Panfish
Crappie Fishing in Ohio
Black and white crappie school around brush, docks, and timber in lakes nationwide. A spring spawn brings them shallow, and they are top table fare.
Best Months: Feb to May, Oct to Nov
Plan by Month
Best Flies, Lures & Bait for Crappie
2 picks for October.
Crappie Jig 1/32 to 1/8 oz
LureJig
Shop This LureLive Minnows 1 to 3 in
BaitLive Bait · Under a slip float.
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Rod & Reel
Crappie Setup
Crappie
Fly 8.5 ft 4 wt rod, floating line, small jig flies and minnow patterns.
Spin / Cast 10 to 12 ft jigging pole or 6 ft ultralight spinning rod, 4 to 6 lb hi-vis line.
Ohio
Where to Catch Crappie
Ohio
Shops to Stock Up
Recommended
Gear for Crappie
Panfish Lures
Bobby Garland Baby Shad Crappie Jigs
A go-to crappie plastic on a light jighead, under a float or vertical.
Check PriceFly Rods
Echo Base Fly Rod Kit
An affordable starter kit with rod, reel, line, and case.
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Ugly Stik GX2 Ultralight Spinning Combo
Light enough to feel crappie bites and cast small spinners for trout.
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Pflueger President Spinning Reel
Light and smooth for its price. A favorite for finesse and panfish rods.
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Berkley Trilene XL Monofilament
Limp, easy-casting mono for spinning reels and general fishing.
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Rapala Shad Rap
A tight-wobbling crankbait that walleye anglers troll and cast.
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