If you happen to belong to the Crappie Fan Club (no meetings, dues, weird handshakes or membership cards required), you’ve got plenty of company. For anglers, the Crappie makes it to the top of popularity lists because they’re fun to catch, found in thousands of bodies of water throughout the U.S. and you can snap them up during all four seasons–including winter. If you know the ins and outs of catching this fish species, they’re so easy to catch, they practically hang out waiting for you to come get them.

Even the most primitive gear can be used to pursue this fish, so you needn’t worry that your wallet will take a huge hit in order to equip you for your fishing expeditions. Dare we add that, if properly prepared, this fish can be turned into delicious recipes calling for flaky, white meat?

But perhaps we’re preaching to the choir about the merits of Crappie when all you care about is how to snag lots of them. We’ve got you covered with the following 12 tips that include equipment, gear, technique and style. If you can’t catch Crappie after reading this, you may wish to set your sites on trout instead.

1. Learn where they hang out. Crappie is native to North America and there are two species of them: black and white. They live in freshwater only and prefer highly-vegetated, moderately acidic water where they can get their fill of aquatic insects and minnows. Since they are schooling fish, if you find one, you’ll find a lot, though they often hide in submerged places. They feed at dawn and dusk and don’t hibernate over the winter.

2. Arm yourself with the rod and reel combination that fits the body of water you’ll fish. If they’re hiding deep down, a spinning or spin cast combo with 4- to 10-pound line should do the job. In shallow water, go for a plain cane pole, unless you like to show off and have already asked Santa for a fiberglass or graphite one. You can our guides to rods and reels by clicking those links.

3. Purchase a roomy tackle box. A dizzying array of tackle boxes could make you a little crazy because they come in so many sizes, styles and sizes. Overlook the bells and whistles; you need a proper number of tray compartments to hold essentials like jigs, jig heads, spools of line and extra reels. If you have huge plans, choose a tackle box that can accommodate add-on boxes that pile on the compartments.

4. Select hooks, sinkers and bobbers in varying sizes made of different materials. The lead head jig or spinner is a favorite tool with Crappie anglers. Stock up on monofilament line in any of the obnoxious colors that permit light strike detection. If you’re a basics guy, stick with minnows, Crappies’ favorite food-du-jour.

5. Don’t ignore your own needs. Consider filling a backpack with contour maps of fishing lakes, lighted floats, a fillet knife, fold-down rain suit, towel, rod tip repair kit, flashlight, waterproof matches and signal flairs, just in case you need emergency help and your tackle box is already crammed to the brim. A GPS device is recommended, too.

6. Pick your season. If you intend to fish in the spring, it’s spawning season as water temperatures range between 58- and 68-degrees and Crappies move to shallow water and can be found amid vegetation, inlets and dam rock reinforcements. During summer months, move to locations with cooler waters that are between eight- and 25-feet deep. You can also find these fish hiding in artificial “attractors” like tire reefs. In the fall, Crappie again move to shallower depths, congregating along shorelines where you may discover them in weed lines.

7. Master the right angling techniques. You can operate from shore, dock, wharf, pontoon or get yourself some waders if you want to position yourself for success. Be careful baiting your hook because Crappie have very fragile mouths, thus you risk a tear that can lose your catch. Crappies like their bait to move, so don’t leave gear languishing in one place on the lake surface if you want to attract these fish.

8. Master fly fishing techniques. This alternative way to snag Crappie is best employed using dry flies on calm waters because this fish bites very lightly. Fly fishing for Crappie in the spring is recommended and a great place to troll is where underwater stumps hide them from sunlight. That stated, spawning season makes Crappie jumpy so if you fly fish, make sudden movements or wiggle your lines at your own risk.

9. Understand how “Dipping the Cover” works. This means vertical jigging along the bank to probe the shoreline for spawning Crappie. Hold your rod in one hand and line in the other, pull the jig to the pole apex, thread the bait and slowly drop the jig into the water. Alternately, try “Casting and Retrieving,” best used when there’s an insufficient amount of water for fish to thrive, thus they will likely chase everything that moves.

10. Try out the third technique Crappie fishermen employ: “Bobber Fishing.” Using assorted floats, one controls the speed of bait tempting Crappie fish just below the surface. Says one expert, a split shot around 6-inches above a light wire hook has been known to produce miraculous catches and that’s your objective, right?

11. Use the proper knot. Expert anglers recommend using a loop knot for the best Crappie fishing experience because it allows a jig to move loosely after it’s been casted, teasing fish using subtle movements. If the last time you tied a knot was at Boy Scout camp, ask another angler to show you the ropes.

12. Don’t spoil your experience by rushing. This is a slow and steady game and if you are in a hurry, you’re going to make mistakes like pulling in a cast too fast. Don’t laugh but if you know the water is full of Crappie but you’re not getting any, your stress levels could be keeping them away! Crappie live in the wild for around 10 years and they’re not going anywhere so remember why you’ve gone fishing in the first place: to relax.

