Hey, fellow anglers! Welcome to my best crappie lures review.
I spent an entire week researching and testing 20 of the most popular crappie lures and combined my 10-plus years of crappie fishing experience to come up with my top picks for crappie lures.
These crappie lures blew the competition out of the water (pun intended).
You don’t have to read through every review on Amazon or go to your local tackle shop to get out on the water and start catching crappie. Choose one of these crappie lures, and you’ll get a proven lure to help you catch more fish.
Ready to get off the computer and catch crappie?
Let’s go!
Best Crappie Lures – Comparison Table
Best Crappie Lures Reviewed
Below are my honest reviews for the best crappie lures.
Berkley PBBPT Glow/Chartreuse 1-Pack
In my experience, this Berkley PBBPT Glow/Chartreuse 1-Pack is worth considering for anglers seeking an effective and durable crappie lure.
Pros
- Highly visible glow feature
- Easy to use and less messy
- Slowly dissolves, dispersing a scent cloud
Cons
- Not ideal for forming shapes
- May dry out if not properly stored
- Potentially strong odor
When I first used the Berkley PBBPT Glow/Chartreuse 1-Pack, I was drawn to its glowing formula, which provided better visual attraction from a greater distance. I appreciated that these petite, preformed nibbles were easy to use with minimal mess. They didn’t float, making them an excellent choice for tipping jigs or filling tubes.
As I continued using this crappie lure, I noticed it dissolved slowly in the water, dispersing an appealing scent cloud that attracted crappies and other panfish. However, I found it difficult to form shapes with this bait, and it was prone to crumbling. This wasn’t a dealbreaker for me, but it’s something to be aware of.
One other aspect I noticed about the Berkley PBBPT Glow/Chartreuse 1-Pack was its potentially strong smell. While it didn’t bother me too much, other anglers with a sensitive nose might find it offputting. Additionally, this bait could dry out if not properly stored, so be sure to keep it in its container when not in use.
In conclusion, I believe that the Berkley PBBPT Glow/Chartreuse 1-Pack has its benefits, such as its high visibility, easy-to-use design, and scent dispersion abilities. However, keep in mind its drawbacks, such as difficulties in forming shapes and its strong smell. Overall, I’d recommend this product to anglers seeking an alternative to live bait when targeting crappie and other panfish.
Bobby Garland Crappie Baits 2″ Blue Ice
I recommend the Bobby Garland Crappie Baits 2″ Blue Ice for consistent catches and durability.
Pros
- Effective at enticing crappie
- Durable and long-lasting
- Versatile for casting, boating, and other fishing techniques
Cons
- Contains chemicals that may cause health issues
- Limited color options
- May require additional accessories, like jig heads or hooks
After trying out the Bobby Garland Crappie Baits 2″ Blue Ice, I found that these lures were highly effective at enticing crappie and provided consistent catches. The solid body construction gives them durability, while the thin spear-tail offers a tantalizing presentation that ensures bites.
Not only are these baits effective, but they are also quite versatile. I successfully used them in various fishing techniques, such as casting and boating. The 2″ size makes them a suitable choice for targeting crappie without being too cumbersome.
However, one downside to the Bobby Garland Crappie Baits is that they contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. This may be a concern for some anglers, so it’s essential to consider this detail before purchasing. Additionally, the color options are relatively limited, with Blue Ice being the primary focus. Finally, these baits may require additional accessories like jig heads or hooks to be fully utilized, which could be an inconvenience for some users.
Overall, the Bobby Garland Crappie Baits 2″ Blue Ice offers a reliable and effective lure option for targeting crappie. Despite the drawbacks, their performance and durability make them worth considering for anglers seeking consistent crappie catches.
FLE-FLY Crappie Kickers Soft Plastic Baits
I recommend FLE-FLY Crappie Kickers for their lifelike, irresistible tail action, perfect for catching crappie and other fish species.
