Big 4 Crappie Guides
HomeTrips & RatesGalleryReviewsFishing ReportsTarget SpeciesMeet the Guide

Learn More

My Trips

Top-Rated Mississippi Crappie Fishing Trip

  • Published Date: August 19, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Mississippi
  • $5 - $550 price range

Summary

Get ready for a full day of serious crappie fishing on Mississippi's prime lakes. This 6 to 8-hour private trip is tailored for skilled anglers looking to land some big slabs. You'll be out on the water with Captain Billy Baughman, a pro who knows his stuff when it comes to spider rigging, longlining, and using Livescope to find the fish. The $550 trip covers two guests and includes all the gear you need - rods, reels, and bait. You'll be fishing from a top-notch Skeeter VX 25 boat, giving you a smooth ride and plenty of fishing space. Captain Billy's expertise means you'll be hitting the best spots and using techniques that really work for crappie. This isn't a beginner's outing - it's for folks who know their way around a rod and want to step up their game. Remember to call the captain directly to sort out where you'll be meeting up. And keep in mind, once you put down that deposit, it's locked in. This is a chance to spend a solid day on some of Mississippi's most productive lakes, targeting those big crappie that make for great stories and even better dinners.
Top-Rated Mississippi Crappie Fishing Trip

Slab Crappie Catches

previous-image
Angler holding 5 crappie fish caught in MS

Crappie Action on Mississippi Lakes!

4 fish caught while fishing in the Mississippi

Crappie Fishing Paradise in Mississippi!

Three people fishing in the Mississippi river

Trophy Crappie from Mississippi Lakes!

8 fish caught while fishing in MS

Livescope Magic: Mississippi Crappie!

4 awesome fishing catches in MS

Mississippi hoard early morning. Limited out

Fishing in the Mississippi river

Mississippi fishing at its finest

6 fishing rod catches in the Mississippi River

Mississippi Crappie Anglers’ Dream!

Angler with 19-inch fish in MS

Crappie Quest on Sardis Lake!

Angler catches a fish in the Mississippi river

Arkabutla Lake: Crappie Central!

Fishing for white crappie in MS

Reeling in Enid Lake Crappie!

Angler holding 5 crappie fish caught in MS

Crappie Action on Mississippi Lakes!

4 fish caught while fishing in the Mississippi

Crappie Fishing Paradise in Mississippi!

Three people fishing in the Mississippi river

Trophy Crappie from Mississippi Lakes!

8 fish caught while fishing in MS

Livescope Magic: Mississippi Crappie!

4 awesome fishing catches in MS

Mississippi hoard early morning. Limited out

Fishing in the Mississippi river

Mississippi fishing at its finest

6 fishing rod catches in the Mississippi River

Mississippi Crappie Anglers’ Dream!

Angler with 19-inch fish in MS

Crappie Quest on Sardis Lake!

Angler catches a fish in the Mississippi river

Arkabutla Lake: Crappie Central!

Fishing for white crappie in MS

Reeling in Enid Lake Crappie!

Angler holding 5 crappie fish caught in MS

Crappie Action on Mississippi Lakes!

4 fish caught while fishing in the Mississippi

Crappie Fishing Paradise in Mississippi!

Three people fishing in the Mississippi river

Trophy Crappie from Mississippi Lakes!

8 fish caught while fishing in MS

Livescope Magic: Mississippi Crappie!

next-image

Slab Crappie Action on Mississippi's Hotspots

Ready for a serious crappie adventure? This 6 to 8-hour private trip with Captain Billy Baughman is tailor-made for skilled anglers looking to tangle with Mississippi's famous slabs. You'll be hitting the state's most productive lakes, armed with top-notch gear and insider knowledge. Forget about hauling your own equipment – we've got you covered with everything you need to focus on the fish. It's just you, a buddy, and a day dedicated to outsmarting those tasty papermouths.

Trip Overview

Climb aboard Captain Billy's Skeeter VX 25, a fishing machine designed for comfort and productivity. This isn't your average guided trip – it's a masterclass in crappie tactics. You'll be diving deep into advanced techniques like spider rigging, longlining, and the game-changing Livescope technology. Whether you're looking to fine-tune your skills or learn some new tricks, Billy's got the know-how to put you on fish. At $550 for two anglers, it's a steal for a full day of world-class crappie fishing. Just remember, we're dead serious about crappie – so bring your A-game and be ready to learn.