An experienced fisherman knows that when you are looking for a filleting knife, there is more to consider than one might think. Fillet knives come in many different brands, lengths, and blade materials. The blade handle and blade flexibility are also important factors. For those planning to fillet fish often, an electric blade with a variety of blade sizes may be the best option.

Accomplishing the task of filleting fish in a satisfying manner (clean cuts, safe, and hassle-free) requires a good fillet knife. Whether you are looking for a new knife or looking for your first, we hope this guide will help you choose the best fillet knife to fit your needs.

What to Look For in a Fillet Knife

Length of Blade

The majority of fillet knives come in lengths of 4-9″ blades. Shorter blades are best for cleaning perch or crappie. Medium knives, such as a 7-7.5″, are best used for bass or trout. Larger fillet knives are used for larger fish, such as large bass, lake trout, or northern pike. Most electric knife brands offer kits that include multiple blade lengths. The length you need depends on the type of fish you usually catch.

Blade Material

Most blades are made with stainless steel. However, there are different variations of stainless steel. You want to make certain the fillet knife you choose is corrosion resistant. Knives that are corrosion resistant usually have it listed in their description.

Blade Thickness

The thickness of a fillet knife correlates with the knife’s flexibility. The thinner the blade, the more flexible the knife. You have to be careful to not get a blade that is too thin as it will not be as durable. Flexibility is helpful with de-boning and cleaning smaller fish. A good fillet knife will usually discuss its flexibility in the item description.

Handle Type

Wood handles used to be the more popular choice, and they are still available. However, a lot of brands are choosing to use plastic or rubber handles. The main factor in a good handle is comfort and grip. You do not want a handle that can easily slip out of your hand. There are grips imprinted on the handles of certain brands. You want to make certain the knife has a good feel without danger of slipping.

Accessories

Extras are always a plus when purchasing a fillet knife. Most knives include a sheath. It provides safety and keeps the blade clean while not in use. A sharpening tool is an excellent accessory. Some brands offer a cutting board with the knife purchase. Accessories can be purchased separately, but it’s helpful when items are able to be purchased together.

Top Brands

As with any item today, there are many companies that offer fillet knives. Each brand usually has its own special thing that differentiates it from the others. Some have their own patented design. The most popular brands are listed below.

• Rapala
• American Angler
• Buck Knives
• Wusthof
• JA Henckels
• Dexter-Russell
• Bubba Blade
• Schmidt Brothers

Product Recommendations

1. Buck Knives Silver Creek Large Fishing Fillet Knife

Buck Knives is a popular brand in hunting and pocket knives. It’s not surprising that their Silver Creek Fillet Knife is popular as well. The 9 5/8″ 420 HC Titanium coated blade is corrosion resistant and extremely flexible. The overall length is 14 3/8″ with a rubberized anti-slip handle that includes a stainless steel safety guard. The injection-molded plastic sheath that is included has an integrated belt clip with stylized drain holes. This affordable fillet knife is backed by the Buck Forever Guarantee.

Past purchasers claim it’s the best knife they’ve ever bought, and the length makes it easier to clean larger fish. It features the high-quality stainless steel needed to prevent corrosion and a safe handle to help prevent accidents. It is flexible, yet durable, which makes for a long-lasting product. All of these qualities make it an excellent choice when choosing a fillet knife.

2. Rapala 9″ Fish’n Fillet Knife

Rapala has an excellent reputation with both regular fillet knives and electric knives. This 9″ knife has a full-tang Swedish stainless steel blade. The reinforced birch varnished handle has an excellent grip. It arrives with a genuine leather sheath and a single-stage sharpener.

This is a great knife for cleaning bigger fish. Past buyers stated it has perfect flexibility and exceeded my standards for a great knife. The included sharpener and sheath are a bonus with this affordable fillet knife.

3. American Angler Pro Electric Fillet Knife

American Angler strives to give fishermen what they ask for. For those that catch and clean a lot of fish, an electric knife may be the best way to go, and their Pro Electric Fillet Knife is a great fit in that category. American Angler has created a powerful gear and motor system to provide 2x the torque. The 111-volt power allows the user to consistently fillet. An engineered venting and cooling fan will help it run longer. The kit includes 5 flexible hollow-ground blades that will fillet small to very large fish. A carrying bag is included and is vented to help prevent corrosion. The blades included are: 10″ saltwater blade, 5.5″ curved-tip blade replacement, 8″ curved-tip blade replacement, 10″ heavy duty shark blade replacement, and an 8″ heavy duty shark blade replacement. A glove is also included, and the kit has a limited two-year warranty.

