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Top-Rated Family Crappie Fishing on Mississippi Lakes

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

Summary

Want to reel in some big crappie with the whole family? Tim Howell at Longbranch Guide Service has you covered. He'll take you out on Grenada, Sardis, or Enid Lake for a solid half-day of fishing action. These Mississippi hotspots are known for their hefty "slabs" - that's guide-speak for trophy-sized crappie. Tim's got easy techniques that work for everyone, whether you're a total rookie or an old hand with a rod. The trip is laid-back but productive, perfect for quality time on the water. You'll learn the ropes, enjoy some laughs, and hopefully land a few lunkers. Just bring your own snacks and drinks, plus valid fishing licenses for the crew. With room for three guests, it's ideal for parents and kids or a small group of friends. Expect a mix of relaxation and excitement as you chase after those prized Mississippi crappie.
Top-Rated Family Crappie Fishing on Mississippi Lakes

Slab Crappie Catches

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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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Family Crappie Fishing on Mississippi's Best Lakes

Get ready for a day of fun, fishing, and family bonding on some of Mississippi's most famous crappie lakes. Tim Howell of Longbranch Guide Service knows these waters like the back of his hand and can't wait to show you where the slabs are hiding. Whether you're wetting a line for the first time or you're a seasoned angler, this extended half-day trip is perfect for creating lasting memories with your loved ones.

Trip Overview

Pack up the family and head out to Grenada, Sardis, or Enid Lake for a crappie fishing adventure that's sure to please anglers of all ages. These lakes are known for producing monster crappie, and Tim's got the local know-how to put you on the fish. You'll spend about 6 hours on the water, using easy-to-learn techniques that even the kids can master. Don't forget to bring along some snacks and drinks to keep everyone fueled up for the action. With room for up to three guests, it's the ideal setup for a family outing or a small group of friends looking to reel in some memories.

What to Expect on the Water

Tim's boat is rigged up with all the gear you'll need for a successful day of crappie fishing. You'll likely be using light tackle and live bait or jigs, depending on what the fish are biting. The techniques are straightforward, so even if you've never held a rod before, you'll be catching fish in no time. Tim's a patient teacher and loves showing folks the ropes. You might be spider rigging, which involves multiple poles set up around the boat, or maybe some good old-fashioned casting if the fish are active. The lakes are generally calm, making for a comfortable ride and easy fishing conditions. Just remember to bring your Mississippi fishing license, and you're good to go!

Top Catches This Season

Crappie fishing in Mississippi is world-class, and for good reason. These lakes consistently produce some real slabs – we're talking fish over 2 pounds, which is trophy-size for crappie. Spring is usually prime time, when the fish move into shallower water to spawn, but Tim knows how to find them year-round. In the cooler months, you might be fishing deeper structure or around brush piles. Summer can be great for early morning or late evening bites. No matter when you come, there's always a chance to catch that personal best crappie that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks love fishing with Tim because he makes it easy and fun for everyone. He's got a knack for working with kids and beginners, but he can also show experienced anglers a thing or two. The extended half-day format is perfect – long enough to really get into the action, but not so long that the little ones get antsy. Plus, these lakes are just gorgeous. You might spot some wildlife, enjoy the scenery, and make some unforgettable family moments between catches. It's not just about the fish (though that's a big part of it); it's about spending quality time together away from the distractions of everyday life.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Crappie are the star of the show on this trip, and for good reason. These tasty panfish are a blast to catch and even better to eat. In Mississippi, you'll be targeting both black and white crappie. Black crappie tend to prefer clearer water and structure like fallen trees or brush piles. They've got a darker, more speckled pattern that almost looks like a barcode. White crappie, on the other hand, are often found in slightly murkier water and have more distinct vertical bars on their sides.

Crappie are schooling fish, so when you find one, you've often found a bunch. They're known for their paper-thin mouths, which makes for a fun challenge when setting the hook. In the spring, male crappie build nests in shallow water, which is why the fishing can be so hot during spawning season. These fish can grow to impressive sizes in Mississippi's lakes, with some topping 3 pounds – a true slab that'll have you calling all your fishing buddies.

While crappie are the main target, don't be surprised if you hook into some bonus catches. These lakes also hold good populations of largemouth bass, catfish, and bream. Tim's always happy to switch gears if you want to try for a different species, time permitting. It's this variety that makes fishing these lakes so exciting – you never know what might be on the end of your line!

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're looking for a family-friendly fishing trip that's sure to create lasting memories, you can't go wrong with a crappie adventure on Mississippi's legendary lakes. Tim Howell and Longbranch Guide Service offer the perfect blend of relaxation, learning, and excitement for anglers of all ages and skill levels. With all the gear provided and Tim's expert guidance, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and don't forget those fishing licenses!).

These trips tend to fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Whether you're planning a special outing with the kids, a fun day with friends, or just looking to improve your crappie fishing skills, this extended half-day trip is the ticket. Get ready to make some splashes, share some laughs, and maybe even catch the biggest crappie of your life. Book now and get ready for a day on the water you won't soon forget!

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

Hop aboard for a laid-back day of crappie fishing on Mississippi's famous lakes with Longbranch Guide Service. Tim Howell knows these waters like the back of his hand and will take your family to the best spots on Grenada, Sardis, or Enid Lake. These lakes are crappie hotspots, giving everyone a great chance to reel in some impressive fish. Don't worry if you're new to fishing – Tim's got you covered with easy techniques that work for all ages and skill levels. He'll make sure everyone in the family feels comfortable and has a good time out on the water. It's a perfect mix of fun, learning, and relaxation. Remember to pack some snacks and drinks to keep energy levels up during your extended half-day trip. Oh, and don't forget those Mississippi fishing licenses! This outing is all about making memories together, whether you're teaching the kids to fish or enjoying some friendly family competition to see who can catch the biggest crappie.
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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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