Tactics for Slabs

Let's break down what you're in for. Spider rigging? It's like you're the puppet master, controlling a spread of rods to cover more water and depths than you thought possible. Longlining? Think finesse trolling that'll make those finicky crappie think your bait's the real deal. And Livescope? It's like having x-ray vision underwater. You'll see the fish, watch how they react to your bait, and learn to read their moods. Captain Billy will show you how to use all these tools to turn a good day into a great one. We're talking about finding those schools of big slabs and presenting your bait just right to get them snapping.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts when you meet up with Captain Billy – he'll let you know the exact spot when you book. From there, it's all about the fish. We'll run to the best spots, keeping an eye on conditions and adjusting as needed. You might start off spider rigging in deeper water, then switch to longlining as the sun gets higher. Or maybe we'll use Livescope to pick apart some brushpiles. The beauty of this trip is its flexibility – we go where the fish are and use what's working. Expect to catch a mix of black and white crappie, with the chance at some real slabs. And don't worry about bringing gear – we've got quality rods, reels, and bait all set for you.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Crappie are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These pan-sized predators are a blast to catch and even better to eat. In Mississippi, you've got a shot at both black and white crappie. White crappie tend to hang in open water and around standing timber, while black crappie prefer clearer water and more structure. Both species school up, so when you find one, you've often found a bunch. Spring is prime time when they move shallow to spawn, but don't sleep on fall and winter fishing – that's when you can find the biggest concentrations of fish. The state record black crappie is over 4 pounds, and whites aren't far behind. While fish that size are rare, 1-2 pounders are definitely on the menu, and even an average "keeper" crappie will put a nice bend in your rod.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something addictive about crappie fishing, especially when you're doing it right. It's that perfect mix of finesse and numbers – you might boat 50 or more fish in a day, but each one is a little puzzle to solve. And when you get into a school of big ones? Man, that's the stuff fishing dreams are made of. Plus, let's be honest – crappie are about the best-eating freshwater fish you'll find. Nothing beats a limit of fresh fillets for the fryer. But beyond the fish, it's the experience. A day on these lakes is good for the soul, and learning from a pro like Captain Billy? That's knowledge you'll use for years to come.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, if you're serious about your crappie fishing, this trip is a no-brainer. You're getting a full day on premier waters with a guide who lives and breathes this stuff. It's a chance to level up your game, fill the livewell, and have a blast doing it. Remember, we're talking private trip here – just you and a buddy, no strangers to worry about. At $550 for up to 8 hours of guided fishing, it's a solid deal for the quality you're getting. But heads up – good dates go fast, especially in prime seasons. So if you're thinking about it, don't wait. Give Captain Billy a call at 662-891-3328 and lock in your day. Just remember that deposit is non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before you book. Trust me, once you're out there watching that Livescope light up with crappie, you'll be glad you pulled the trigger. Let's get you on some slabs!

Learn more about the specie

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

Crappie

About the 21-foot Skeeter VX 25

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 80

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 25

Ready to reel in some monster crappie? Hop aboard Captain Billy Baughman's Skeeter VX 25 for a full day of fishing on Mississippi's most productive lakes. This 6 to 8-hour trip is tailored for experienced anglers looking to up their game. Captain Billy will share his expert techniques in spider rigging, longlining, and Livescope to help you land those slabs. The boat comes fully equipped with all the gear you need, so just bring your skills and enthusiasm. With room for two guests, you'll have plenty of space to cast and reel. Whether you're aiming to fill the livewell or just enjoy a day on the water, this private trip offers the perfect blend of challenge and relaxation. Don't forget to ring Captain Billy at 662-891-3328 to get the exact meeting spot. Get ready for a day of serious crappie action!
Big 4 Crappie Guides

Follow Us

Facebook

Navigate

Home

Trips & Rates

Gallery

Reviews

Fishing Reports

Target Species

Meet the Guide

FAQ

Contact Us

FEATURED

Fishing License

Things To Do

Crappie Quest

Big Group Fun

Scenic Crappie

Beginner Crappie

Crappie Pro

Top Mississippi Fishing Guides!

Book your unforgettable crappie fishing adventure with Big 4 Crappie Guides today! Secure your spot now and experience the excitement of fishing on Mississippi’s top lakes with our expert guides.

More about Big 4 Crappie Guides

© Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.

Powered by Guidesly

Privacy Policy

Sitemap