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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 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 can be 7-12 inches long and weigh about 0.5-1 pounds.
Crappie is known for its tasty and white meat.
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 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.
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 is most active at dawn or dusk. Anglers recommend using live bait and properly sized hooks, not too small, not too large.
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.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 80
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 25