Crappie imitation bass lure? Deep thoughts 2024
Brad Reams reply :
I was crappie fishing the other day, and thought why is it I rarely see a bass lure that is a crappie imitation.
I know I've seen a few small crappie that Bass coughed up when I caught them, though not as often as bluegill.
anyone else, have thoughts or know something?
crappie is a minority compared to perch/bluegill or shad/shiner imitations.
I was thinking if a crappie was the right forage size why would a bass not strike?
Here's one of the few I could find available.
jimmyjoe reply :
Bandit 200 in "Crappie". One of my must-haves. 
WRB reply :
The truth be known bass prefer to eat crappie over bluegill, softer spines and longer narrower body shape compared to bluegill make them easier to swallow.
Matt lures offers several crappie soft and hard swimbaits for example. Unlike bluegill that are dermasel ( close to cover) fish, crappie are more palegic (open water) fish, they don't share the same water columne often is some lakes, except during the spawn cycle.
Crappie swimbaits are good pre spawn lures.
Tom
Edited by WRBBrad Reams reply :
On 11/4/2019 at 4:55 AM, WRB said:The truth be known bass prefer to eat crappie over bluegill, softer spines and longer narrower body shape compared to bluegill make them easier to swallow.
Matt lures offers several crappie soft and hard swimbaits for example. Unlike bluegill that are dermasel ( close to cover) fish, crappie are more palegic (open water) fish, they don't share the same water columne often is some lakes, except during the spawn cycle.
Crappie swimbaits are good pre spawn lures.
Tom
Prefer Crappie?? it makes sense to me, HOWEVER....... the # of crappie imitation lures are limited.
Probably 50:1 bluegill/perch compared to crappie.
You can't deny the manufacturers don't make many crappie lures to choose from.
I think it's weird and unexplained, thus far.
MIbassyaker reply :
I have the following crankbaits in crappie patterns:
--The Bandit posted above, in the 100 series
--Livetarget Crappie, flat-sided and lipless
--Lucky Craft RTO squarebill
Fishes in trees reply :
Not a lot of difference between the " crappie pattern" pictured a couple of posts prior and any of a number of "shad" imitating finishes. Looks to me, a few minutes with a black sharpie and your "shad" bait can become a " crappie" imitation. Late 70's & early 80's, there was a kinda popular pattern called " Dalmatian" or " coach dog" that was kinda a crappie imitation. Haven't seen that pattern lately, though.
The Bassman reply :
I have to wonder if a bait moving along at a pretty good clip in slightly less than crystal clear water is really discerned that closely. Location, depth and speed control, along with the fish's attitude determines if you get bit. Colors appeal more to the fisherman's senses in my opinion.
Hook2Jaw reply :
On 11/4/2019 at 6:50 PM, The Bassman said:I have to wonder if a bait moving along at a pretty good clip in slightly less than crystal clear water is really discerned that closely. Location, depth and speed control, along with the fish's attitude determines if you get bit. Colors appeal more to the fisherman's senses in my opinion.
I've had quite a couple days where I can switch my jerkbait colors when I'm absolutely burning and line whistling through the air slashing them and start to catch fish after fish, whereas before, on a different colored offering, I can't buy half as many bites.
I think color, even at high speeds, matters quite a bit.
Brad Reams reply :
On 11/4/2019 at 8:21 PM, Hook2Jaw said:I've had quite a couple days where I can switch my jerkbait colors when I'm absolutely burning and line whistling through the air slashing them and start to catch fish after fish, whereas before, on a different colored offering, I can't buy half as many bites.
I think color, even at high speeds, matters quite a bit.
interesting thoughts
my point is, If bass PREFER crappie, we'd see a lot more lures in CRAPPIE pattern colors.
On 11/4/2019 at 9:09 AM, MIbassyaker said:I have the following crankbaits in crappie patterns:
--The Bandit posted above, in the 100 series
--Livetarget Crappie, flat-sided and lipless
--Lucky Craft RTO squarebill
I personally own 75+ crank/jerk baits
I have ZERO crappie imitations
I've seen ZERO in the stores, I'd buy it if I saw it.
FACT lure manufactures MAKE 100's of bluegill lures
FACT the # of bluegill imitation lures out # crappie imitation lures 100:1
WHY????????????????? I don't get it
someone has to have the answer
fishballer06 reply :
I have a local reservoir that the main forage is crappie, and I've caught numerous bass with a crappie in their gullet. Since crappie colored baits are hard to come by, I make my own skirts to match the hatch.
