For the amount of Black Crappie vested in Maine, there is very little fishing pressure on them. Low pressure equals an abundance of fish. When fishing for Maine Crappie think light. Light action rods and light line. Most of us know how many Maine Lakes and Ponds hold Maine Black Crappie. If you are an avid fisherman, Maine Black Crappies are usually a by-catch. The thing is, Maine Crappie fishing can be down right exciting. With the number of people targeting Maine Crappie as low as it is, you can expect the abundance to continue.

Known as Specs down south, Crappie are a schooling fish. Much like White Perch, when one is found, many others are likely to follow. While visiting my Southern friend, Whi Willie, he showed me some of the finer points of southern style crappie/spec fishing. Whi would take me into grass to jig fish for Specks. You can call them Crappie if you like, but I will advise you to call them Specs while your down South. You will be corrected less often. Whi would say to me"You Northeners call them Crappie, but down here we call them Specs." He would then spit his chew in disgust. He would say this every time I said Crappie. It almost became a game. I would call them Specks for a while, then, I would blurt out Crappie. The same oration would result "You Northeners call them crappie, but down here we call them Specks." Then the spit. I bet he rehearsed this in his sleep. I had fun with it. I don't know if he did.

Getting back to Maine Speck fishing, I mean Maine Crappie, you have to be used to jigging in cover with extremely small jig heads. Jig heads should be no larger than a 1/16th ounce. More typically a 1/32 or 1/64 will do a good gig. Another important point is line size. Two pound test line loaded on an ultra light pole will do you wonders when targeting the Maine Crappie. But all jigs are not the same.

You want a jig that lies level. If it doesn't, than position the knot so that it will. Whi gave me a few of his jig heads to bring north. He fishes them on quick release clasp. He can do this because his jigs have a center of gravity that is aligned with the jig's eye. This enables the jig to lie level when no action is exerted on it. It also allows the jig to appear to swim up and swim down when the pole tip is moved up and down. This swimming action will drive the Maine Crappie, I mean Maine Specs, nuts.

With a balanced jig head, the jig head is designed with some additional weight forward to compensate for the weight of the hook. The design is to balance the weight on the center of the eyelet.

A regular jig head has the weight of the hook dragging its tail down.

To compensate for this, slide the knot to the right side of the eyelet. This will keep the jig level and running true. Make sure to check it after each dip because the knot will easily slide forward with the slightest snag or nip.

Fishing for Maine Crappie takes a little getting used to. You aren't fishing for Bass. Maine Black Crappie have much smaller mouths that are easily torn. Do not set the hook like a Pro Bass Angler when you are fishing for Maine Crappie. You have to be gentle but firm. I like to use a light action rod when targeting Maine crappie. I get more fun out of it and it is guaranteed to be easy on the Maine Black Crappie's mouth.

If this is your first time targeting Maine Crappie, start out with a 1/8th once jig head and four pound test line. I know I said 1/116th before, but a 1/8th jig head is easier to handle. Work your way to a 1/32nd as you get comfortable with the light line and jigs. The higher strength line may account for fewer strikes, but it will insure enough power to pull them out of weeds. You get used to it. Work your way down to smaller jigs and lines once your confidence comes up. And remember, tip up upon the strike. Let your rod do the work. If you have chosen a light action rod, set the drag fairly high. The rod will do all the work.

Maine Crappie do not run too far. They are persistent and will make four or five dives as you pull them towards the boat, but reel slowly and let the rod do the work. Your landing rate will be significantly higher this way.

Another important factor in your success is the bait. For first timers use the smallest live bait you can get your hands on. If the bait is too small for a 1/8th jig head, down size to a 1/16th. We are talking ultra light gear here.

For Spring, target areas that go from 0 to 40 feet rather abruptly. The magic depth is usually around twenty-five feet. Target shelves, steep embankments and points. I like to use the 1/8th jig head for going this deep and two pound test line. It enables the jig to reach target depths faster. Try to pitch away from the boat and use a long rod if possible. Crappie rods from eight to ten feet are available from Cabela's. They are a little stiff for my liking but work fine if worked gently. There is nothing wrong with using a fly rod for this type of fishing. Its smooth action may give you an edge. The casting may be a little tricky, but you'll figure it out.

I can see it now. L.L. Bean offering a free crappie fly fishing rod with every Polar Craft Boat purchase. Wouldn't that be a kick!

Getting back to the Maine Crappie. When the water begins to warm, just around 72* to 73*, the Maine Crappie will get an urge to spawn. Maine Crappie will begin to move shallow and set up next to vegetation that will hold on to there sticky eggs till hatched. So look for them in shallow water or where the under water weed beds are thick. The trick here is to know the difference between a snag and a hit. If you are an experienced angler, it won't take long. If you are an inexperienced angler, there is no better place to start than here.

Spawning Crappie are very defensive and will attack your jig quickly. Raise your rod when you feel the tap. They almost hook themselves, but you have to be quick. The larger the Maine Crappie the better. But you have to get through the small ones to reach the large ones. If the weather is warm, make sure to place them on ice so that their fillets remain fresh.

Good luck on the water. And remember, it is more than just a crap shoot when it comes to Maine Crappie.

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