I have caught crappie in the Pasquotank River in Elizabeth City, NC that were so black it came off on your hand. I believe it is from Cyprus trees as all our coastal rivers are stained with it. That brings up one of my pet peeves. All the articles your read about crappie fishing is based on lake fishing. There IS a big difference! Oh well, maybe I should hurry up and retire and write my own articles. LOL