Past buyers have stated it will carve through a mess of fish quickly, and it’s the best knife out there.

The American Angler brand is well-known, and if you’re looking for an electric fillet knife, this would be a great choice.

4. Wusthof Classic 7″ Fillet Knife

Wusthof is well known for their kitchen knives. This 7.1″ fillet knife has a flexible blade that is perfect for filleting, deboning, and skinning. It is precision-forged of high carbon steel with stain-resistant alloy. It has precise tapering from a grinding and polishing procedure. The handle is synthetic traditional-style that is triple-riveted for a good grip.

Past purchasers agree that it is made with quality and balance in mind, it is extremely sharp, and that it is the finest fillet and carving knife you can buy.

While it is pricier than most filleting knives, the durability makes it last for years. It would be an excellent choice for a fillet knife.

5. Zwilling JA Henckels Twin Four Star 7″ Fillet Knife

JA Henckels takes pride in creating high quality knives. This stainless steel 7″ blade is forged from a single piece of high carbon, no-stain steel that is ice-hardened for extra strength, greater blade stability, and prolonged edge retention. Created under the Sigmaforge standard, the full horizontal tang is designed without rivets for extra balance. It features the qualities needed in a fillet knife such as durability, sharpness, and flexibility.

The polypropylene handle is permanently bonded to the knife blade for extra safety. An added bonus is that it comes with a lifetime warranty.

Past buyers stated they have had the knife for many years, and it continues to please.

6. Case Cutlery Fillet Knife

W. R. Case and Sons Cutlery Company has been a well-known knife maker for many years. Known for their hunting and pocket knives, they also provide an affordable well-designed fillet knife. This knife features a fixed stainless steel 9″ blade made of Tru-sharp surgical steel. It is flexible and maintains its sharpness. The Zytel handle is durable and easy to grip for safety. It also comes with a leather sheath that includes a plastic liner for storing the knife when not in use.

Past purchasers love the fact that it stays sharp, and love the idea that it is a Case product. It’s made in the USA and comes with a limited warranty.

You can’t go wrong with Case knives. It has all the features needed for a great fillet knife.

7. Kershaw Fillet Knife

Kershaw is another popular knife company known for their variety of hunting and pocket knives. This fillet knife features Japanese 420J2 stainless steel that is flexible without the danger of breaking. It is highly corrosive resistant which is important in a fillet knife. The blade is 9 1/4″ in length and the knife is 14 1/4″ in length overall.

The co-polymer handle was designed with a central contour and protectors at both ends for added safety. The soft, yet firm, texture provides the ability to grip the knife well. Neon highlights on the handle make it easier to spot in the evening while cleaning the day’s catch. It also includes an ABS sheath for storage.

Past customers like the idea of the great feel with no danger of slipping. It also stays very sharp. Kershaw is an excellent brand of knives, and this affordable fillet knife is no exception.

Since its introduction, braided fishing line has become a very popular product. It’s commonly used for spinning and baitcaster reels. Many experts refer to braided fishing lines as super lines because of the advantages they have to offer over regular lines.

When compared with fluoro and mono lines, baitcaster lines have much more to offer. However, if used incorrectly, these super lines can cause a lot of frustration. If you’re shopping for the best raided fishing line, then you need to know what to look for.

A major benefit of the braided design is that it can be useful for virtually any fishing situation. If you happen to be fishing in clear water, it works really well as your main line. You can easily tie a leader with your favorite fluorocarbon line to the main line and enjoy the benefits.

When fishing in stained waters, the usefulness of braided fishing line becomes even more apparent. You can use it in stained waters, and you don’t need to tie a leader to it. Due to its lack of stretch and toughness, it’s even an excellent fishing line to use while fishing heavy cover.

What to Look For In Braided Fishing Line

While shopping for this product, you’ll want to consider the line diameter. The best braided fishing line should have a small line diameter. If you look at the product description, you’ll notice various numbers. For example, you might see 20/6, which means it’s a 20-pound test line.

This particular pair of numbers also means the line has an equivalent diameter of six-pound test. All that you need to know is that braided line is much stronger than your standard options. It’s also important to check the casting distance.

Since braided lines are created from engineered fibers, they offer a much longer casting distance than normal lines. Some common marketing names that you’ll see for these products are Dyneema, Gore and Spectra, which refer to the types of fibers used to make the super lines. Braided fishing lines are better than regular lines because they have special properties.

The lines are much smoother and easier to handle. When you combine the special properties with a smaller diameter, you end up with a superior casting distance. Before you make a purchase, you should check the line flexibility. Unlike many other products, braided line barely stretches, which means it’s a very sensitive line.

You want sensitive line because you’ll have a much easier time determining what your lure is doing. It will also become much easier to detect bites. With a lack of stretchiness, braided fishing line lets you quickly set your hook, so you have a much better chance of catching your target fish.

