Learn about three spectacular bodies of water that offer world-class fishing right now
Color is key in catching crappies, but other visual clues count too, including motion
Slight differences in sunfish mouth configurations represent huge differences in feeding behaviors.
Bluegills often get the Rodney Dangerfield treatment: being abundant and readily catchable with relatively simple tactics, they get little respect.
Bluegills, redears and other sunfish species will gravitate to a variety of cover and structure, from stump fields and boat docks to cypress knees and shell beds. But on the whole, nothing attracts these tasty panfish like a lush bed of vegetation.
Sometimes complex trumps simple when it comes to bringing crappies to the boat.
Bluegill fishing is about balance. Each trip is a constant trial and error to figure out if the fish want a tiny speck of an ice jig – the flash, vibration and, meaty profile of a jigging spoon, or any presentation that falls in between.
Some of the NAF editors share their best ideas for landing those pesky panfish.
During summer's heat, a nighttime fishing trip is the ticket for crappie-fishing success.
The image of a typical midsummer crappie fisherman has changed little over the years. Many still envision him as a simple man sculling a jonboat with one hand and working a cane pole with the other, a bucket of minnows at his feet.
The crappie is sportfishing’s undisputed King of Spring. Here's where to find 'em shallow in the spawning season, and when.
Sixty-seven lakes and reservoirs, in 19 states, hold specially tagged fish that could turn into cash or prizes for lucky anglers! Read on!
Follow this water temperature roadmap to big crappies all year.