Brad Reams reply :
On 11/4/2019 at 10:44 PM, fishballer06 said:I have a local reservoir that the main forage is crappie, and I've caught numerous bass with a crappie in their gullet. Since crappie colored baits are hard to come by, I make my own skirts to match the hatch.
those are pretty!
well done
great idea
fishballer06 reply :
On 11/4/2019 at 8:46 PM, Brad Reams said:I personally own 75+ crank/jerk baits
I have ZERO crappie imitations
I've seen ZERO in the stores, I'd buy it if I saw it.
WHY????????????????? I don't get it
On 11/4/2019 at 10:57 PM, Brad Reams said:those are pretty!
well done
great idea
Lucky Craft makes a crappie colored pointer. I have one that has half the paint scuffed off it from all the fish it's caught.
https://www.skraidantizuvis.lt/1180-large_default/lucky-craft-pointer-78sp-black-crappie.jpg
And thank you. If you'd like me to make a few for you, I could always do that.
moguy1973 reply :
I think there's a lot more lakes/ponds/streams that contain sunfish/bluegill/shad than there are that contain crappie. Therefore there are more sunfish/bluegill/shad patterned lures. Like said above a shad pattern can and usually has the same base colors that crappie do and bass are pretty dumb and will eat whatever they feel like eating without looking at it too much typically.
Brad Reams reply :
On 11/4/2019 at 11:13 PM, fishballer06 said:
Lucky Craft makes a crappie colored pointer. I have one that has half the paint scuffed off it from all the fish it's caught.
https://www.skraidantizuvis.lt/1180-large_default/lucky-craft-pointer-78sp-black-crappie.jpg
And thank you. If you'd like me to make a few for you, I could always do that.
I think I will take you up on your offer soon, maybe Give a couple away for gifts.
you just spinnerbaits & jigs? I was thinking chatter would be great in that pattern also.....
WRB reply :
The difference between crappie and all the bream family of fish is location, crappie are pelagic school fish not individual fish grouped together in cover. Most bass anglers can only locate crappie during the spawn cycle when crappie are in shallower water with cover and don't recognize crappie on their sonar units. Bass on the other hand feed on crappie year around if they are availble.
Lure coloration difference is basically bars verses dots/specks, crappie have dots/specks so any lure with light white/charteues background with dark/black green dots/specks will work.
Modify a Shad color crankbait by adding dots with a sharpie works for example.
Spinner baits with baitfish painted blades are availble, swimbait that replicate crappie are also available.
Tom
Brad Reams reply :
On 11/5/2019 at 1:30 AM, moguy1973 said:I think there's a lot more lakes/ponds/streams that contain sunfish/bluegill/shad than there are that contain crappie. Therefore there are more sunfish/bluegill/shad patterned lures. Like said above a shad pattern can and usually has the same base colors that crappie do and bass are pretty dumb and will eat whatever they feel like eating without looking at it too much typically.
I agree with some of your post. I agree bluegill are more common.
I don't agree that crappie & shad imitation lures are similar enough to be lumped into the same group.
Especially now in modern days we have many options that match the exact bait to perfection, and so many forage specific species of minnow, shad, shiner that are photo mimics.
MIbassyaker reply :
On 11/4/2019 at 8:46 PM, Brad Reams said:interesting thoughts
my point is, If bass PREFER crappie, we'd see a lot more lures in CRAPPIE pattern colors.
I personally own 75+ crank/jerk baits
I have ZERO crappie imitations
I've seen ZERO in the stores, I'd buy it if I saw it.
FACT lure manufactures MAKE 100's of bluegill lures
FACT the # of bluegill imitation lures out # crappie imitation lures 100:1
WHY????????????????? I don't get it
someone has to have the answer
You assume bass preferences are the main factor determining what lure-makers produce. Rather, lure-makers produce more of whatever anglers buy.
Berkley labs confronted this dilemma a number of years back when developing a crayfish bait -- they discovered in their own tank experiments that bass showed a reliable preference for baits with no appendages, compared to baits with legs and claws. But they ultimately didn't produce the particular lure design the study showed bass would prefer because they didn't think anybody would buy it. Instead, the research was used to inform their design of a tube bait, a lure design more familiar to anglers. The story is famous enough that it is frequently recounted in books and articles, such as this bassmaster article on crayfish: https://www.bassmaster.com/understanding-bass-forage-crawfish
Fast-forward several years and the ned rig is now all the rage...
Crappie crankbaits are indeed hard to find -- I run across the bandit one occasionally in stores, but very rarely.