When shopping for braided fishing line, it’s also a good idea to check the durability and toughness. Braided line is especially useful for fishing tough cover. Some great examples of tough cover are boat docks, mats, rocks, brush and wood.

Since the braided line is very strong, you won’t have to spend all of your time retying the line. Many anglers have gone an entire season using a single spool of braided line. These are all great considerations to make, but before you decide to make a purchase, consider some of the best braided fishing lines shown below.

The Sufix 832 Advanced Superline

Here we have a top braided line. Since it’s made by Rapala, you can trust the quality of the material. This particular line uses eight fibers, and it has a total of 32 weaves per inch.

For optimal water repellence and strength, seven of the eight fibers are Dyneema. This braided line also contains a single GORE line, which increases the line’s resistance against fraying and makes the line easier to cast. When compared with Power Pro, Sufix 832 is almost always more expensive, but it offers a higher level of quality.

Many anglers enjoy using this fishing line because it’s very smooth and casts with minimal effort. It performs exceptionally well when used with chatter bait and jig setups.

It also offers excellent abrasion resistance. If you decide to purchase Sufix 832, you have five different colors to choose from. However, you’ll get the most use out of the Hi-Vis yellow and green. Although they’re interesting ideas, the other colors don’t work nearly as well.

The KastKing SuperPower Braided Fishing Line

This is another top product that is worth considering. Since KastKing is a well-known brand, you automatically know that they make good products. KastKing makes several types of fishing line and accessories.

The KastKing SuperPower braided line has low memory, so you don’t have to deal with as much backlash while casting. It’s also very easy to handle and barely stretches. After a single use, you’ll understand how hard KastKing has been working to make this line great.

Since the line is made of polyethylene fiber, it’s very strong, and it’s the same material that is used for bulletproof vests. The strength of every knot made with this line is incredible. The durable material also offers superior abrasion resistance.

The KastKing SuperPower braided fishing line delivers excellent performance, easy casting, low memory and easy set up. The only downside is that there might be some situations where it’s difficult to see in the water. Overall, it’s one of the best braided fishing lines available.

It’s made from polyethylene fiber, so it offers incredible strength. With such a high level of durability, you should be able to use this fishing line for several years.

Spiderwire Braided Stealth Superline

Here is another product that is worth considering. It’s one of the best lines for demanding anglers because it’s incredibly tough. It’s actually one of the strongest braided fishing lines that you can get, so it’s an excellent choice for catching large saltwater and freshwater fish.

If you choose to purchase and use this fishing line, you’ll benefit from its durable design, high visibility and light weight. It will make your fishing gear much lighter, so you’ll be able to use it in clear and murky waters. You can purchase this line in several high-visibility colors, and when combined with its natural benefits, it’s difficult to lose. The Spiderwire line is almost guaranteed to never break off, so you don’t have to worry about your catch swimming away.

It’s designed to stand up to the largest opponents, so you can use it to catch many types of large fish. Although it’s a very plain line, the Spiderwire braided line is also one of the toughest. It has been recognized as one of the best braided lines on the market. It’s made from Dyneema PE microfiber, and it has been designed to be up to 30 percent stronger than the previous version of Spiderwire.

Anglers commonly use this line to hook marlin and bass. It’s designed to hook any type of fish, and there have even been reports of fishermen using this line to tow a fishing boat. The Spiderwire Stealth fishing line is easy to tie and doesn’t stretch. With a design that features engineered microfibers, it has a texture that is silky smooth.

Most anglers understand the importance of tying knots, and the Spiderwire Stealth line makes knots easy to tie and eliminates the need for constant retying. Overall, it’s an excellent product, and it’s strong enough to hook all types of fish. With zero stretch, it’s easy to tie, so you get a simple, enjoyable fishing experience.

The Berkley Fireline Fused Crystal Superline

The final choice on the list is the Berkley Fireline fishing line. Before you embark on a fishing trip, it’s very important to choose the right type of fishing line. It’s important for beginner and experienced anglers. The type of line that you choose can have a dramatic impact on your success.

The Berkley Fireline braided fishing line offers incredible knot strength. Most anglers have lost fish because of a weak knot. Since this line delivers the tightest knots, you don’t have to worry about losing your catch to a knot failure. The Berkley Superline is also one of the best beading threads.

It’s made of gel-spun polyethylene material and offers 15 times more strength than standard line. If you choose this product, you can stop worrying about frayed and torn threads. It’s also a very flexible line because you can use it in almost any type of water.

The Berkley Fireline Fused Crystal Superline doesn’t stretch and boasts unmatched sensitivity, so you’ll be able to feel every wave, tug and bite. Overall, it offers great value for the money and comes with almost no downsides. Like most of the other products on this list, you can use this line in most types of water.