Pros
- Lifelike tail action irresistible to fish
- Versatile for various fish species
- Durable and well-made soft plastic baits
Cons
- Requires additional jig head for optimal use
- Might not be as effective in certain fishing environments
- Limited color options
I recently tried FLE-FLY Crappie Kickers Soft Plastic Baits, and their unique straight tail action caught my attention right away. The tail droops behind the body when held to the side, but as soon as it’s in the water, it floats up and dances with every tiny water movement and twitch of my fishing rod. It’s hard to find a lure that mimics live bait this well.
The Crappie Kickers are not only great for crappies but also versatile enough to attract other fish species like bass, perch, and trout. Pairing them with Fle Fly’s Big Eye jig head makes for a highly effective fishing combination. These soft plastic baits are well-made, durable, and hold up well under various fishing conditions.
However, I noticed that the Crappie Kickers might not be as effective in certain environments – sometimes, I needed to switch up my bait choice depending on the water conditions. Additionally, while they offer some color options to choose from, I would have liked to see a wider variety to cater to different fish preferences.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a crappie lure with a lifelike minnow action and versatility to target other species, FLE-FLY Crappie Kickers Soft Plastic Baits are worth considering. They deliver excellent performance, and with their enticing tail action, fish can’t resist taking a bite.
MITOBASS Crappie Lures 60Pcs Kit
This MITOBASS kit is a great buy for crappie fishing enthusiasts looking for quality lures and jig heads at a reasonable price.
Pros
- 50 lures in 5 effective colors
- 10 jigheads with 360° spinning willow leaf blades
- Comprehensive kit at a budget-friendly price
Cons
- Hooks may bend easily
- Limited to crappie and panfish targets
- Not suitable for all fishing conditions
Recently, I decided to try out the MITOBASS Crappie Lures 60Pcs Kit for my crappie fishing adventures. As someone who enjoys crappie fishing, I was pleasantly surprised with the variety and effectiveness of the lures and jigheads included.
The package comes with 50 2″ baby shad in five different colors. The imitation fish design and subtle darting action proved to be efficient in attracting crappie, panfish, and other similar fish species. In addition to the lures, 10 big-eye jigheads with 360° spinning willow leaf blades enhance visibility, making them great for dimly lit or murky water conditions.
However, I did notice that the hooks may bend easily when reeling in fish. Despite this, I found that being mindful of the pressure applied when bringing fish in helped avoid excessive bending.
This MITOBASS Crappie Lures Kit is an excellent option for anglers targeting crappie and panfish. While the hooks’ durability leaves room for improvement, the lure and jighead variety and affordable price make this kit a great addition to anyone’s tackle box.
YZD Silverside Minnow Crappie Jig 12pcs 05 3Color Mix
I highly recommend the YZD Silverside Minnow Crappie Jigs for their remarkable lifelike design and effective fish-attracting features.
Pros
- Realistic miler material body
- Flashing reflection for attracting fish
- Sharp #8 hook for secure catches
Cons
- Smaller size may not be suitable for all anglers
- Paint on the jig head can be a bit gunky
- May not be heavy enough for ice fishing
In my experience, the YZD Silverside Minnow Crappie Jigs have proven to be quite effective in attracting fish due to their lifelike appearance. The body is made from a miler material that feels just like a real bait, and the flashing reflection helps draw fish’s attention, making it easier to get bites.
These jigs also come equipped with fine and sharp #8 hooks, ensuring a more secure catch once you get a bite. Their compact size, with a 1.5-inch length and 1/32oz weight, makes them versatile and suitable for catching even smaller fish. It’s an excellent value, with a pack of 12 jigs included in the purchase.
However, the smaller size may not be ideal for all anglers, so it’s essential to consider your preferences when purchasing these jigs. Additionally, while I’ve found the jig heads to be generally well-made, there can be some inconsistency with the paint quality, making them appear a bit gunky up close.
Another aspect to be aware of is that these jigs may not be the best choice for ice fishing due to their lighter weight, as some users have reported difficulties in getting them to sink properly.
Overall, I firmly believe that the YZD Silverside Minnow Crappie Jigs are a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box, particularly for their realistic design and effective fish attraction. However, it’s essential to be aware of their smaller size and potential limitations in certain fishing scenarios.
XFISHMAN Shad Dart Jig Heads
These Shad Dart Jig Heads are a must-have for any angler targeting crappie, bass, or other predatory fish, thanks to their unique design and incredible fish-attracting features.
