Science Name: | Pomoxis nigromaculatus |
Other Names: | speckled perch, specks, papermouth, bachelor perch, calico bass, strawberry bass, or white perch |
Ideal Temp: | 70 to 75 |
World Record: | 4 lbs. 8 ounces Kerr Lake |
Environment: | river and lakes |
Techniques: | light tackle, cassting, fly fishing |
Range: | Most of U.S and Canada |
Description
Hybrids Know to hybridize with white crappie.
Habitat Black crappies thrive in clear, natural lakes and reservoirs with moderate vegetation. They are also found in large, slow-moving, less turbid rivers, provided the water is not too murky. Crappies prefer water from 70 to 75 degrees but will tolerate water over 80 degrees. It is gregarious and often travels in schools.
Feeding Habits Plankton, small fish and larval aquatic insects make up most of the diet. Like white crappies, blacks spend a good deal of time feeding on suspended plankton in mid-water.
Cooking Considered to be excellent eating by many anglers. The meat is prepared by rolling in cornmeal or dipping in pancake batter and deep frying, and can also be baked or broiled.
Spawning Habits Spawn in spring, usually at a water temperature of 62 to 65F. They nest in colonies, with individual nests somewhat more apparent than the nests of white crappies. After spawning, males guard the eggs and fry.
Age and Growth Black crappies live longer than whites, sometimes as long as 10 years. But they grow more slowly
Tips for Fishing