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Best Live Bait For Crappie (2024 Updated)

If you're looking for an effective way to lure crappies, live bait is your best bet. Live bait for crappie helps you to not only catch more but also bigger crappies. However, with so many options available in the market, choosing the right live bait could be overwhelming.

Before buying live bait for crappie, consider factors such as the season, water clarity, and temperature. For instance, during spring, crappies feed more actively, and hence jigs, worms, and minnows can work effectively.

Water clarity is another crucial factor to consider. During clear water, use smaller profile baits, while in murkier water, go for larger baits with more vibration. Temperature is also critical as crappies have a preferred temperature range for feeding.

Are you tired of using artificial bait with no significant results? Do you want to catch more crappie during your next fishing trip? Have you tried live bait for crappie? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this article is for you. Keep reading to discover tips for choosing the best live bait for crappie that works for your fishing style.

10 Best Live Bait For Crappie

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
This product is ideal for catching a variety of freshwater fish such as crappie, bluegill, trout, and panfish with live or plastic bait.
2
This product is ideal for attracting and catching small fish such as crappie and perch while ice fishing.
3
Ideal for ice fishing and catching panfish such as crappie, using jigging grubs with a chartreuse color.
4
Ideal for catching crappie fish with a live minnow bait.
5
Ideal for keeping live bait fresh and accessible while fishing.
6
Ideal for feeding fish in ponds, and providing essential nutrition for growth and health.
7
The product is ideal for use as feeder fish in ponds, aquariums, or tanks.
8
Ideal for feeding various types of freshwater fish such as bluegill, crappie, catfish, trout, and walleye.
9
Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts or those who enjoy handmade decor with a rustic feel.
10
This product is ideal for providing oxygen to marine environments using a 12V DC or 110V power source.
This product is ideal for catching a variety of freshwater fish such as crappie, bluegill, trout, and panfish with live or plastic bait.
This product is ideal for attracting and catching small fish such as crappie and perch while ice fishing.
Ideal for ice fishing and catching panfish such as crappie, using jigging grubs with a chartreuse color.
Ideal for catching crappie fish with a live minnow bait.
Ideal for keeping live bait fresh and accessible while fishing.
Ideal for feeding fish in ponds, and providing essential nutrition for growth and health.
The product is ideal for use as feeder fish in ponds, aquariums, or tanks.
Ideal for feeding various types of freshwater fish such as bluegill, crappie, catfish, trout, and walleye.
Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts or those who enjoy handmade decor with a rustic feel.
This product is ideal for providing oxygen to marine environments using a 12V DC or 110V power source.

1. 10 Pack 3d Eyes Fishing Jigs By Dr.fish

These jig heads are a must-have for any angler out there. With their unique 3D eyes, they are highly attractive to most species of fish. The bright colors provide maximum visibility, making them easier to spot even in murky waters. They are incredibly easy to install, whether you're using live bait or plastic. These jig heads make your soft plastic look like live prey, increasing your chances of catching more fish. The eye jig head has sharp double barbs that can hold plastic securely, preventing it from slipping off. These jig heads are suitable for catching all kinds of small-mouth predator fish, such as crappie, bluegill, trout, and white bass. They are easy to use, making them perfect for anglers of all kinds of experience. The fishing hook is made of sturdy carbon steel, offering higher durability and strength. The pointed hook is sharp, ensuring better penetration, and you can effectively hit the target with the bait. These jig heads come in three different sizes: 1/32oz, 1/16oz, and 1/8oz, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Pros

  • Unique 3D eyes make them highly attractive to most species of fish.
  • Bright colors provide maximum visibility, even in murky waters.
  • Easy to install with live baits or plastic.
  • Eye jig head has sharp double barbs that can hold plastic securely.
  • Suitable for catching all kinds of small-mouth predator fish.
  • Easy to use for anglers of all kinds of experience.
  • Fishing hook is made of sturdy carbon steel, offering higher durability and strength.
  • The pointed hook is sharp, ensuring better penetration, and you can effectively hit the target with the bait.
  • Comes in three different sizes: 1/32oz, 1/16oz, and 1/8oz.

2. Live 500 Bait Maggots Ice Fishing Grub Worms Pan Fish Bait Crappie & Perch

Get your hands on the freshest ice fishing bait with this pack of pan fish bait for crappie and perch. The bait is packed daily to ensure its freshness, and is great for catching steelhead and trout. It is recommended to keep the bait at a temperature between 33F to 36F degrees to maintain its quality. Not just for fishing, this bait can also be used as reptile food, similar to Phoenix Worm or Wax Worm. The bait is shipped fresh on Mondays and Tuesdays, and comes with free insulation when needed to ensure it arrives in optimal condition.