Pros
- Unique design combining multiple lure features.
- Effective fish-attracting vibration and flash.
- Sharp and strong hooks.
Cons
- Some hooks might be flimsy.
- Paint can chip and conceal hook hole.
- A few spinners might have missing eyes.
I recently used the XFISHMAN Shad Dart Jig Heads and the experience was nothing short of remarkable. The combination of a spinnerbait’s flash, a bucktail jig’s attraction, and the profile of a Shad Dart made it incredibly effective in luring various predatory fish.
What stood out for me was the unique design of these jigs, which combines a conical shape and beveled head with an indiana under spinner blade. This combination creates an irresistible swim pattern and great vibration, forcing even lethargic fish to bite. Additionally, the oversized eyes, hand-tied premium dyed deer hair, and crystal flash add much-needed attraction to the lure.
While using the XFISHMAN Shad Dart Jig Heads, I noticed that the lazer-sharp hooks were quite strong and featured a unique bend that maximizes the power of your hook set. This made it easy for me to reel in my catches with confidence.
However, I must mention a few drawbacks I encountered with these lures. Some of the hooks were a bit flimsy and bent easily while tying a tail. Also, the paint tended to chip off, sometimes concealing the hook hole. Lastly, I noticed that a few spinners had missing eyes, which might affect their overall appeal to fish.
Despite these minor issues, I still believe the XFISHMAN Shad Dart Jig Heads are an excellent choice for anglers targeting crappie, bass, walleye, and other predatory fish. They’re easy to use and highly effective at attracting fish, making them a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box.
Bombite Crappie Jigs Lures Kit
This Bombite Crappie Jigs Lures Kit is an excellent choice for anglers looking to catch crappie with versatile and vibrant lures.
Pros
- Strong and sharp high carbon steel hooks
- Variety of crappie lures for different environments
- Bright colors and 3D eyes for realistic swimming action
Cons
- Hooks may be too strong for smaller fish
- Some lures might not suit all water conditions
- Limited size options (1/16 oz and 1/8 oz)
I recently used the Bombite Crappie Jigs Lures Kit while fishing in a lake with a healthy population of crappie. The high carbon steel hooks were incredibly strong and sharp, which made it easier to secure my catch without losing any fish due to weak hooks. Plus, the barb design at the bottom of the hooks increased the probability of catching my target fish.
The variety of crappie lures included in the kit allowed me to adapt my approach based on the environment and water conditions. I appreciated the presence of spinner blades on some lures, as they added flash and vibration to attract fish better. The bright colors and 3D eyes on the jig heads made them look quite realistic and certainly seemed to capture the attention of the crappie.
However, I noticed that the hooks can be too strong for smaller fish, potentially causing injury. Additionally, some of the included lures might not work well in all water conditions, meaning you may need to supplement the kit with other lures. Lastly, the kit only offers two size options (1/16 oz and 1/8 oz), which may not be suitable for every angler’s preference or crappie size.
Overall, the Bombite Crappie Jigs Lures Kit is a solid investment for anyone looking to catch crappie and offers a variety of lures that can attract fish effectively. Just keep in mind the potential drawbacks and consider supplementing the kit with other lure options if needed.
Dovesun 110pcs Crappie Lures with Jig Heads
As an avid angler, I highly recommend the Dovesun Crappie Lures kit for its variety, effectiveness, and value for money.
Pros
- Wide range of soft lures and jig heads
- Six different lure colors, including glow-in-the-dark options
- Portable and organized storage box
Cons
- Jig heads may be smaller than expected
- Box closure can be difficult at times
- Possible inconsistent quality of hooks
During my fishing trips, I’ve found the Dovesun Crappie Lures kit to be an excellent addition to my tackle box. The variety of soft lures, including grub, paddle tail, and split tail baits, offers versatility for different fishing conditions and target species. With 80pcs of bait in total and a range of jig head sizes, I appreciate having options suited for various situations.
What sets this kit apart from others is the inclusion of glow-in-the-dark lures. The added visibility in low light or murky water conditions has proven to be beneficial in attracting fish like crappie, bass, and trout. These glowing lures have helped me reel in more fish during dawn, dusk, and night-time fishing expeditions.
