about crappie, along comes chapter six, tactical tips. Here, trolling is addressed and some overlooked crappie fishing methods and more. Then there is a whole chapter about going for trophy size fish. A successful trophy crappie guide reveals his personal approaches, some of which are surprising.



Let’s eat!



Understandably the last chapter is devoted to cleaning and cooking crappie. Sutton offers 14 crappie recipes. And I thought you just deep fried the filets.

After reading “The Crappie Book, Basics and Beyond” I realize how little I knew about the pursuit of this fine fish. And I now know that all my good crappie fishing friends have known a lot more than I gave them credit for about catching fish. But I would bet that there is information in this book that will enhance any crappie angler’s approach. If anyone who reads it can say to me, “I already knew all of that,” I want to shake their hand. They are a walking crappie encyclopedia!

Keith Sutton has published articles in many magazines, including the “big three” Outdoor Life, Sports Afield and Field and Stream, as well as Crappie World. To order an autographed copy of The Crappie Book, send a check or money order for $17.45 (includes shipping) to C & C Outdoor Productions, 15601 Mountain Dr., Alexander, AR 72002. For credit card orders, log on to Sutton’s Web site, www.catfishsutton.com.