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Get ready for a family-friendly fishing adventure that'll have your kids hooked! This extended half-day crappie trip on Grenada, Sardis, or Enid Lakes is the perfect way to introduce young anglers to the joys of fishing. With Longbranch Guide Service, you'll explore some of Mississippi's top fishing spots while learning the ropes from a patient pro. It's hands-on fun that's safe, educational, and guaranteed to create lasting memories.
Picture this: You and your kids out on the sparkling waters of a Mississippi lake, lines in the water, waiting for that tell-tale tug. That's what you're in for with this kid-friendly crappie trip. Tim Howell, your seasoned guide, knows these waters like the back of his hand and has a knack for keeping kids engaged. He'll show you the best spots where crappie are biting and teach simple techniques that even the littlest anglers can master. The extended half-day format gives you plenty of time to get comfortable on the water without overwhelming young attention spans. It's the ideal mix of fun, learning, and quality family time.
Forget about complicated setups or tricky techniques. This trip is all about keeping it simple and fun. You'll be fishing from a stable, spacious boat that's perfect for families. Tim uses light tackle and easy-to-handle rods that are just right for kids. He'll show you how to use live bait or jigs – whichever the crappie are biting on that day. You might try spider rigging, which is like having multiple lines out at once, upping your chances of a catch. Or you could do some good old-fashioned casting and retrieving. The best part? Tim's there every step of the way, offering tips and helping kids reel in their prize catches.
Crappie are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These speckled beauties are not just fun to catch – they're delicious too! In Mississippi lakes, you'll find both white and black crappie. They usually hang out near underwater structure like sunken trees or brush piles. Crappie are known for their paper-thin mouths, which makes catching them a bit tricky and all the more exciting when you do. They average about 10-12 inches, but don't be surprised if you land a trophy-sized slab! Spring is prime time for crappie fishing when they move to shallow waters to spawn, but Tim knows how to find them year-round. Kids love catching crappie because they put up a good fight for their size and often bite in bunches – when you find one, you've usually found a whole school!
Your day starts bright and early, meeting Tim at the boat ramp. He'll get everyone fitted with life jackets (safety first!) and give a quick rundown of the day's plan. As you head out, Tim will share some local lake history and point out landmarks. Once you reach a promising spot, it's time to drop lines. Tim's got a sixth sense for where the crappie are hiding and will help position the boat just right. He'll show the kids how to bait their hooks, cast their lines, and most importantly – how to tell when they've got a bite. Expect plenty of laughs, maybe a few tangles, and hopefully, lots of "Fish on!" calls. Don't forget to bring snacks and drinks to keep energy levels up. By the end of the trip, your kids will be proudly showing off their catch and begging to come back for more.
This isn't just a fishing trip – it's a chance to create lasting memories with your kids. There's something special about being out on the water together, away from screens and distractions. Tim's patient teaching style means even first-timers will feel like pros by the end of the day. Kids love the thrill of reeling in their own fish, and parents love seeing their little ones light up with excitement. It's not uncommon for families to book this trip year after year, watching their kids grow more skilled (and more hooked on fishing) each time. Plus, with three fantastic lakes to choose from – Grenada, Sardis, and Enid – each trip can be a new adventure.
While crappie are the main attraction, these Mississippi lakes are teeming with other species too. Depending on the season and lake, you might also hook into some largemouth bass, catfish, or even the occasional walleye. Tim's always happy to switch gears if the kids want to try for different species. And let's not forget about the lake views and wildlife spotting – from soaring eagles to curious turtles, there's always something interesting to see.
Getting ready for your family fishing day is easy. Tim provides all the fishing gear, but there are a few things you'll want to bring along. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks – fishing works up an appetite! Don't forget sunscreen, hats, and maybe a light jacket if it's breezy. Polarized sunglasses can help cut glare on the water and make it easier to spot fish. And of course, don't forget your camera or phone to capture those proud smiles with the day's catch. One important note: make sure you've got a valid Mississippi fishing license for each person over 16. You can easily grab these online or at local sporting goods stores.
Ready to get your kids hooked on fishing? This extended half-day crappie trip with Longbranch Guide Service is the perfect way to start. It's more than just catching fish – it's about building confidence, learning new skills, and spending quality time together as a family. Whether you're locals looking for a fun weekend activity or visitors wanting to experience the best of Mississippi's lakes, this trip delivers. With Tim's expert guidance and the beautiful backdrop of Grenada, Sardis, or Enid Lake, you're in for a treat. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to book. Get ready to make some splashy memories and maybe even start a new family tradition. Who knows? This could be the trip that turns your kids into lifelong anglers!
Crappies are game fish and the largest members of the Centrarchidae family. They are present in nature as Black Crappie (Poxomis nigromaculatus) or and White Crappie (Poxomis annularus). Both the species are similar to each other, apart from few distinctions. White crappie will have vertical bars running the length of their body, and black crappie will have no discernible pattern and will just be speckled, hence their nickname, “specks". White crappie has 5-6 spines, and black crappie has 7-8 spines. Anglers often differentiate the two by body shapeGrenade Lake, Mississippi, and Reel foot Lake are considered among giant crappie lakes.
Both the crappies have a similar habitat, though black crappie prefers clearer water than white crappie. These fishes can be found in rivers, lakes, and backwater pools swimming in shallow waters or hiding among bushes, vegetation, or other covers.

Crappie is native to Canada and the eastern States. It is a much-enjoyed game fish in North America and inhabits the Great Lakes, Hudson Bay, and the Mississippi River Basins.
Crappie can be 7-12 inches long and weigh about 0.5-1 pounds.
Crappie is known for its tasty and white meat.
Despite its name, crappie is an excellent source of nutrition, containing high amounts of protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids. Although it's not as popular as salmon or tuna, crappie can be a delicious addition to any healthy diet. They are known for their delicate taste and ease of preparation.
When cooked properly, crappie has a delicate flavor and flaky texture, making it perfect for grilling, frying, or baking. Moreover, because they are smaller fish than other common species, such as bass or catfish, the chances of mercury contamination in their flesh are much lower.
Crappie spawning season begins in early spring and summer when the water temperature is 62 F-68 F. Male builds the nest in soft or gravelly spots, the female lays the eggs, and the male guards the nest. Eggs take 2 to 5 days to hatch.
Depending on the age, Crappie victims consist of zooplankton, crustaceans, small fish, minnows, insects, gizzard or threadfin shads, and larvae of other game fishes.
Crappie is most active at dawn or dusk. Anglers recommend using live bait and properly sized hooks, not too small, not too large.
Spin fishing for crappie is a popular angling technique used for years. The use of small lures, such as crappie spinners or jigs along the bottom with light tackle, makes it possible to catch these elusive fish with ease. Crappie spinner fishing involves using a spinning rod and reel setup to cast the lure out into the water and retrieve it in a steady fashion.
When fishing for crappie with a spinner, it's essential to choose the right size and color of the lure. Smaller lures are more effective when targeting this species due to their smaller mouths. Additionally, selecting colors that mimic the natural prey of crappie can help increase your chances of catching them. It's also important to consider where you're casting your line when using spinners for crappie fishing.
Another popular technique is a bobber with a hook with live bait such as worms or small minnows. This is a proven method to catch crappie.

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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 65
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250