Using this ice fishing bait will give you an advantage when it comes to catching fish. The freshness of the bait will attract more fish, and its quality will make it easier to use. Additionally, the option of using it as reptile food offers versatility and convenience.

Overall, this pack of ice fishing bait for pan fish is a great choice for anyone looking to catch steelhead and trout, or to use as reptile food. Its freshness and quality make it stand out from other bait options, and its shipping process ensures that it arrives in the best possible condition.

Pros

  • Packed daily for optimal freshness
  • Can be used for both fishing and as reptile food
  • Shipped with free insulation to maintain quality
  • Great for catching steelhead and trout

Cons

  • – Limited to pan fish bait for crappie and perch

3. Gulp! Alive! Jigging Grubs – Bait Bundle!

Looking for a reliable and effective fishing bait? Then check out Gulp Grubs! These grubs are designed to outfish and outlast live bait, thanks to their potent and long-lasting attractant. You can even recharge their potency by simply placing them back in the attractant.

Gulp Grubs are made to look, feel, and taste like real bait to fish, making them a go-to choice for ice fishermen and those fishing in open water. Whether you're targeting crappie, perch, or trout, these super panfish baits are sure to get the job done.

Each jar of Gulp Grubs contains 2.1 ounces of bait, providing you with plenty of grubs to catch all the fish you desire. So, why not give Gulp Grubs a try and see how they can improve your fishing experience?

Pros

  • Potent and long-lasting attractant
  • Designed to outfish and outlast live bait
  • Can be recharged for added potency
  • Looks, feels, and tastes like real bait to fish
  • Ideal for crappie, perch, and trout fishing
  • Suitable for ice fishing and open water fishing
  • Comes in a 2.1-ounce jar for ample bait

4. Bobby Garland Crappie Baits Garland Slab Huntr Live Minnow 2 1/4"

Introducing the Large Profile Minnow Bait, a must-have addition to your fishing gear! This bait boasts a unique easy-swim tail that mimics the natural movement of a minnow, making it irresistible to fish. The body design is also unique, allowing for the optional addition of scent to attract fish even more effectively. Moreover, this bait is equipped with a crappie rattle that serves up a combination of sight, sound, and smell to lure fish towards it. The durable construction ensures that it will last through many fishing trips and catch you plenty of fish. Suitable for boating, this minnow bait is a game-changer for any angler!

Experience the perfect blend of form and function with the Large Profile Minnow Bait, designed to help you catch more fish than ever before. The easy-swim tail and unique body design combined with a crappie rattle make this bait an irresistible choice for fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, this bait is a great addition to your collection. So why wait? Try it out today and see the difference for yourself!

Pros

  • Easy-swim tail mimics natural movement of minnows
  • Unique body design allows optional addition of scent
  • Crappie rattle serves up a combination of sight, sound, and smell to lure fish
  • Durable construction ensures longevity
  • Suitable for boating

5. Bait Up 35 Live Bait Container, Clear

The fishing basket with floating technology is designed to make fishing easier and more enjoyable. With this basket, there is no more losing bait or getting cold wet hands. The floating design keeps the bait at the surface of the water, making it easy to access and replace without having to reach into the water. This also means that the bait stays fresh and attractive to fish for longer periods of time.

The basket is made of durable materials that are resistant to wear and tear from the elements. The design is also compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport and use on fishing trips. The floating technology is effective in both freshwater and saltwater environments, making it a versatile tool for any angler.

The fishing basket also has a unique design that keeps the bait secure and prevents it from spilling out during transport or when the basket is flipped over. This ensures that the bait stays in place and is ready to use when needed. The basket is also easy to clean and maintain, making it a convenient tool for any fishing enthusiast.

Pros

  • Floating technology keeps bait at the surface of the water, making it easy to access
  • Durable materials resist wear and tear from the elements
  • Compact and lightweight design is easy to transport and use
  • Unique design keeps bait secure and prevents spillage
  • Easy to clean and maintain

6. Toledo Goldfish Black Minnows: 500 Pond Feeders

For those looking to add some diversity to their pond or aquarium, the Toledo Goldfish Black Fathead Minnows are an excellent choice. These high quality feeder minnows are perfect for use as bait, crappie minnows, or as a feeder fish for a recreational pond. Each fish is born and raised on a family farm in the USA, ensuring a healthy and hardy addition to your collection.

With a live arrival guarantee and step-by-step acclimation instructions included with your order, you can be confident that your fish will arrive in good health. Toledo Goldfish stands behind all their products and will ship replacements or refund your purchase if necessary.

Please note that the pictures shown are a representation of the fish you will receive, but not the exact fish. These Black Fathead Minnows will ship within 48 hours of your order for arrival Tuesday through Friday. See shipping information below for more details.

