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Fish Species - Details
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BLACK CRAPPIE
(Pomoxis nigromaculatus)
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Other Common Names
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Crappie, calico bass, strawberry bass, Oswego bass
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Identifying Characteristics
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Back is green or olive, quickly grading to cream or silver on sides and belly.
Irregular dark blotches on sides and fins.
Anal fin nearly as large as the dorsal fin.
5 to 7 rays in the anal fin.
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Habits and Habitat
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Found in lakes and ponds; prefers quiet waters.
Holds in weedy areas with generally clear water.
A schooling fish.
The best action occurs in the late winter and early spring, when large schools spawn in
shallow water.
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Tackle and Techniques
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Use light or ultra-light spinning or fly-fishing tackle and 4- to 6-pound-test line.
Small, live minnows work best. Put a bobber a few feet up from the bait and cast out.
Small spinners also work well, as do small jigs dressed with Mr. Twister tails.
In the spring, when the fish are in the shallows, fan-cast with small spinners or drift with
minnows until a school is found; then anchor and still-fish.
Crappie have delicate mouths; a firm tug is plenty to set the hook.
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Current State Record
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3 pounds, 12 ounces; caught by Kenneth Kierst on Duck Lake on April 17, 1998.
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© Sander's Fishing Guides, Inc.
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