Lindsey Lucas and her Dad, Kody, with a few crappie they put in the boat with some proven techniques.
Unlocking the Secrets of June
by Lindsey Lucas
Crappie fishing in June must be one of my favorite times to fish. The warm weather combined with family time and especially being able to join the fish for a quick swim if it gets too hot.
Fishing anytime raises so many questions as to what to use, what depth of water, what color bait, live or fake bait. You can read many different articles and get a variety of responses. With these tips, I hope you find what works best for you in the area you choose to fish.
FIND COOLER WATER
Although we love to fish on warmer days, crappie have a different idea. Crappie tend to be more active on cloudy or overcast days, as they feel more comfortable in cooler, low light conditions. In the bright sunlight they feel more vulnerable to predators. That makes them retreat to deeper water or into cover.
On cloudy days or overcast days, the light penetration in the water is reduced which can make it easier for crappie to see and get their prey.
You should also try to fish in the early morning or late afternoon. With low sunlight crappie may move shallower, making them easier to catch.
HAVE THE RIGHT GEAR
Having the right equipment for the type of fish you’re after ups your odds significantly. It’s hard to catch crappie on a broomstick-style catfish rod with 40 lb. test line.
Crappie are nicknamed “papermouths” because their mouths are so thin. They tend to bite lightly at times, so knowing when you have a fish can be difficult. Using lighter line – 4- or 6-pound test – along with a sensitive rod helps you feel when the crappie bite.
With the correct line, rod, and time of day, it’s time for what draws the fish in. That would be the bait.
When out on the lake try to coordinate the color of your bait to the color of the water. In murky waters, use bright or contrasting colors, while in clear water use more natural or subtle colors. This can help make your bait more visible and attractive to the crappie. With your bait being more visible to the crappie you’re more likely to catch their attention and fill that limit.
Windy days are always the worst when trying to control a boat and fish all at the same time. Even though wind can be a pain, it can also help locate the crappie. Pay attention to the direction in which the wind is blowing. If the wind is blowing towards a certain area of the lake, that can create a current that brings baitfish to that area which also attracts the crappie.
Crappie prefer their food to just come to them versus having to chase it. With the wind blowing and causing a current it makes it harder for baitfish to swim, making it easier for the crappie to eat.
With June comes the hot weather that not all of us care for, yet it’s still one of my favorite times to fish. You just have to know when, where, and what to use. Try different tips and tricks and find what best fits you.
As long as you’re enjoying the time outside and are safe, that’s all that matters. Good luck fishing!
Lindsey Lucas, 16, is obsessed with all things outdoors. She dreams of becoming an accomplished outdoor media provider and influencer. She hopes the tips and experiences she shares will prove inspirational for other young men and women in her Gen Z age group.
