Many people enjoy fishing for crappie at night for several reasons. These reasons include the fact that is less boat traffic and less commotion in water from swimmers and also because the night time hours during the summer may provide some relief from the heat of the days.
Night Fishing For Crappie In Summer
Tools You Need For Crappie Fishing at Night
If you are crappie fishing at night, you are going to need the right tools to get the job done, in order to help you to catch the most crappie possible. You will need:
- A good rod and reel
- micro-filament or braided line
- #1 size hook
- ¼ ounce sinkers with snap swivels or ¼ ounce jigheads
- Plankton fishing light to attract bugs that will attract minnows and small fish, which will in turn attract those crappies you are trying to catch.
- LED headlamp to provide you a light for baiting your hook and taking your catch off the hook.
- There is a variety of different baits you can use for night fishing for crappie. You should at least have live minnows and frozen anchovies on hand to use as bait. The minnows should be no longer than 1 inch long, and anchovies should be cut into small pieces.
Tips for Fishing for Crappie in Summer
Here are a few tips to help you catch those crappies during night time summer fishing.
- When fishing in summer you may have to fish in deeper waters, but may also find crappie in the shallows where there is a lot of covers. Many crappie fishermen find that crappie can be found more often in the shallows during the night time.
- Try both trolling and vertical fishing from the shore, docks, and piers in order to find the best place where crappie schools are gathering.
- Fish around structures such as rocky embankments, weeds, and fallen trees.
- Many fishermen who fish for crappie at night avoid fishing during a full moon and even a couple of days before and after the full moon. They state that the crappie simply doesn’t tend to bite during this time.
- Experienced fishermen find that fishing as close to possible when a new moon is rising tends to result in catching more fish.
- Keep in mind that bigger bait will catch bigger crappie, but you likely won’t catch as many fish as you would with smaller bait. Smaller bait tends to catch smaller fish, but you are likely to catch more of them.
- It is recommended that when fishing at night it is best to fish with a companion. Due to the fact that there will be fewer boats on the water, there will be fewer people who may help you should something happen that you fall in the water or become injured.
Fishing for crappie during the night in the summer can provide you with a relaxing evening on the water and some great pan fish to eat and enjoy.
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