Paul Roberts reply :
There are several manufacturers with crappie finishes out there. I have a few; One happens to be a favorite, but not bc it has a crappie finish. I think the lure finish/color is relatively unimportant compared to the overall context in which a bass, or group of bass, happen to find vulnerable crappie prey. In many cases a BG, Shad, or even a chartreuse bait could suffice. In some instances, hot pink can be a killer. In other words, I don't think bass would see a crappie-colored bait as a crappie, unless it was in proper context. Those contexts are what we fishers work so hard to find. Tough to do in a world that exists pretty much out of our sight.
Now... once the proper context is found, and the presentation parameters defined (dialed in), then maybe a finish that mimics the exact prey (keeping lighting in mind, as fish are chameleons, lures are not) could help. But... (once again!) that's a tall order and one that might be as apt to be covered with a certain "bluegill"-colored bait as any "crappie"-colored bait.
On 11/5/2019 at 2:33 AM, MIbassyaker said:
You assume bass preferences are the main factor determining what lure-makers produce. Rather, lure-makers produce more of whatever anglers buy.
Berkley labs confronted this dilemma a number of years back when developing a crayfish bait -- they discovered in their own tank experiments that bass showed a reliable preference for baits with no appendages, compared to baits with legs and claws. But they ultimately didn't produce the particular lure design the study showed bass would prefer because they didn't think anybody would buy it. Instead, the research was used to inform their design of a tube bait, a lure design more familiar to anglers. The story is famous enough that it is frequently recounted in books and articles, such as this bassmaster article on crayfish: https://www.bassmaster.com/understanding-bass-forage-crawfish
Fast-forward several years and the ned rig is now all the rage...
Crossed in cyperspace! ^^Downright pithy. ????
WRB reply :
I have gone as deep as I can on this topic, apparently too deep.
Peace,
Tom
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
I think at one point Huddleston make 4” crappie swimbait, I almost buy one, but from my understanding bluegill pattern work better. I almost have one of my Gantarel JR. repainted as crappie pattern. Here is why.
I have caught a few on LC jerkbait with crappie pattern but caught a lot more on bluegill pattern.
MIbassyaker reply :
On 11/5/2019 at 2:42 AM, Paul Roberts said:There are several manufacturers with crappie finishes out there. I have a few; One happens to be a favorite, but not bc it has a crappie finish. I think the lure finish/color is relatively unimportant compared to the overall context in which a bass, or group of bass, happen to find vulnerable crappie prey. In many cases a BG, Shad, or even a chartreuse bait could suffice. In some instances, hot pink can be a killer. In other words, I don't think bass would see a crappie-colored as a crappie, unless it was in proper context. Those contexts are what we fishers work so hard to find. Tough to do in a world that exists pretty much out of our sight.
Now... once the proper context is found, and the presentation parameters defined (dialed in), then maybe a finish that mimics the exact prey (keeping lighting in mind, as fish are chameleons, lures are not) could help. But... (once again!) that's a tall order and one that might be as apt to be covered with a certain "bluegill"-colored bait as any "crappie"-colored bait.
Crossed in cyperspace! ^^Downright pithy. ????
And there's also the matter of whether the features we think make a bait "look" like a crappie are the same features bass are keying in on if/when they register crappie as prey. Profile, brightness, reflectance, contrast, and general countershading (dark back/light belly) for instance, may do just as much (or more) of the heavy lifting in bass' ability to distinguish prey from non-prey than color, or more complex visual patterns.
Moreover, when an angler changes lure colors and sees an increase or decrease in strikes, it may not actually be the color change that is making the difference-- it could be subtle change in one or more of those other factors (brightness, contrast, et al.) that we don't really pay attention to or notice (or possibly cannot see at all, at least from our vantage point above the water)
Brad Reams reply :
On 11/5/2019 at 2:33 AM, MIbassyaker said:
You assume bass preferences are the main factor determining what lure-makers produce. Rather, lure-makers produce more of whatever anglers buy.
Berkley labs confronted this dilemma a number of years back when developing a crayfish bait -- they discovered in their own tank experiments that bass showed a reliable preference for baits with no appendages, compared to baits with legs and claws. But they ultimately didn't produce the particular lure design the study showed bass would prefer because they didn't think anybody would buy it. Instead, the research was used to inform their design of a tube bait, a lure design more familiar to anglers. The story is famous enough that it is frequently recounted in books and articles, such as this bassmaster article on crayfish: https://www.bassmaster.com/understanding-bass-forage-crawfish
Fast-forward several years and the ned rig is now all the rage...