The Dovesun Crappie Lures kit also comes in a portable and well-organized storage box, making it easy to find and select the appropriate lure and jig head for each fishing scenario. However, I did experience some difficulty closing the box on occasion, which could be improved.
One minor drawback I’ve noticed is that the jig heads may be smaller than expected, making them more suitable for catching smaller fish. Additionally, the quality of the hooks could be inconsistent at times, with some being less sharp than others.
Overall, I believe the Dovesun Crappie Lures kit is a worthy investment for anglers looking to expand their lure collection and tackle a variety of fishing situations. The assortment of bait types, colors, and glow-in-the-dark options gives you the tools necessary to attract a variety of gamefish and make your fishing trips more successful.
Jiatai Fishing 50Pcs Crappie Jigs Lure Set
This Jiatai Fishing Crappie Lure set is worth considering for its variety, lifelike design, and durable materials while keeping in mind the color accuracy and plastic strength.
Pros
- Variety of lures and sizes for different situations
- Lifelike design and realistic color patterns
- Durable rubber material and lead jig heads
Cons
- Colors might be slightly off from the pictures
- Plastic can be weak and less durable
- Needs improvement in hook-up rate
I recently used the Jiatai Fishing Crappie Lure Set during one of my fishing trips, and I found the variety of lures and jig heads to be impressive. The set comes with 40pcs 2″ crappie lures and 10pcs crappie jigs with spinners in two sizes, which enhances my chances of attracting crappie and other fish.
The lifelike design and realistic double color patterns on these lures are a bonus, as they can imitate the appearance of small fish and create a darting action similar to fleeing baitfish. However, the colors might be slightly different from what’s shown in the pictures, which I noticed on some of the lures.
Another advantage of this set is that it uses high-quality rubber material and lead jig heads, making it eco-friendly and non-toxic to my target fish. But, during my fishing experience, I noticed that the plastic on a few lures was weak and less durable than I expected, so you might have to replace them sooner.
The Jiatai Fishing Crappie Lure Set has a lot to offer for anglers looking to attract crappie and other fish. However, some minor improvements in the color accuracy and strength of the plastic could make it an even better option. Overall, it’s still worth considering this set because of its variety, lifelike design, and durable materials.
XFISHMAN Crappie Jigs and Lures Kit
This XFISHMAN Crappie Jigs and Lures Kit is a must-have collection for crappie anglers looking for versatility and convenience in their tackle box.
Pros
- Wide range of colors and jig head sizes
- Unique split tail design for effective lure action
- Big eye jig heads with added spinner for enhanced fish attraction
Cons
- Some plastic baits may be too large for certain crappie fishing situations
- Price point might be a concern for some anglers
- Lack of compactness in storage due to the sheer number of pieces
Having recently used the XFISHMAN Crappie Jigs and Lures Kit, I was impressed by the variety in both colors and jig head sizes. The split tail design on the plastic baits ensures excellent swimming action at various speeds, making it an appealing option for targeting not just crappie, but also panfish, bream, perch, and trout.
The big-eye jig heads in the kit come with an added spinner – an Indiana blade, which offers a unique combination of flash and thump that entices lethargic fish to bite. With a total of 40 pieces in the set, there’s plenty of choice and value-packed into this kit.
However, some of the plastic baits may exceed an inch in length, which might be too large for certain crappie fishing situations. Additionally, the price point could be a concern for budget-conscious anglers. Lastly, due to the number of pieces in this set, it can be a challenge to maintain tidiness and compactness in storage.
Overall, I believe the XFISHMAN Crappie Jigs and Lures Kit is an excellent investment for anglers who demand versatility and effectiveness in their tackle. Despite its minor shortcomings, the range of options and unique lure designs make it a valuable addition to any crappie angler’s arsenal.
Bobby Garland Hyper Grub
This Bobby Garland Hyper Grub is an excellent pick for those in search of a reliable and dynamic Crappie lure.
