Top 5 Crappie Plastics: Your Essential Buying Guide

Imagine this: you’re out on the water, the sun is shining, and you know the crappie are biting. But then comes the tough part – picking the perfect plastic lure. It feels like standing in a candy store with too many choices, right? You want to catch those tasty crappie, but with so many shapes, sizes, and colors of plastic baits, it’s easy to feel a little lost. How do you know which one will get the job done?

Choosing the wrong crappie plastic can lead to a lot of wasted casts and missed bites. You might find yourself wondering why your lure isn’t working, or if you just picked the wrong color. That’s where we come in! This post is all about demystifying the world of crappie plastics. We’ll break down what makes certain plastics so effective and help you understand how to pick the best ones for different situations.

By the end of this guide, you’ll feel much more confident when you’re standing on the dock, ready to tie on a lure. You’ll learn how to choose plastics that mimic the crappie’s natural food, how to match your lure to the water conditions, and even discover some secret tricks that seasoned anglers use. Get ready to upgrade your crappie fishing game and start reeling in more fish!

Our Top 5 Crappie Plastics Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Crappie Plastics Detailed Reviews

1. Lanmoon 100pcs Crappie Lures Kit: 100 Soft Plastic Fishing Lures for Crappie

Lanmoon 100pcs Crappie Lures Kit: 100 Soft Plastic Fishing Lures for Crappie, Trout, Bass, Walleye, Bluegill, Perch, etc.

Rating: 8.7/10

Ready to reel in a big catch? The Lanmoon 100pcs Crappie Lures Kit offers a fantastic variety of soft plastic fishing lures designed to attract a wide range of fish. This massive kit comes with 100 lures in different colors, all neatly packed in a box. These aren’t just any lures; they’re made from high-quality materials that last longer, meaning you can use them again and again. Their soft, wiggly tails are designed to move with even the slightest tug of the water, making them irresistible to fish like crappie, trout, bass, walleye, bluegill, and perch.

What We Like:

  • Huge Variety: 100 lures in many colors give you plenty of options for different fishing conditions.
  • Durable & Reusable: Made with good materials, these lures can handle tough fishing trips and be used multiple times.
  • Fish-Attracting Design: The soft tail creates movement that really grabs the attention of fish.
  • Versatile: Works great for catching a variety of popular fish species.
  • Customer Support: If you have any questions or issues, they promise to help you out quickly, usually within 24 hours.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Color Selection: While there are many colors, some anglers might prefer more specific or custom color combinations.
  • Packaging: While it comes in a box, a more organized internal compartment could make sorting and finding specific lures easier.

This Lanmoon kit is a fantastic value for any angler looking to expand their tackle box. With so many lures, you’re sure to find the right one to make your next fishing adventure a success.

2. Dovesun Crappie Lures Kit Soft Plastic Baits Paddle Tail Swimbaits Fishing Soft Plastic Lures Crappie Walleye Trout Bass Fishing Baits 60pcs

Dovesun Crappie Lures Kit Soft Plastic Baits Paddle Tail Swimbaits Fishing Soft Plastic Lures Crappie Walleye Trout Bass Fishing Baits 60pcs

Rating: 8.7/10

The Dovesun Crappie Lures Kit offers a versatile collection of soft plastic baits designed to attract a variety of fish, including crappie, walleye, trout, and bass. With multiple lure types and an abundance of colors, this kit aims to provide anglers with the tools they need for successful fishing trips.

What We Like:

  • The kit provides a wide selection of lure types, such as paddle tail swimbaits, shad minnow profiles, grubs, and worms, giving anglers options for different fishing conditions and target species.
  • Each bait set comes with five different colors, helping you match the forage and environment in your local waters.
  • The paddle tail swimbaits create a realistic swimming action with a wide swing, mimicking baitfish effectively even at slow retrieves.
  • The shad minnow profile lures feature a natural baitfish look and a thin tail that darts and glides, making them attractive to fish.
  • Hook slots on the body of the swimbaits make rigging easier and help conceal the hook point, increasing success in weedy or snaggy areas.
  • The lures are made from a strong yet soft plastic, ensuring durability and excellent action in the water.
  • Some grub and worm kits include glow-in-the-dark options, which can be very effective for low-light conditions.
  • The inclusion of a tackle box makes the kit portable and organized.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While the kit offers many options, the specific number of lures per type can vary, so anglers should check the details for each set.
  • The description mentions “two colors” for the shad minnow profile, which might be a typo, as other sets highlight “5 colors.” Clarification on color availability for all lure types would be beneficial.

This Dovesun Crappie Lures Kit is a comprehensive and adaptable choice for anglers looking to expand their soft bait arsenal. Its variety of designs and colors makes it a valuable addition for targeting a wide range of freshwater game fish.

