Crappie fishing in Florida: Hello, I am a new member and would like to learn more about crappie fishing in Florida. I live in Clearwater, Florida. I'd like to learn where the best...

David Knorr Loc: Clearwater, Florida

Hello, I am a new member and would like to learn more about crappie fishing in Florida. I live in Clearwater, Florida. I'd like to learn where the best bodies of water are near me for crappie fishing, as well as the best techniques for catching them. I mostly fish from a kayak, but also have a 16' skiff with trolling motor. Thanks for any information. David

BreAnaC Loc: Clearwater, FL

Watching... I wouldn't mind getting some Crappie or Cats in the area also. Shore fishing though. No watercraft here.

FloridaFreshwater Loc: Florida Midcentral

David

Are you a lifetime Florida resident? If not where are you from?

If helps to understand how you have fished for crappie in the past

David Knorr Loc: Clearwater, Florida

No. I've been here since 1977. From Ohio. Fished for crappies in Ohio.

FloridaFreshwater Loc: Florida Midcentral

The best advice I can give you is to fish for crappie in Florida the same way you did in Ohio.

The difference is timing.

It’s been my experience that in mid Florida the spawning time is late December through early March. Obviously weather dependent.

Then like everywhere else, they are closer to the shore.

After that they tend to go deep into cooler water just like in the Midwest. Then catching slows but doesn’t totally stop.

As far as bait is concerned. It’s just like everywhere else. It’s a never ending experiment.

Have fun

Chuckay Loc: Central Florida

David Knorr wrote:

Hello, I am a new member and would like to learn more about crappie fishing in Florida. I live in Clearwater, Florida. I'd like to learn where the best bodies of water are near me for crappie fishing, as well as the best techniques for catching them. I mostly fish from a kayak, but also have a 16' skiff with trolling motor. Thanks for any information. David

The best place is Camp Max on Kissimmee Lake they are hot right now slab sizes are being caught, I use a 1/8th red and white jig with 6lb. test line on a 12' pole. Hope this helps send pictures of your catch.

Chuckay Loc: Central Florida

Chuckay wrote:

The best place is Camp Max on Kissimmee Lake they are hot right now slab sizes are being caught, I use a 1/8th red and white jig with 6lb. test line on a 12' pole. Hope this helps send pictures of your catch.

Chuckay Loc: Central Florida

Sorry (Camp Mac.) My fingers are to big for this little key board 😂

BreAnaC Loc: Clearwater, FL

Chuckay wrote:

The best place is Camp Max on Kissimmee Lake they are hot right now slab sizes are being caught, I use a 1/8th red and white jig with 6lb. test line on a 12' pole. Hope this helps send pictures of your catch.

Hi, Is that the Camp Mack Lodge Guy Harvey place?

Chuckay Loc: Central Florida

BreAnaC wrote:

Hi, Is that the Camp Mack Lodge Guy Harvey place?

Yes, it is a very nice place good boat ramps, nice store and everyone is nice there... Sorry for the late reply but I had to go fishing 😂😂

BreAnaC Loc: Clearwater, FL

Chuckay wrote:

Yes, it is a very nice place good boat ramps, nice store and everyone is nice there... Sorry for the late reply but I had to go fishing 😂😂

No problem at all. Going fishing is ALWAYS a great reason. Thanks for the info. Hope you caught a load!!! 🎣

David Knorr Loc: Clearwater, Florida

I was wondering if there is anyone on this group that fishes for crappies nearer to where I live here in Clearwater.

Toonman Loc: Floral City, FL

David Knorr wrote:

I was wondering if there is anyone on this group that fishes for crappies nearer to where I live here in Clearwater.

I don’t know how close you want to be but Lake Henderson in Inverness is always a good choice. Nice boat ramp on 44 just east of town. Lots of good grass line on either side of the Gospel Island bridge. Cheers