Mississippi Solo Crappie Charter: Beginner-Friendly

Published Date: October 10, 2025
Fishing

Mississippi
$370 - $600 price range

Summary

Get ready for a day of crappie fishing on Mississippi's top lakes with expert guide Jason Collins. This 8-hour solo charter is perfect for beginners looking to learn the ropes or lone anglers wanting a personalized experience. You'll hit prime spots on Sardis, Grenada, Enid, or Arkabutla Lake in a comfortable 22-foot Ranger boat. Jason provides all the gear and bait, plus hands-on instruction to help you land some fish. Whether you're after your first catch or aiming to improve your technique, this trip offers one-on-one attention and local knowledge. It's a great way to explore Mississippi's waters and hopefully reel in some crappie. By the end of the day, you'll have picked up new skills and gotten a taste of the state's excellent lake fishing. Pack your sunscreen and prepare for a full day on the water – Jason's got everything else covered.

Mississippi Solo Crappie Charter: Beginner-Friendly

Crappie Catch of the Day

7 white crappie fish caught at Pope location

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Crappie fishing fun in Mississippi

Top Mississippi fishing spots today

7 white crappie fish caught by 2 people in Pope

Enid Lake crappie charters

Solo Crappie Charter: Mississippi's Hidden Gems

Get ready for a one-on-one crappie fishing experience on Mississippi's best lakes. This 8-hour solo charter is perfect if you're new to fishing or just want to hone your skills with expert guidance. You'll be hitting the water with Jason Collins, a local pro who knows these lakes like the back of his hand. Whether you're dropping lines in Sardis, Grenada, Enid, or Arkabutla, you're in for a day of personalized instruction and prime fishing spots that most folks don't know about.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're on a sleek 22-foot Ranger 522z, rigged up and ready to go. Jason's got all the gear you need, so no worries if you're traveling light. He'll show you the ropes - from baiting your hook to reading the fish finder. These Mississippi lakes are crappie central, and Jason knows just where they're biting. You'll learn tricks of the trade that'll up your game, whether it's your first time holding a rod or you're looking to sharpen your skills. And the best part? It's just you and the guide, so you can ask all the questions you want without feeling rushed.

Crappie Tactics 101

Crappie fishing isn't just about dropping a line and hoping for the best. Jason will walk you through the whole process. You might start with some spider rigging, where you'll learn to manage multiple rods at once - it's like conducting an orchestra of fishing lines. Or maybe you'll try some jig fishing, working those brushpiles and stumps where the big slabs like to hide. Depending on the season and conditions, you might even get into some trolling. The lakes here in Mississippi have their own personalities, and Jason knows how to read them. He'll show you how to use live bait, jigs, and even how to work those fancy electronics to find where the fish are schooling up.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Crappie are the stars of the show on this trip, and for good reason. These tasty panfish are a blast to catch and even better on the dinner table. In Mississippi, you've got two main types to target: white crappie and black crappie. White crappie tend to be a bit bigger and prefer slightly murkier water. They've got vertical bars on their sides and love to hang out near submerged timber. Black crappie, on the other hand, are more spotted and usually stick to clearer water with plenty of vegetation. Both species can put up a fun fight on light tackle, and when you find a school, it's non-stop action. Spring is prime time for crappie fishing, especially during the spawn when they move into shallow water. But don't count out the rest of the year - Jason knows how to find them in every season. These fish can grow up to 2 pounds or more in Mississippi waters, so you've got a real shot at landing a slab worth bragging about.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing these Mississippi lakes that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the peaceful early mornings when the mist is rising off the water and the world's just waking up. Or it could be that moment when your rod bends and you feel the telltale tap-tap of a crappie on the line. For many, it's the satisfaction of learning new skills and seeing them pay off with a stringer full of fish. And let's not forget the stories - every trip with Jason is bound to leave you with at least one tale to tell back home. Whether it's about the one that got away or the personal best you landed, these are the memories that stick with you long after the trip is over.

Top Catches This Season

Mississippi's lakes have been on fire lately when it comes to crappie fishing. Anglers have been pulling in some real beauties, with many reporting catches over the 2-pound mark. Sardis Lake has been particularly hot, with reports of limits being caught in just a few hours of fishing. Over on Grenada, some folks have been having luck with larger jigs, landing crappie in the 14 to 16-inch range. Enid and Arkabutla aren't far behind, with consistent catches coming in all season long. Jason's been keeping tabs on all the hotspots, so you can bet he'll put you right where the action is. And remember, while catching fish is great, the real value is in learning how to find and catch them yourself - skills you'll take with you long after the trip is over.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on the water and learn from one of Mississippi's top crappie guides, now's the time to lock in your date. Jason's calendar fills up fast, especially during peak seasons. This solo trip is your chance to get one-on-one instruction tailored to your skill level and interests. Whether you're dreaming of filling the livewell with slab crappie or just want to spend a relaxing day improving your technique, this charter's got you covered. Remember, everything you need is included - from the high-end gear to Jason's wealth of local knowledge. All you need to bring is your enthusiasm and maybe a camera to capture your catch. Don't let another season slip by without experiencing some of the best crappie fishing Mississippi has to offer. Give Jason a call and get ready to make some waves (and catch some fish) on your next day off.

