The 20 Best Crappie Lures of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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When it comes to crappie fishing, selecting the right lure can significantly enhance your chances of a successful catch. Crappie, known for their elusive nature and varying feeding habits, require a strategic approach when it comes to bait selection. As we delve into the best crappie lures of 2024, it becomes evident that the lure's design, color, and action play crucial roles in attracting these popular panfish. The following is a comprehensive exploration of the top lures that have been tested and reviewed by anglers, highlighting their effectiveness and unique features.

First and foremost, the Southern Pro Hot Grub stands out for its versatility and effectiveness. This soft plastic lure has a classic grub shape that mimics the movement of a small baitfish or insect, making it irresistible to crappies. Available in a variety of colors, anglers can easily match the lure to the water conditions, whether it be clear or murky. The added scent infusion enhances its appeal, drawing crappies in from a distance. Many seasoned anglers appreciate this lure for its ability to catch fish year-round, making it a staple in their tackle boxes.

Another noteworthy contender is the Bobby Garland Baby Shad, a favorite among crappie enthusiasts. This soft plastic bait features a unique design that produces a lifelike swimming action, making it particularly effective during the spawning season when crappies are more aggressive. The Baby Shad is available in several colors, each mimicking the natural prey found in freshwater lakes. Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for targeting crappies in tight spaces, such as around submerged structures or during the early morning hours when fish are more active.

For those who prefer hard baits, the Rapala X-Rap Crankbait is an exceptional choice. Known for its realistic finishes and action, the X-Rap mimics the erratic movement of distressed baitfish, triggering aggressive strikes from crappies. Its unique lip design allows for deep diving, making it suitable for targeting fish at various depths. Anglers have reported significant success when using this lure in both open water and around cover, and its durable construction ensures it withstands the wear and tear of frequent use.

The Strike King Mr. Crappie Thunder Shad is another top performer that deserves mention. This swimbait features a streamlined body and a paddle tail that creates a lifelike swimming action, ideal for enticing crappies. Available in multiple colors and sizes, the Thunder Shad is effective in various fishing scenarios, whether you're casting, trolling, or jigging. Its buoyancy allows it to stay suspended in the strike zone longer, increasing the chances of attracting fish. Anglers often pair this lure with a light jig head for optimal results.

For those seeking a unique approach, the VMC Finesse Wacky Hook paired with a soft plastic worm offers a finesse technique that can be highly effective for crappie fishing. The wacky rigging method allows the worm to fall in a horizontal position, creating an enticing action that can trigger strikes from curious crappies. This technique shines in situations where fish are finicky or pressured, making it a valuable addition to any angler's arsenal. The VMC hooks are known for their sharpness and strength, ensuring reliable hook sets.

Moving on to another innovative offering, the 13 Fishing Flashbang Spoon is a standout choice for anglers who enjoy vertical jigging. This spoon features a unique shape that creates a fluttering action as it falls, simulating a dying baitfish. Its reflective finish and vibration attract crappies from a distance, making it particularly effective in deeper waters. Many anglers have reported success using this lure in both freshwater and brackish environments, proving its versatility and effectiveness.

The Z-Man TRD CrawZ is an interesting take on crappie lures, leveraging the power of the Ned Rig technique. This soft plastic crawfish imitation is designed to be fished on a light jig head, allowing for a slow presentation that crappies find hard to resist. The durable material used in Z-Man lures ensures that they hold up well against multiple catches, making them a cost-effective choice for avid anglers. Their unique buoyancy allows them to stand upright on the bottom, further enhancing their attractant qualities.

In the realm of topwater lures, the Heddon Zara Spook is a classic that continues to prove its worth. While primarily used for larger game fish, many crappie anglers have found success using this lure during the early morning hours when fish are feeding near the surface. The walking-the-dog action created by this lure mimics the movement of escaping baitfish, provoking aggressive surface strikes. Its durability and effective design make it a valuable addition to any crappie fishing trip.

Lastly, the Eagle Claw Crappie Jig Head is a fundamental piece of equipment that enhances the effectiveness of soft plastic lures. Available in various weights and sizes, these jig heads allow anglers to customize their presentation based on water conditions and crappie behavior. The sharp hooks ensure a solid hook set, while the quality paint jobs on the heads add an extra touch of realism to the overall presentation.

In conclusion, the world of crappie lures in 2024 offers an impressive array of choices for anglers seeking to enhance their fishing experience. From versatile soft plastics to innovative hard baits, each lure brings its unique attributes to the table. Anglers are encouraged to experiment with different colors, sizes, and techniques to determine what works best in their specific fishing conditions. With the right lures in hand, crappie fishing can transform from a casual pastime into a thrilling adventure filled with memorable catches. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, the right selection of crappie lures will undoubtedly enhance your success on the water.