3. Bobby Garland The Original 2″ Baby Shad Soft Plastic Fishing Lure

Bobby Garland The Original 2" Baby Shad Soft Plastic Fishing Lure, Fishing Gear and Accessories, 18 per Pack, Monkey Milk

Rating: 9.2/10

The Bobby Garland The Original 2″ Baby Shad Soft Plastic Fishing Lure in Monkey Milk color is a fantastic choice for anglers targeting crappie and other game fish. This lure is designed to mimic a small baitfish, and its unique shape is a proven winner. Tournament anglers have trusted this lure for years because it consistently catches fish. Its realistic action is hard for fish to resist.

    What We Like:

  • The lure has a solid body with a thin spear tail. This creates fantastic fishing action that attracts fish.
  • It’s a favorite among tournament anglers, meaning it’s a proven fish catcher.
  • The soft plastic is durable, and the lure has a plump, deep-bellied profile that looks natural.
  • You get 18 lures per pack, which is a great value.
  • The 2-inch size is perfect for tempting smaller game fish like crappie.
  • The “Monkey Milk” color is a popular and effective choice.
  • Holding this bait and feeling the tail dance shows its irresistible action.
    What Could Be Improved:

  • The thin spear tail, while great for action, might be more prone to tearing if handled roughly by larger fish or during aggressive casting.
  • While the Monkey Milk color is great, a wider variety of colors in the same pack might be beneficial for different water conditions or fishing situations.

Overall, the Bobby Garland Baby Shad is a highly effective and reliable soft plastic lure. It offers great value and proven performance for crappie and other panfish enthusiasts.

4. Syosisny 50 PCS Plastic Soft Fishing Lure

Syosisny 50 PCS Plastic Soft Fishing Lure, Lifelike Forked Tail Minnow, Fishing Baits Tackle for Saltwater and Freshwater Bass, Crappie, Walleye, or Trout Lures

Rating: 9.4/10

Get ready to reel in your next big catch with the Syosisny 50 PCS Plastic Soft Fishing Lure set! These lifelike minnows are designed to fool even the wariest fish. They’re a secret weapon for anglers looking to up their game in both saltwater and freshwater. Whether you’re after bass, crappie, walleye, or trout, these lures are built to attract them all.

What We Like:

  • Comes with a generous pack of 50 lures, offering great value.
  • Each lure is 2.75 inches long and weighs just 0.08oz, making them easy to cast and handle.
  • Made from high-quality, durable, and stretchy rubber that lasts.
  • The lures have a realistic split tail that wiggles naturally in the water.
  • They feature 3D eyes for an even more lifelike appearance.
  • Bright colors and internal sequins flash underwater, drawing fish in.
  • The soft baits are scented with silicone oil, making them smooth and irresistible.
  • They mimic natural movements, attracting a wide variety of fish species.
  • Versatile for targeting bass, trout, panfish, crappie, rockfish, mackerel, smallmouths, and stripers.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The package only includes the soft plastic lures; hooks and other tackle are sold separately.

This Syosisny lure set provides a fantastic and affordable way to expand your fishing tackle box. You’ll be ready for almost any fishing adventure with this versatile collection!

5. Bobby Garland Baby Shad Swim’R Soft Plastic Fishing Lure

Rating: 8.8/10

The Bobby Garland Baby Shad Swim’R Soft Plastic Fishing Lure is a fantastic addition to any angler’s tackle box. This lure is designed to attract fish with its lifelike swimming action. It’s a segmented version of the popular Baby Shad, offering a new way to entice bites. The 2-inch size makes it perfect for a variety of freshwater species. You get 15 lures in each pack, so you’ll have plenty for your next fishing trip.

What We Like:

  • The segmented body creates a realistic swimming motion that fish can’t resist.
  • Its jointed design and special swim tail perfectly mimic how a real baitfish moves through the water.
  • The lure features a tight-action swim tail that adds to its lifelike appeal.
  • A unique Scent Channel is built into the belly, allowing you to add your favorite scent for extra attraction.
  • It’s made from durable soft plastic and has a plump, deep-bellied shape that looks very natural.
  • You get 15 lures in a pack, offering great value.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While the scent channel is a nice feature, it might require an extra step for some anglers to use effectively.
  • The 2-inch size, while versatile, might be too small for targeting very large predatory fish.

This lure brings a whole new level of action to your fishing. It’s a smart choice for improving your catch rate in freshwater environments.

Choosing the Best Crappie Plastics: Your Guide to Angling Success

Crappie plastics are essential tools for any angler targeting these popular panfish. They mimic natural forage and come in countless shapes, sizes, and colors. Finding the right plastic lure can make the difference between a great day on the water and a frustrating one. This guide will help you understand what to look for, what makes good quality, and how to use them effectively.