Pros
- Effective hyper tail action
- Unique new laminate colors
- Comes in a pack of 18
Cons
- May tear easily
- Limited color options in one pack
- May not work for all fishing environments
I recently tried the Bobby Garland Hyper Grub while fishing for Crappie, and I’m pleased with the performance of this lure. The unique tail action coupled with the small-profile grub body really brings the bait to life with the slightest lure movement, enticing fish to bite.
The new laminate colors in this series make these lures even more attractive to Crappies, helping improve my catch rate. The pack of 18 provides me with a good supply of lures for multiple fishing trips, ensuring I won’t run out anytime soon.
One downside I noticed is that the material seems to be a bit fragile, and the tails can tear easily if not handled carefully. Additionally, with only one color option per pack, it would be nice to have more variety to adapt to different fishing conditions and preferences. That being said, the Pink Cotton Candy color worked well for me.
In conclusion, the Bobby Garland Hyper Grub Curly-Tail Swim-Bait is an effective and attractive choice for Crappie fishing, though it does come with a few minor drawbacks. I would recommend giving it a try, and perhaps complementing it with other lures to cover various fishing situations.
How to Choose the Best Crappie Lure
When selecting the best crappie lures, I need to consider several factors to optimize my angling success. Here’s what I look for while making my choices:
- Lure type: The type of lure is crucial for catching crappie. Different lure types like jigs, spinners, and minnows cater to varying fishing conditions. I need to identify the right lure type depending on the water depth, weather, and crappie feeding behavior.
- Size and Weight: Choosing the right size and weight of the crappie lure is essential. I prefer selecting lightweight and smaller lures as crappie are attracted to these. However, it is a good idea to have different sizes and weights available to adapt to changing conditions.
- Color and Vibrancy: Crappie are attracted to bright colors and patterns, so I make sure to choose lures that are easily visible in the water. I tend to opt for colors like yellow, chartreuse, and white for visibility, but it’s good to have a variety of colors on hand based on water clarity and lighting conditions.
Features to Consider
There are a few essential features I consider when selecting the best crappie lure:
- Shape: I tend to select lures that mimic the shape of crappie’s natural prey like small fish or insects. A lifelike lure shape is crucial for getting the attention of crappie and enticing them to bite.
- Action: The way a lure moves in the water is essential for catching crappie. I look for lures with a realistic swimming motion that mimics the natural swimmers they eat, which increases the chances of a bite.
- Hooks: I make sure to select crappie lures with sharp and durable hooks, as this is critical to hooking the fish successfully. It is ideal to have strong, corrosion-resistant hooks to ensure long-lasting performance while fishing.
In conclusion, when choosing the best crappie lures, I base my decision on the lure type, size, weight, color, vibrancy, shape, action, and hooks. This ensures that I’m well-equipped to make the most of my fishing experience and increase my chances of catching crappie.
Common Questions Related to Crappie Lures
Best jig head size?
In my experience, the ideal jig head size for crappie fishing is between 1/16 and 1/8 ounces. Smaller jig heads can also work, but the mentioned range offers a good balance of casting distance and bait action.
Top colors for crappie?
I have found that crappie is attracted to a variety of colors. Some of my favorites include chartreuse, pink, white, and black. Combinations such as chartreuse and pink or white and black can also be very effective.
Ideal plastic baits?
When it comes to plastic baits for crappie, I have had the most success with tube jigs, curly tail grubs, and paddle tail swimbaits. These baits provide enticing movements that crappie find irresistible.
Effective homemade lures?
I have experimented with creating homemade crappie lures using materials like feathers, beads, and yarn. Simple marabou jigs and hair jigs made with craft store materials can be both cost-effective and productive.
Popular crappie brands?
Some popular crappie lure brands that I trust include Mr. Crappie, Bobby Garland, Strike King, and Berkley. Their products have consistently proven to be effective in catching crappie.
Seasonal lure choice?
Choosing the right lure for different seasons is crucial. During the spring and fall, I prefer using smaller baits like tube jigs and curly tail grubs. In the summer months, I often switch to slightly larger paddle tail swimbaits to target more aggressive crappie. Winter fishing can be challenging, but small spoons and ice jigs are my go-to choices during this time.
For more info on crappie fishing, check out the pages below:
