Whether you live in North Carolina or just visiting, if you are interested in going fishing for crappy you are in luck. You can find this species of fish just about anywhere. There are a number of different lakes you can visit scattered all over the state where you can try your hand at crappie fishing.

Crappies are divided into two varieties called black and white crappie and both have the ability to adapt to most all environments. The black crappies seem to prefer the deep waters found in some of the larger lakes and are located mostly in the northern states. The white crappie are more dominate in the southern states and can be found in mostly quite and remote places.

Techniques Used for Crappie Fishing

There are four main ways to fish for crappie that work very well. They are called drifting, casting, still-fishing and trolling. Below is a brief description of all four.

* Drifting - This technique is not only a great way to catch crappie but it is also very relaxing. All you need to do is have your equipment ready and fish while the boat is slowly drifting along with the current of the water. For the best results you need to slowly lift up the tip of the rod and then quickly drop it back, it's a very simple technique.

* Casting - A casting rod is designed as a flexible fishing rod because it will need to bend when you will use your arm, hand and wrist to make the cast in the direction you are aiming. When done correctly the cast will land in a specific spot of your choice every time. Start by facing the target and placing your body at an angle. Hold down the release button while bringing the rod to an upright position. You will notice the rod bending from the weight and at this time flip your wrist to send the rod forward. This will cause the rod to bend in front of you and this is when you let go of the release button. It may take a little practice but with time you will cast like a professional.

* Still-fishing - This technique is very simple as it just refers to doing your fishing from a secured position. It could be a boat that is anchored in one place or it could refer to fishing from a bank, dock or fishing peer. When still-fishing you are actually waiting for the fish to come to you instead of going out searching for them. Therefore, it requires more patience than other methods.

* Trolling - Trolling is done by aligning several rods in a row and placing the same bait line and hook on each one. Make sure you check the regulations for using this technique before you do it because the laws are different in every area.

The Best Time to Go Crappie Fishing

As with most any species of fish the best time to catch crappie is when they are spawning in the spring. They tend to dwell under stumps, brush, logs and any other covering man made or natural. During the late evening and early morning you will find the crappie near the top of the water. However, as the sun comes out and starts warming things up they begin to go deeper into the water again. At night they normally go back to the deeper water but some may still feed during this time.

The best bait to use to catch these fish includes live bait, small crappie lures, crappie jigs or anything that imitate worms, minnows and insects. You will need to see how aggressive the fish are to determine how fast you can move the bait around. In other words, if they are very aggressive then you can move faster but if they seem sluggish then you need to move slower.