Crappie crankbaits are indeed hard to find -- I run across the bandit one occasionally in stores, but very rarely.
I do realize that mostly it's humans make the choices not really the bass.
I'd still think that CRAPPIE pattern would sell, be popular, etc., but a unicorn maybe easier to locate.
interesting info about the appendages.....Thx
On 11/5/2019 at 3:12 AM, Bass_Fishing_Socal said:I think at one point Huddleston make 4” crappie swimbait, I almost buy one, but from my understanding bluegill pattern work better. I almost have one of my Gantarel JR. repainted as crappie pattern. Here is why.
I have caught a few on LC jerkbait with crappie pattern but caught a lot more on bluegill pattern.
like whoa!!!!! perfect example of what I'm talking about!!
thanks for sharing
a Bluegill pattern is common I get it.
I just don't understand why a crappie pattern wouldn't be almost or as popular as BG pattern.
the # of choices for BG pattern vs Crappie are opposite ends of the spectrum.
I still haven't seen answer that I'd say convinces me why.
LonnieP reply :
Spro offers a Crappie colored crankbait called Cellmate. A Cellmate colored Spro Little John is one of my top producers.
Brad Reams reply :
On 11/5/2019 at 3:49 AM, LonnieP said:Spro offers a Crappie colored crankbait called Cellmate. A Cellmate colored Spro Little John is one of my top producers.
Cell mate HA! i get it now.. funny way to describe a Crappie pattern.
You sold me! Freckle crankbait is what I want
Tizi reply :
6th Sense makes crappie colored cranks.
GReb reply :
Most bass I’ve seen eat crappie were in the shallows pre spawn. Common sense would tell you they eat them year round but crappie suspend in deep water most of the year making them a tougher target for bass and also harder for us to imitate. Generally Shad patterns are close. Silvers with blue and chart do a nice job imitating Shad and small crappie. Crappie are 6-8 inches after 2 years so they get a little big for most bass to eat.
I fish some great crappie lakes loaded with numbers and generally have more success with bluegill and craw colors.
Paul Roberts reply :
On 11/5/2019 at 3:38 AM, Brad Reams said:I just don't understand why a crappie pattern wouldn't be almost or as popular as BG pattern.
...
I still haven't seen answer that I'd say convinces me why.
See WRB's post above. He describes some general differences between crappies and bluegills contexts -how the bass might "see" them.
Again, just bc a chunk of wood or plastic is painted like a crappie doesn't mean it says "crappie" to the bass.
Dirtyeggroll reply :
This little guy wanted a crappie!
Spankey reply :
Good/Great post. I’ve fished the Bomber Model “A” crappie and Bandit 100 & 200 for many years. Good baits. Good pattern but I don’t think Mr. Bass is hitting because it looks like a crappie. More of a reactionary strike.
Bluebasser86 reply :
One of my most popular bladed jig patterns is my crappie color. Bass, and especially big largemouth, love to eat crappie.
scaleface reply :
One of my more successful crankbaits is a crappie patterned Deep Wee R .
Brad Reams reply :
On 11/5/2019 at 9:52 PM, Dirtyeggroll said:This little guy wanted a crappie!
very impressive!
On 11/5/2019 at 7:07 AM, Paul Roberts said:See WRB's post above. He describes some general differences between crappies and bluegills contexts -how the bass might "see" them.
Again, just bc a chunk of wood or plastic is painted like a crappie doesn't mean it says "crappie" to the bass.
in theory a CRAPPIE pattern should be THE most popular pattern, I understand that idea.
BUT mostly it's a RARE pattern, but seems increasing now in popularity
jimmyjoe reply :
One thing must be taken into account: manufacturers don't JUST make lures to catch fish. If they want to stay in business, they make lures to catch fishermen. Bluegill are very visible, all year long. They occupy the margins, where most bass fishing is concentrated. And fishermen are usually mindful of them. Crappie are less visible, and therefore brought to mind less often. Bass eat both. So what's a company going to do? They're going to make bluegill patterns, that's what. Out of the two, it's the most visible pattern to the FISHERMAN. I don't blame them, not at all. As long as I can get my Bandit 200 crappie pattern, that is. ☺️ jj
Brad Reams reply :
On 11/6/2019 at 11:54 PM, jimmyjoe said:Crappie are less visible, and therefore brought to mind less often.
hmmmmmmmmm......not sure if I can believe that statement.
jimmyjoe reply :
On 11/7/2019 at 1:55 AM, Brad Reams said:hmmmmmmmmm......not sure if I can believe that statement.
