"Ambush from the Brush" Another Drawing by Special K

[Special K]

I have been a crappie fisherman for most of my life and became a member of Crappie.com in October of 2010, so (needless to say), I have certainly learned much about crappie and crappie fishing. Still, that being said, I still have questions from time to time that cause me to do research or ask questions of those that may know from their own experiences.

As we all know: Two of the primary species of panfish found throughout North America are the black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) and the white crappie (Pomoxis annularis). Also, that crappies are members of the sunfish family, which also includes largemouth bass and bluegill, but our preferred crappies--are two of the largest of the panfish species. Here in central North Carolina, (at least in my area), black crappie are far more prevalent than are white crappie.

That being said: I have always known that crappies prefer and grow best in clear waters, but can also live in moderately turbid waters. I know that in regions where both white and black crappies are present, white crappies typically tend to be found in more turbid and warmer waters. I also know that there are many bodies of water (reservoirs, lakes, ponds, rivers) where both black and white crappies co-exist, which inspired the drawing below, which I have entitled "Ambush from the Brush."



QUESTION: Knowing that both black and white crappies can live in the same reservoir or body of water... Is it common to catch both black and white crappies in the same area? In other words... can you catch black, white, black, white, white, black in a clearly random order while using the same tactics and presentations in your state or favorite body of water?

Please let me know your thoughts and share your experiences on this subject matter.

May God Bless You & Yours,

Wayne, aka Special K

[CrappiePappy]

Most of our lakes in KY have both, and in those that I've fished I have caught them "together" (out of the same spot) on many occasions. I've also done it in lakes I've fished in Tenn. Mostly I've caught them casting jigs, as I have done that far longer than Pushing jigs or cranks. Even back in my youth and back when I mostly used minnows ... catching both species was not a "special" thing. They were just "Crappie" to me, so their specie designation didn't matter.

Sample of one days trip to a local lake:

[Snubby]

That being said: I have always known that crappies prefer and grow best in clear waters



QUESTION: Knowing that both black and white crappies can live in the same reservoir or body of water... Is it common to catch both black and white crappies in the same area? In other words... can you catch black, white, black, white, white, black in a clearly random order while using the same tactics and presentations in your state or favorite body of water?

Please let me know your thoughts and share your experiences on this subject matter.

May God Bless You & Yours,

Wayne, aka Special K

I know two lakes around here that are muddy or stained year round and grow some dandies. I've also caught a white and black crappie off the same stump a time or two. Cool drawing, keep up the good work!

[StantheMan2567]

First picture early spring pre spawn spider rigging

Second Picture Shallow Water Spawning in brushpile

Third picture Pulling cranks in open water

Fourth picture vertical jigging deep brush (20+) foot deep. Lakes in East Tennessee have both and I catch both on a regular basis. Nice artwork, keep it up.



Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

[KyTyer]

I have caught both fishing the same spots many times also.I have caught them while fishing minnows and jigs using the same techniques.Like CrappyPappy said i just thought it was normal.When i was a kid i just thought one was darker than the other.Didnt know there were white and black crappie...just crappie.

Great talent there.Nice drawing.

[ET Fish]

I concur with the above posts. Excellent drawing!

[shipahoy41]

I also have caught both black and white crappie withing three minutes and using the same artificial lure. Wayne, your drawings and superb. You have a wonderful gift.

Mike

[Ketchn]

nice artwork sir , I ketch black and white crappie together frequently myself ,most of the time when it happens its a water body that has numerous specimens of both to be had .

[Eagle 1]

There are two areas on Enid that stand out when someone mention black crappie . You stand about a 70 % chance of it being black at those two places . Crazy thing is I personally have not caught a hand full in 23 yrs. anywhere else on that lake . why ? No idea.