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Kid-Friendly Crappie Fishing on Mississippi Lakes

  • Published Date: August 19, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Mississippi
  • $550 price range

Summary

Looking to get the kids hooked on fishing? Tim Howell's half-day crappie trips on Mississippi's Grenada, Sardis, or Enid Lakes are perfect for young anglers. These lakes are known for great fishing, and Tim's patient approach makes it easy for kids to learn the ropes. He uses simple, safe methods that let kids reel in their own catch, keeping them engaged and excited. The trip is all about hands-on fun – your family will be out on the water, learning practical fishing skills while enjoying quality time together. It's a great way to introduce kids to the outdoors and spark a lifelong love of fishing. Just bring some snacks, drinks, and make sure you've got Mississippi fishing licenses for everyone. With Tim's expertise and these prime fishing spots, your kids are sure to have a blast and maybe even land their first big crappie.
Kid-Friendly Crappie Fishing on Mississippi Lakes

Kids' First Catch

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4 fishermen with a great catch in Oakland

Crappie Days in Mississippi

4 big fish caught during fishing trip in MS

Hooked Up on Mississippi Crappie

4 big fish caught during a fishing trip in Oakland

Slab Season on the Mississippi

5 fish caught in Oakland while fishing

Reel Crappie Moments in MS

7 white crappie fish caught in MS

Crappie Catchin' in Mississippi

Best Oakland fishing with 5 big fish caught

Big Slabs, Sweet South Waters

6 fishing in oakland

Mississippi Slab Action Today

White crappie fish caught in MS

Crappie Bites Down South Style

10 big fish caught in MS while fishing

Fishing Mississippi for Slabs

Three big fish caught by two anglers in MS

Slayin’ Crappie in the Delta

4 fishermen with a great catch in Oakland

Crappie Days in Mississippi

4 big fish caught during fishing trip in MS

Hooked Up on Mississippi Crappie

4 big fish caught during a fishing trip in Oakland

Slab Season on the Mississippi

5 fish caught in Oakland while fishing

Reel Crappie Moments in MS

7 white crappie fish caught in MS

Crappie Catchin' in Mississippi

Best Oakland fishing with 5 big fish caught

Big Slabs, Sweet South Waters

6 fishing in oakland

Mississippi Slab Action Today

White crappie fish caught in MS

Crappie Bites Down South Style

10 big fish caught in MS while fishing

Fishing Mississippi for Slabs

Three big fish caught by two anglers in MS

Slayin’ Crappie in the Delta

4 fishermen with a great catch in Oakland

Crappie Days in Mississippi

4 big fish caught during fishing trip in MS

Hooked Up on Mississippi Crappie

4 big fish caught during a fishing trip in Oakland

Slab Season on the Mississippi

5 fish caught in Oakland while fishing

Reel Crappie Moments in MS

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Kid-Friendly Crappie Fishing on Mississippi Lakes

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.

Trip Overview

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.

Baits, Boats, and Basics

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.

Species You'll Want to Hook

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!

What to Expect on the Water

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.

Why Families Keep Coming Back

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.

Top Catches This Season

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.

Prep Like a Pro

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.

Time to Book Your Spot

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!

Learn more about the species

Crappie

Crappie (Poxomis) 

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. 

Crappie Habitat and Distribution

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 Distribution Map
Crappie Map of Habitat

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 Size and Weight 

Crappie can be 7-12 inches long and weigh about 0.5-1 pounds. 

Crappie Interesting Facts

Crappie is known for its tasty and white meat. 

  • Both Poxomis nigromaculatus and Poxomis annularus are less active during the day.
  • Both the fishes have a different number of dorsal fin spines. White Crappie has 6 while Black Crappie has 7 or 8.
  • Mouth of Black Crappie is larger and reaches mid-eye and has a resemblance to largemouth bass.
  • Crappie travels in schools.
  • Female lays 5000-60000 eggs.
  • Crappie can live for 7 to 10 years.

Is Crappie Good to Eat?

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 

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. 

Crappie Food 

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 Fishing 

Crappie is most active at dawn or dusk. Anglers recommend using live bait and properly sized hooks, not too small, not too large. 

Spin or Bait Fishing for Crappie:

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.

Fly Fishing for Crappie:

  • Fly fishing for Crappie is exciting. Both dry and wet flies work well. Use dry flies on still and calm days, especially early and late. A great way to start a young angler on fly fishing, crappie is not as challenging as much other game fish.
  • The best-wet flies for fly fishing are streamers and nymphs and soft large hackles. Streamers (small) are perfect when the fish is eating minnows.
  • Anglers can fly fish for Crappie near fallen trees or bushes using a dry or wet fly. Be patient and let the fish properly take the hook. - Clouser Minnow is the ultimate fly bait that can catch even the sluggish crappie.

Crappie Baits and Lures: 

  • Spinners
  • Pan-fish jigs
  • Small crankbaits
  • Insects
  • Worms
  • Streamer flies
  • Small minnows
  • Nymphs

Crappie

About the Skeeter

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 65

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Ready for some family fun on the water? Hop aboard for a laid-back crappie fishing trip on one of Mississippi's beautiful lakes. We'll cruise the calm waters of Grenada, Sardis, or Enid Lake, where the fish are plentiful and the scenery is stunning. This half-day adventure is perfect for introducing kids to the joys of fishing in a relaxed, safe environment. Our experienced guide, Tim Howell, knows these lakes like the back of his hand and has a knack for making fishing fun and easy for young anglers. He'll show your kids simple techniques to catch crappie, ensuring they stay engaged and excited throughout the trip. With Tim's patient guidance, even first-timers will be reeling in fish in no time. Bring along some snacks and drinks to keep energy levels up, and don't forget valid Mississippi fishing licenses for everyone. This trip is all about creating happy memories on the water, learning new skills, and enjoying quality family time in the great outdoors. Who knows? You might just spark a lifelong passion for fishing in your little ones!
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Ready for the ultimate crappie fishing experience? Book your adventure with Longbranch Guide Service in Mississippi today and reel in the big ones on Grenada Lake, Lake Enid, and Lake Sardis!

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