A favorite panfish characterized by dark irregular speckling on a silvery-green body and 7-8 dorsal spines. Black crappies school tightly around fallen trees, beaver lodges, and bridge abutments during spring spawning runs.
How we fish for them
Vertical jig 1/16oz chartreuse soft plastic curly-tail grubs or live minnows on #4 light-wire hooks around deep brush piles.
Rod: White Perch & Panfish Rod 6'6" LF Reel: 1000 Spinning Reel • 6lb Hi-Vis Braid
Gear for this in the catalog →Handle with care
Spiny dorsal fin rays and sharp opercular (gill cover) spines. Smooth down dorsal fin before handling.
Seasons & limits are the law's, not ours
Size, season and creel rules change; always verify with the official regulations before you fish. Maryland DNR regulations →
Profile last reviewed: August 2026