White Crappie: Facts, Records, and How to Catch Them | FishyAF
What is a White Crappie?
The White Crappie is one of America’s favorite freshwater panfish — slab-sided, schooling, and always hungry when the bite turns on. Known for their vertical bars, big dorsal fins, and papermouths, White Crappie are a staple in lakes, ponds, rivers, and reservoirs across the East and Midwest.
The first FishyAF White Crappie was landed by @jeremyverhines, who knows exactly how to find those big, plate-sized slabs sitting on brush piles.
This guide breaks down how to ID them, where to find them year-round, and the presentations they inhale. Click here to see what crappie hunters are wearing.
🐟 White Crappie Quick Facts
| Fact | Info |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pomoxis annularis |
| Average Size | 0.5–1.5 lbs typical |
| World Record | 5 lbs 3 oz — Mississippi (IGFA) |
| Habitat | Brush piles, docks, muddy coves, rivers, and reservoirs |
| Edible? | Yes — elite panfish, flaky and mild |
❓ FAQs About White Crappie
Where can you catch White Crappie?
Across the Midwest, South, and East Coast. They love cover: brush, standing timber, docks, riprap, and weed edges.
How big do White Crappie get?
Most are 8–12 inches, but trophy slabs push 15"+ and 2–3 lbs. The world record? A ridiculous 5-lb monster.
Are White Crappie good to eat?
Top-tier. White, flaky, clean flavor. A fried crappie sandwich should be a national holiday.
How do you catch White Crappie?
Use small jigs, minnows, slip bobbers, or vertical presentations over structure. Electronics help, but “dock shooting” remains a deadly art.
What’s the best bait for White Crappie?
Live minnows, small tube jigs, hair jigs, or paddle-tail crappie plastics. Slow and subtle wins the day.
When is the best time to catch White Crappie?
Spring spawn (shallow), summer (deep brush), fall (baitfish chasing), and winter (slow, vertical). Crappie fishing is truly year-round.
😂 FishyAF White Crappie Joke
White Crappie — the only fish that makes anglers brag about how big their “slabs” are without getting weird looks.
🚨 WE NEED YOUR HELP…
Our goal is to photograph 1,000 species with the FishyAF Brand. Got a slab crappie pic? Join the FishyAF Ambassador Awards Program and show it off.
🧢 Gear Up with FishyAF
Crappie missions call for our Switchback Hats and lightweight Performance Shirts — perfect for sunny days on the lake.