Learn more about the species

Crappie

Crappie (Poxomis)

Crappies are game fish and the largest members of the Centrarchidae family. They are present in nature as Black Crappie (Poxomis nigromaculatus) or and White Crappie (Poxomis annularus). Both the species are similar to each other, apart from few distinctions. White crappie will have vertical bars running the length of their body, and black crappie will have no discernible pattern and will just be speckled, hence their nickname, “specks". White crappie has 5-6 spines, and black crappie has 7-8 spines. Anglers often differentiate the two by body shapeGrenade Lake, Mississippi, and Reel foot Lake are considered among giant crappie lakes.

Crappie Habitat and Distribution

Both the crappies have a similar habitat, though black crappie prefers clearer water than white crappie. These fishes can be found in rivers, lakes, and backwater pools swimming in shallow waters or hiding among bushes, vegetation, or other covers.

Crappie Distribution Map — Crappie Map of Habitat

Crappie is native to Canada and the eastern States. It is a much-enjoyed game fish in North America and inhabits the Great Lakes, Hudson Bay, and the Mississippi River Basins.

Crappie Size and Weight

Crappie can be 7-12 inches long and weigh about 0.5-1 pounds.

Crappie Interesting Facts

Crappie is known for its tasty and white meat.

Both Poxomis nigromaculatus and Poxomis annularus are less active during the day.
Both the fishes have a different number of dorsal fin spines. White Crappie has 6 while Black Crappie has 7 or 8.
Mouth of Black Crappie is larger and reaches mid-eye and has a resemblance to largemouth bass.
Crappie travels in schools.
Female lays 5000-60000 eggs.
Crappie can live for 7 to 10 years.

Is Crappie Good to Eat?

Despite its name, crappie is an excellent source of nutrition, containing high amounts of protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids. Although it's not as popular as salmon or tuna, crappie can be a delicious addition to any healthy diet. They are known for their delicate taste and ease of preparation.

When cooked properly, crappie has a delicate flavor and flaky texture, making it perfect for grilling, frying, or baking. Moreover, because they are smaller fish than other common species, such as bass or catfish, the chances of mercury contamination in their flesh are much lower.

Crappie Spawning

Crappie spawning season begins in early spring and summer when the water temperature is 62 F-68 F. Male builds the nest in soft or gravelly spots, the female lays the eggs, and the male guards the nest. Eggs take 2 to 5 days to hatch.

Crappie Food

Depending on the age, Crappie victims consist of zooplankton, crustaceans, small fish, minnows, insects, gizzard or threadfin shads, and larvae of other game fishes.

Crappie Fishing

Crappie is most active at dawn or dusk. Anglers recommend using live bait and properly sized hooks, not too small, not too large.

Spin or Bait Fishing for Crappie:

Spin fishing for crappie is a popular angling technique used for years. The use of small lures, such as crappie spinners or jigs along the bottom with light tackle, makes it possible to catch these elusive fish with ease. Crappie spinner fishing involves using a spinning rod and reel setup to cast the lure out into the water and retrieve it in a steady fashion.
When fishing for crappie with a spinner, it's essential to choose the right size and color of the lure. Smaller lures are more effective when targeting this species due to their smaller mouths. Additionally, selecting colors that mimic the natural prey of crappie can help increase your chances of catching them. It's also important to consider where you're casting your line when using spinners for crappie fishing.

Another popular technique is a bobber with a hook with live bait such as worms or small minnows. This is a proven method to catch crappie.

Fly Fishing for Crappie:

Fly fishing for Crappie is exciting. Both dry and wet flies work well. Use dry flies on still and calm days, especially early and late. A great way to start a young angler on fly fishing, crappie is not as challenging as much other game fish.
The best-wet flies for fly fishing are streamers and nymphs and soft large hackles. Streamers (small) are perfect when the fish is eating minnows.
Anglers can fly fish for Crappie near fallen trees or bushes using a dry or wet fly. Be patient and let the fish properly take the hook. - Clouser Minnow is the ultimate fly bait that can catch even the sluggish crappie.

Crappie Baits and Lures:

Spinners
Pan-fish jigs
Small crankbaits
Insects
Worms
Streamer flies
Small minnows
Nymphs

About the 22' Ranger 522z

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 58

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Jason Collins' 22-foot Ranger 522z is your ticket to a day of crappie fishing on Mississippi's finest lakes. This comfortable, well-equipped boat is perfect for a solo angler looking to learn the ropes or improve their skills. With room for just you and your guide, you'll get personalized attention and hands-on instruction as you explore the prime fishing spots on Sardis, Grenada, Enid, or Arkabutla Lake. The spacious deck provides plenty of room to cast, while the boat's stability ensures a smooth ride even when the fish are biting. Stocked with all the gear and bait you'll need, this vessel is ready for a full 8 hours of fishing action. Whether you're after your first catch or aiming to land a trophy crappie, Jason's boat is set up to make your day on the water both productive and enjoyable.

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