Crappies are found in most parts of the country, and they’re not only delicious on the dinner table but are a lot of fun to catch. These fish are tailor-made for ultralight tackle.

Crappie usually travel in schools, and where you find one you’ll probably catch several. They like to be near structure, so look for them near stickups, fallen logs, boat docks and submerged brush or timber.

Minnows are their favorite food and you can have good success using small artificial lures that imitate a wounded minnow. Fish these on lightweight 2 to 4 pound line with light spinning tackle. When the fishing is slow you can sometimes improve your luck by tipping your lure with a live minnow.

Remember that Crappies have very thin mouths, and are sometimes called “papermouths.” Play them gently or you’ll probably pull the hook free.

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