Jonathan VanDam, Michigan, B.A.S.S. Elite Series Champion. “Yes, I catch crappie while I’m bass fishing. I catch them on small drop-shots, swim baits, spinners and crankbaits. I catch several on a Strike King Dream Shot, about a four-inch bait. Up north where I fish you’ll seldom find one crappie by itself so you can come right back with a small crappie grub and catch more from the same spot.”
Luke Estel, Illinois, B.A.S.S. open tournaments. “I caught a big two-plus pound crappie on a football jig this year. I thought I had a bass. I also catch them on a Strike King 3XD crankbait. This bait is fun because you catch multiple species of whatever fish is in the area.”
Mark Davis, Arkansas, Bassmaster Classic Champ and Angler of the Year. “I fish Strike King baits. I catch a lot of crappie in the spring on jerkbaits. They’ll hit a big one but most come on the 200-series. Most come in the winter and spring. Another way I catch a lot of crappie is on a 1/2- and 3/4-ounce lead spoon. I’ve specifically targeted crappie with it in 15 to 40 feet of water. This works great on Ouachita.”
Tommy Biffle, Oklahoma, BASS Elite series, classic runner-up. “I catch crappie while bass fishing on a spinnerbait and on a hard head with a Biffle Bug by Gene Larew. These crappie are usually good. I also go crappie fishing a lot in the dead of winter. I either catch them suspended in deep water or in 15 to 20 feet in brushpiles. My crappie baits are Bobby Garland.”
