Setting The Hook on Monster Crappie

With me being busy with deer season (both killing and scoring), I knew where to go for crappie fishing content; Brittney Naron with Set the Hook Crappie Ventures. Brittany spends more time on the water than just about anyone I know, and she’s got amazing social media content, so it was just a given that she’d be great at a short crappie piece, right? Here’s what she suggests on catching some crappie on these cool November/December days and it’s wonderful! Ya’ll go follow her on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook (if you aren’t already).

Want to catch some monster slabs or just a good mess of crappie? Now is the time to do it on Lake D’arbonne! The crappie are feeding on the massive wads of bait that are roaming about in the channels and in the flats preparing for that winter weight they need. The best news is that the local crappie anglers will tell you where the fish are biting without you even having to ask…just look for the large group of boats! You will most likely see them in the channel near the bridges, or at the forks off of the main channel (Fork’s Ferry, Stowe Creek, Hwy 2, etc.)

Here’s a few tips, tricks, and thoughts…

Live Bait: GRAB SOME SHINERS! Bonus points if you can find “Arkansas Shiners” which have a gold/orange tint to them. With the crappie in a feeding frenzy on bait wads, it makes total sense to use what you know they are snacking on.

Plastics: Try the natural colors first (baby shad, glitter critter, any variation of those). My favorite is the Crappie Monster Uppercut (MS Gold or Icicle) on a Rougarou Tackle Co. Tungsten natural head. That jig head is DEADLY because it is incredibly shiny, just like a shiner. See the pattern?

Hair Jigs: Keep the profile small and try those natural colors. My favorite is the Born To Tie Jigs Ghost, Chartreuse Ghost, Bleeding Shad and Casper.

Location: If you want to catch a lot of fish, get in middle or edges of the channel, fishing half of the depth of the water (if you do not have Livescope). If you want to catch quality fish, get off of the main channel, past the edges, and get on the flats. The biggo biggens are pairing up and roaming around.

Structure: The more structure the better! Fish the pylons on bridges, flip the stumps and if you can find a good top, drop your bait and hold on!

Ideal Conditions: Partially cloudy with some sunshine to warm the water up a little. The bite seems to be a little better right now when the sun is shining, but the big fish seem to do better with some cloud coverage.

Well, that’s all, folks! Don’t forget to look for those tagged fish while you’re out (Lake D’arbonne Tagging Program-Crappie Forever). Tag #095 has a $250 bounty on it courtesy of Patrick Brandon (Patrick’s Plumbing). Also, don’t forget to swing by K&M Coffee, Corks & Camo or Cooter’s Live Bait and Tackle for all your tackle needs. Happy Fishing and please don’t hesitate to stop by if you see me on the water!