Crappie Fishing 101: Gear, Techniques & Tips for Big Slabs

Crappie might be smaller than bass, but they’re no less exciting — especially when you're pulling in slabs one after another. Whether fishing from a dock, a kayak, or on open water, success with crappie starts with understanding the species and matching your gear.

Best Gear for Crappie Fishing:

• Ultralight spinning rods with sensitive tips.

• 4–6 lb test line — thin, invisible, and enough strength for crappie.

• Jigs and soft plastics like minnows, grubs, or tubes.

• Float rigs — perfect for suspending your bait at the right depth.

Techniques to try:

• Vertical jigging around brush piles or structure.

• Casting and retrieving lightweight jigs slowly.

• Spider rigging (multiple rods from a boat) for covering more water.

Spring and fall are often peak seasons, but with the right tactics, you can catch crappie all year round.

Explore our dedicated crappie collection to find gear that’s proven by anglers who live for the slab bite.