Pros

  • High quality feeder minnows for use as bait, crappie minnows, or as a feeder fish for a recreational pond
  • Born and raised on a family farm in the USA for a healthy and hardy addition to your collection
  • Live arrival guarantee and step-by-step acclimation instructions included with your order
  • Toledo Goldfish stands behind all their products and will ship replacements or refund your purchase if necessary

7. Rosie Red Feeder Fish – 100 Count

Toledo Goldfish presents the high-quality feeder fish, Rosie Red minnows, which are also known for being a healthy food source for your pet. These hardy fish are recommended for those who are beginning new aquariums, tanks, or ponds. The Rosie Reds are a great addition to your aquatic ecosystem and can thrive in various water conditions. These fish are known for their active behavior, which makes them fun to watch.

Toledo Goldfish makes sure to provide customers with quality products and guarantees live arrival of the fish. Additionally, each order comes with step-by-step instructions for acclimation of the fish to their new environment. Customers can count on Toledo Goldfish to provide only the best products for their aquatic pets.

Toledo Goldfish offers free shipping on all live-product orders which includes Goldfish, Koi, Crayfish, minnows, tadpoles, and snails. They also offer free shipping on fish food orders of $25 or more. Customers can enjoy the convenience of having their orders delivered straight to their doorstep without any extra charges.

Toledo Goldfish is a family-owned fish farm based in the United States. All live products are born and raised in the US, ensuring that customers receive healthy fish that are accustomed to the local environment. Toledo Goldfish takes pride in being a small business that provides only the best products for their customers.

Please note that the pictures shown are a good representation of the fish, but not the exact fish that customers will receive. Toledo Goldfish is committed to providing high-quality fish and will ensure that customers receive healthy fish that meet their expectations.

Pros

  • Rosie Red minnows are a healthy food source for pets.
  • Hardy fish recommended for beginners.
  • Active behavior makes them fun to watch.
  • Live arrival guarantee provided.
  • Free shipping on all live-product orders and fish food orders $25 or more.
  • Family-owned business based in the US.

8. Coppens Floating Fish Food – 44 Lbs.

This Koi Food is specially designed for semi-intensive farming and provides good performance. It features optical feeding control, which ensures that your fish are fed the right amount of food. The Phase feed technology optimizes the efficiency of the feed and ensures that the fish receive the right nutrients at the right time. This leads to better growth and health of the fish.

In addition, the feed has a sustainable feed index B, which means that it is made from sustainable ingredients and has a low environmental impact. The feed is also easy to digest and does not pollute the water. With this Koi Food, you can be assured that your fish are getting the best nutrition possible.

The package includes only the Koi Food, but it is available in different sizes to suit your needs. Whether you are a professional fish farmer or a hobbyist, this Koi Food will help you maintain healthy and thriving fish.

Pros

  • Optical feeding control ensures the right amount of food is given to the fish
  • Phase feed technology optimizes the efficiency of the feed
  • Sustainable feed index B ensures low environmental impact
  • Easy to digest and does not pollute the water

9. Sawyer's Mill Handmade Wood Sign: Live Bait.

Add a touch of rustic charm to any room with this custom handmade wood sign. Measuring approximately 3 inches x 10 inches, it's large enough to get noticed without taking over your wall. The sign is printed directly on premium hardwood slats, allowing the natural grain and features of the wood to remain visible behind the design. This makes every sign unique and one-of-a-kind.

Looking for a quality gift? These signs make wonderful presents! Whether you're shopping for a Secret Santa gift or something to put under the tree, our signs are sure to be a hit.

Our wood signs are easy and versatile to display. We use 3/8 inch thick maple slats with a flexible wire, making it simple to hang the sign over a nail, door knob, tree limb, or even fold the wire to the back to create a stand and set it wherever you desire. It's perfect for any room, whether it's the living room, den, bedroom, kitchen, entry way, dining room, bathroom, office, man-cave, she shed, home bar, game room, dorm or garage.

Proudly made in the USA, each of our signs is made by hand in the Great State of Tennessee. We stand behind our products and offer a simple return policy. If you're not completely satisfied with your sign, simply send it back for a full refund.

Pros

  • Custom handmade wood sign adds a touch of rustic charm to any room
  • Printed directly on premium hardwood slats, making each sign unique and one-of-a-kind
  • Easy and versatile to display with a flexible wire
  • Suitable for any room, making it perfect for gift-giving
  • Proudly made in the USA
  • Simple return policy

10. 135317 Marine Metal 2wy Bubbl Quiet 12 Vdc/110v 2 D Batt 52hrs B17

The Pumps are a reliable and efficient option for both fresh and saltwater use. Capable of pumping approximately 1.2 STD/min of air, these pumps are an ideal choice for aquariums, fish tanks, and other aquatic environments. The compact and space-saving clam shell package measures 5.25 inches in width, 7.625 inches in length, and 2.5 inches in depth, making it easy to store and transport.