I forgot to look where you were located. I should have said, "... Crappie are less visible the places I've been ..." Obviously, I haven't been everywhere. Sorry about that. ???? jj
WRB reply :
The topic of crappie with bass anglers is fasinating IMO.
Every lake in California that has Largemouth bass populations also has both bluegill and black crappie stocked initial along with the bass. Yet talking to bass anglers few know the lakes they fish have a crappie population. Some know because they catch a few accidentally or see a crappie in the throat of a bass. We have very few crappie fisherman in most lakes with few exceptions. Crappie populations fluctuate greatly in our local lakes because the water levels are not stable and suitable spawning areas go down with the water level.
Do you know anything about the crappie spawn? You should know about all the prey fish bass eat including crappie. Crappie spawn before LMB in areas with brush and hard bottoms, they like wood cover. Crappie make beds like bluegill, protect the nest like bass and usually have 1 major spawn cycle when the water is 55-62 degrees in water around 2'-3' deep.
Have you ever heard of "coach dog" color bass lures? Very popular crappie immatation color that been around for decades.
Tom
FishTank reply :
I have a few crappie color baits and they are hit and miss but this one came on my radar and I will try it out this weekend. It will probably be my last outing this year. Hope it hits on something big.
Log Catcher reply :
On 11/6/2019 at 9:29 PM, scaleface said:One of my more successful crankbaits is a crappie patterned Deep Wee R .
I have some of the old Rebel Deep Wee R baits in naturalized crappie color. If you didn't catch fish on that you might as well go home, you weren't going to catch anything. I wish that color was still available.
Dorado reply :
On 11/7/2019 at 9:15 AM, FishTank said:I have a few crappie color baits and they are hit and miss but this one came on my radar and I will try it out this weekend. It will probably be my last outing this year. Hope it hits on something big.
Good luck! Please share the make and model of that bad boy. Starting my list to Santa.....
FishTank reply :
On 11/8/2019 at 2:07 AM, Dorado said:Good luck! Please share the make and model of that bad boy. Starting my list to Santa.....
FishLab is the name brand but it's owned, I think, by Okuma. I found it Dicks Sporting Goods for $10 (regular price). I figured a swimbait of sorts for $10, why not.
Brad Reams reply :
On 11/7/2019 at 8:44 AM, WRB said:The topic of crappie with bass anglers is fasinating IMO.
Every lake in California that has Largemouth bass populations also has both bluegill and black crappie stocked initial along with the bass. Yet talking to bass anglers few know the lakes they fish have a crappie population. Some know because they catch a few accidentally or see a crappie in the throat of a bass. We have very few crappie fisherman in most lakes with few exceptions. Crappie populations fluctuate greatly in our local lakes because the water levels are not stable and suitable spawning areas go down with the water level.
Do you know anything about the crappie spawn? You should know about all the prey fish bass eat including crappie. Crappie spawn before LMB in areas with brush and hard bottoms, they like wood cover. Crappie make beds like bluegill, protect the nest like bass and usually have 1 major spawn cycle when the water is 55-62 degrees in water around 2'-3' deep.
Have you ever heard of "coach dog" color bass lures? Very popular crappie immatation color that been around for decades.
Tom
very informative, "coach dog"?? nope I'll have to look it up. Thanks
The Crappie I've been catching lately have roe.
But like you said the major spawn is the spring, and minor Fall spawn.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 11/7/2019 at 9:15 AM, FishTank said:I have a few crappie color baits and they are hit and miss but this one came on my radar and I will try it out this weekend. It will probably be my last outing this year. Hope it hits on something big.
On 11/8/2019 at 2:07 AM, Dorado said:Good luck! Please share the make and model of that bad boy. Starting my list to Santa.....
I have the 5" version in a bluegill pattern. It has to be fished very slowly or it wants to roll. I'd like to try the unrigged version and see how it swims. They make a bluegill wake that I've been fishing this summer that's been killing it and it's under $20.
Crestliner2008 reply :
While crappie fishing this past spring I had a 3 lb. LM grab and hold onto my 10" crappie. He wouldn't let go until I almost had my thumb in his jaw. Both fish released <ralatively> unharmed. 
Like most predatory species, bass will take advantage of ANY easy meal. By nature, it has to.
fishballer06 reply :
Brad Reams reply :
found this Tuesday after 2 hours of looking in Sportsmans Warehouse. They had this and 1 Luckycraft in Crappie pattern, unreal! no Cellmate Spro's
$10 but USA made
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