My first ever Crappie!, and Walleye too

Got out in the boat this afternoon for a few hours - caught my first ever crappie right away, quickly checked the regs to see if there’s a season/limits, etc. - that’s how much I know about crappie. Anyway, it was probably about 9” so threw it in the cooler to try out. had a hard time finding any walleye in several usual spots. Eventually found a small one, 16”, and next cast smallie, next cast decent fish on for several seconds -cut off - pike for sure. Re tie, next cast walleye again, another 16”. Shortly after, another smaller walleye, released, and soon after another bigger fish on, and then quickly cut off , another toothy pike I’m sure. All fish in one little spot - tried another area after and nothing there either. I was supposed to be the guide, but my buddy ended up with just a rock bass, and girlfriend just enjoyed the sun, and didn’t fish at all. All in all a great afternoon on the water, and yummy dinner this evening. The crappie tasted pretty well the same as the walleye to me, don’t think I could tell the difference if you gave me a piece of each.

Excellent, I can't tell either if my eyes are closed and take a bite of crappie or walleye on the same plate. Both are my favourite fish to eat. Congratulations on your first crappie and the walleye as well.

The only way I think I could tell them apart is by the texture. I find crappy to be super soft. Walleye have just a bit more firmness to their meat. Super close indeed.
I actually would even take a pike over either of them but from cold water. 👍🏻

sounds like a fun day


for sure crappie are softer imo..........next time try the rockbass, unless it was a dink

Nice! I agree they are both very similar

Now us Crappie hunters are in trouble with you in the picture! Well done and enjoy your meals.You may want to target them more often Drew after that feed.

I dunno, might have to switch to an ultra light ice rod or something if I’m going to target crappie. 🤷🏼‍♂️ I know it wasn’t very big, but I’ve caught creek chubs for bait that fought harder.

You are correct on that, crappie are not the biggest fighters until they grow to 13 or 14 inches. Then they put on some weight and are a thick fish with some power. When you get into monster crappie at 15, 16, 17, inches and bigger they can actually take drag out on the reel, and leap out of the water a few times. A St. Croix one piece Pan Fish rod is about 160 dollars, and worth every penny. I have 3 because I use them for walleye as well. Three different set ups. Targeting big crappie, and "walleye between 16 and 19.5 inches." It's the perfect rod for fish under 3 pounds. My experience with fish these sizes is, after you set the hook, they don't come off with this rod. In theory it turns a smaller fish into a good fishing tale to tell. LOL. Like I said if you target crappie like these you will enjoy the catch. And there is a very nice thick fillet on a bigger crappie.

congrats on your first crappie, I'm still waiting,