Constructed with high-quality materials, these pumps are designed to last and deliver consistent performance. The Pumps are easy to install and operate, making them a great choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists. Whether you need to aerate your water, create water movement, or power a protein skimmer, these pumps are up to the task.

With their compact size, powerful performance, and versatile design, the Pumps are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient pump for their aquatic environment.

Pros

  • Reliable and efficient option
  • Capable of pumping approximately 1.2 STD/min of air
  • Designed for both fresh and saltwater use
  • Compact and space-saving clam shell package
  • Constructed with high-quality materials
  • Easy to install and operate
  • Versatile design for a range of aquatic applications

Best Live Bait For Crappie FAQs

How do you keep live bait alive and healthy when fishing for crappie?

When fishing for crappie, using live bait is a popular and effective method. However, it's important to keep the live bait alive and healthy in order to attract the fish. One way to do this is to keep the bait in a well-oxygenated bait bucket or livewell. Make sure the water is clean and at the right temperature for the type of bait you're using. It's also important to change the water frequently to keep it fresh and prevent the buildup of waste products. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the bait container as this can cause stress and increase the risk of disease. If you're using minnows, you can also add a pinch of baking soda to the water to help neutralize any ammonia buildup. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your live bait stays healthy and active, increasing your chances of a successful crappie fishing trip.

How do you rig live bait for crappie fishing?

To rig live bait for crappie fishing, you will need a few essential elements. First, select a lightweight fishing rod and reel combination with a sensitive tip that can detect bites. Then, choose a fishing line that is thin and strong enough to handle the weight of the bait and the fish. Once you have your gear ready, it's time to rig the live bait.

The most common way to rig live bait for crappie fishing is by using a hook and a bobber. Start by attaching a small hook to the end of your fishing line. Then, add a small split shot weight about 12-18 inches above the hook to help the bait sink to the desired depth. Next, attach a bobber to the line above the weight, about 2-3 feet from the hook. Finally, add your live bait to the hook and cast out to your desired location.

It's important to adjust the depth of your bait based on where the crappie are biting. Experiment with different depths until you find the sweet spot. And remember, patience is key when fishing for crappie with live bait.

What are the best live baits to use for crappie fishing?

When it comes to crappie fishing, live baits are often the most effective way to lure these fish. Some of the best live baits for crappie fishing include minnows, worms, and small crayfish. Minnows are perhaps the most popular bait for crappie as they are readily available and easy to use. You can hook them through the lips or back, and they can be used in a variety of ways, such as under a bobber or on a jighead. Worms are another great live bait option, and they can be threaded onto a hook or broken into smaller pieces. Small crayfish can also be used, but they are more difficult to find and catch. Ultimately, the best live bait for crappie fishing will depend on the location and time of year, as well as personal preference. It's always a good idea to do some research or ask local anglers for advice on what live baits work best in your area.

What is the best time of day to use live bait for crappie fishing?

The best time of day to use live bait for crappie fishing is typically during the early morning or late afternoon to evening hours. This is when crappie are most active and feeding. During these times, the water temperature is also cooler, which can make the crappie more active and willing to bite.

It is important to note that the best time to use live bait may vary depending on the location and weather conditions. For example, if the water is warmer, crappie may be more active during midday. Additionally, if the weather is overcast or rainy, crappie may be more willing to bite throughout the day.

Overall, it is important to pay attention to the conditions and adjust your fishing strategy accordingly. Experimenting with different times of day and bait types can also help you find the best approach for catching crappie.

Where can you find live bait for crappie fishing?

Live bait is an excellent choice for crappie fishing, as it can be more effective than artificial lures in attracting these fish. There are several places where you can find live bait for crappie fishing, depending on your location and preferences.

One of the most common places to find live bait for crappie fishing is at your local bait and tackle shop. Most bait and tackle shops carry a variety of live bait options, including minnows, worms, and crickets. These shops are usually staffed by knowledgeable experts who can provide you with advice on the best bait to use for crappie fishing in your area.

Another option is to catch your own live bait. This can be done by using a cast net or a minnow trap, which can be purchased at most bait and tackle shops. Catching your own live bait can be a fun and rewarding experience, and it can also save you money in the long run.

Finally, if you have access to a pond or lake, you may be able to catch your own live bait using a seine net or a dip net. This can be a great option if you are looking for a specific type of bait, such as shad or bluegill.

Overall, there are several options for finding live bait for crappie fishing, and the best choice will depend on your location, budget, and personal preferences.

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