Key Features to Look For

When you’re shopping for crappie plastics, keep these important features in mind:

  • Size: Crappie aren’t huge fish. Most plastics for crappie range from 1 to 3 inches long. Smaller baits work well when crappie are finicky or when you’re fishing in clear water. Longer baits can attract bigger fish.
  • Shape: Different shapes do different things.
    • Grub Tails: These have a curly tail that wiggles in the water. This movement attracts fish.
    • Paddle Tails: These tails flutter and create a kicking motion. They are good for covering more water.
    • Tube Baits: These hollow baits have tentacles that move. They are great for imitating small minnows or crawfish.
    • Swimbaits: These are often solid-bodied with a tail that kicks. They look very realistic.
  • Action: This refers to how the lure moves in the water. Some plastics have a lot of action, meaning they wiggle and flutter a lot. Others have less action, which can be good when crappie are being picky.
  • Scent/Flavor: Many crappie plastics are infused with scent or flavor. This can help attract fish and keep them holding onto the bait longer.

Important Materials

Most crappie plastics are made from soft plastics. These are flexible and durable. Common materials include:

  • PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): This is a very common and affordable plastic. It’s flexible and holds scent well.
  • Elastomers: These are newer, super-stretchy plastics. They often have a more natural feel and can be more durable. They also tend to float, which can help present your bait better.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

The quality of crappie plastics can vary. Here’s what makes a difference:

  • Durability: Good plastics resist tearing. You want a bait that can catch several fish before you need to replace it. Cheaper plastics might tear easily after just one bite.
  • Consistency: The shape and action of the lure should be the same for every bait in the package. Inconsistent baits won’t perform as expected.
  • Scent Infusion: For scented baits, the scent should be strong and last for many casts. Some baits lose their scent quickly.
  • Color Quality: Bright, vibrant colors are important. The color should be consistent throughout the bait and not fade easily.

User Experience and Use Cases

Crappie plastics are incredibly versatile. Anglers use them in many ways:

  • Jigging: This is the most common method. You attach the plastic to a jig head and move it up and down in the water. This mimics a small baitfish or insect.
  • Trolling: You can troll crappie plastics behind a boat, often with a small weight or a specialized trolling rig. This covers a lot of water to find active fish.
  • Drop Shotting: This technique involves a weight at the bottom of the line and the bait tied on a leader above it. It presents the bait naturally in the water column.
  • Rigging: You can rig crappie plastics on a simple jig head, a drop shot rig, or even a weedless setup for fishing around cover.

Using crappie plastics is fun and rewarding. They are effective in various water conditions and for different crappie behaviors. Experiment with different colors and shapes to see what works best for you.


Crappie Plastics: Your Top 10 Questions Answered

Q1: What are the main Key Features to look for in crappie plastics?

A1: You should look for the right size (1-3 inches), the shape (like grub tails or paddle tails), the action the lure has in the water, and if it has scent or flavor.

Q2: What are the most important materials crappie plastics are made from?

A2: The most common materials are PVC and elastomers. PVC is affordable and flexible. Elastomers are newer, stretchier, and often float.

Q3: What factors make crappie plastics good quality?

A3: Good quality plastics are durable, meaning they don’t tear easily. They also have consistent shapes and actions, and the scent lasts a long time if they are scented.

Q4: What factors can reduce the quality of crappie plastics?

A4: Poor quality plastics tear easily, have inconsistent shapes, lose their scent quickly, or have faded colors.

Q5: How do anglers typically use crappie plastics?

A5: Anglers most often use them by jigging them, trolling them behind a boat, or using a drop shot rig. They are also rigged on jig heads.

Q6: What is the best size crappie plastic for beginners?

A6: A good starting size is around 2 inches. This size works well for most crappie and is easy to rig and cast.

Q7: When should I use a grub tail versus a paddle tail plastic?

A7: Use a grub tail when crappie are a bit more hesitant and you want a subtle wiggle. Use a paddle tail when you want more movement and to cover more water, especially in stained water.

Q8: Does scent really matter when fishing for crappie?

A8: Yes, scent can make a big difference, especially when crappie are not actively feeding. It can attract them and make them hold onto the bait longer.

Q9: How do I keep my crappie plastics from tearing?

A9: Be gentle when rigging them and avoid sharp hooks. Also, some plastics are just made to be more durable than others. If a fish bites, try to remove it quickly without yanking too hard.

Q10: What are some good colors for crappie plastics?

A10: Common good colors include white, chartreuse, pink, black, and various shades of blue and green. It’s always best to have a variety and experiment based on water clarity and light conditions.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.

Leave a Comment