Get ready for a crappie-catching bonanza on Clarks Hill Lake! Our 6-hour charter is perfect for anglers looking to fill their coolers and make some serious memories. We kick off bright and early, usually around 6 AM, to catch those fish when they're most active. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer, our expert guides will put you on the hotspots where the crappie are biting. We keep our groups small - up to 3 people for the base price of $400 - to ensure everyone gets plenty of action. But hey, if you want to bring the whole crew, we can accommodate up to 6 for an extra $125 per person. The best part? We only run one trip per day, so you've got our undivided attention. It's all about quality time on the water and maximizing your chances of hitting that catch limit.
When you hop aboard our fully-equipped fishing vessel, you're in for a treat. We've got all the latest gear and electronics to help locate those crappie schools. Expect to try a mix of techniques - we might start with some spider rigging, then switch to vertical jigging if the fish are holding tight to structure. Don't worry if you're new to these methods; our guides are patient teachers and will have you casting like a pro in no time. We'll cruise to some of Clarks Hill's prime crappie haunts - think submerged timber, brush piles, and rocky points. The lake's diverse underwater landscape means we've always got options, no matter the conditions. And let's not forget the views - Clarks Hill is a stunner, with its pine-lined shores and crystal-clear waters. Keep an eye out for ospreys diving for their own catch!
Crappie fishing at Clarks Hill has been on fire lately! We're consistently seeing coolers full of slab crappies in the 1-2 pound range. These fish are not just plentiful, but they're also fighters - expect some serious action when you set the hook. We typically use light tackle, which means even the smaller crappies put up a fun fight. Our go-to setup is usually a 1/16 oz jig tipped with a minnow or a small soft plastic. Colors can vary, but lately, chartreuse and white have been hot. Don't be surprised if we stumble upon some bonus catches too - Clarks Hill is also home to some monster striped bass, and they've been known to crash our crappie parties from time to time. If we do hook into one of those beasts, hold on tight!
"Great time with Brad, caught lots of fish and had a blast! Will be going back for the crappie." - William
"Simply the best guide service on Clark's Hill. Organized, knowledgeable, and outstanding service. Brad and his crews know their stuff. Book with them and you won't be disappointed." - Nick
"We really enjoyed our first fishing trip with Brad. We scheduled crappie fishing trip but end up doing strippers also. What an excellent experience because Brad put us on the strippers. I would recommend and we definitely be going again soon." - Kenneth
Crappie are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These panfish are not only delicious but they're also a blast to catch. At Clarks Hill, we primarily target two species: black crappie and white crappie. Black crappie tend to prefer clearer water and structure like fallen trees or brush piles. They're known for their distinctive dark, mottled pattern and deep body shape. White crappie, on the other hand, are more tolerant of murky water and often school in open water areas. They're typically more slender than their black cousins and have a pattern of vertical bars on their sides.
Both species are known for their light bite, which makes detecting strikes a fun challenge. They're also schooling fish, so when you find one, you've likely found a bunch. Spring is prime time for crappie fishing, as they move into shallow water to spawn. However, we catch them year-round by adjusting our tactics to their seasonal patterns. In summer and winter, we often find them suspended over deeper water, while fall can be a transition period where they follow baitfish schools.
The average size for crappie in Clarks Hill is around 10-12 inches, but don't be surprised if we hook into some true slabs pushing 15 inches or more. These bigger fish are often called "papermouth" due to their thin, fragile mouths - which means a gentle touch is key when reeling them in. And let's not forget the eating - crappie are widely considered one of the best-tasting freshwater fish out there. Their white, flaky meat is perfect for a good old-fashioned fish fry.
Alright, folks, if you're itching to get out on Clarks Hill and fill your cooler with some tasty crappie, now's the time to lock in your trip. Remember, we only run one charter per day, so spots fill up fast - especially during peak seasons. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some slabs to your personal best list, or a family wanting to introduce the kids to the joys of fishing, we've got you covered. Our experienced guides know this lake like the back of their hand and are committed to putting you on the fish. Plus, with all gear provided and our catch-cleaning service, all you need to worry about is having a good time and maybe deciding how you want to cook up your catch. So don't wait - give us a call, pick your date, and get ready for a day of rod-bending, reel-screaming action on beautiful Clarks Hill Lake. Trust us, once you experience the thrill of hauling in these feisty crappies, you'll be hooked for life!
May 17, 2025
We went last January and limited out on striped bass and had a blast ! 5 stars all around! The guide and I laughed at my fiance a lot, because it was 16 degrees out that morning and she was shivering so because she was wearing a net cloth style Nike shocking she was saying her feet were just cold . All in all great time!
July 2, 2024
Simply the best guide service on Clark’s Hill. Organized, knowledgeable, and outstanding service. Brad and his crews know their stuff. Book with them and you won’t be disappointed.
August 2, 2023
Extremely good guide the fish were not biting very well Brad did everything he could to put us on fish unfortunately they didn't cooperate out of his kindness he offered us another trip free of charge I am extremely pleased with him and will book again and recommend him Dennis Reese 3324 ga hwy 171:North Gibson Georgia
April 5, 2025
He put us on the fish right away and got us our limit.
June 3, 2024
We really enjoyed our first fishing trip with Brad. We scheduled crappie fishing trip but end up doing strippers also. What an excellent experience because Brad put us on the strippers. I would recommend and we definitely be going again soon.
July 15, 2024
Really nice trip for daughter and son-in-law, first time striper fishing. Thank you, Captain Bradd!
August 26, 2024
Thanks Brad for a great fishing trip that produced us an abundant of fish.If asked or in any conversation Sasser will be highly recommended by me. For those who has never went fishing with Brad, go you will not regret it!!
September 7, 2024
Crappies are game fish and the largest members of the Centrarchidae family. They are present in nature as Black Crappie (Poxomis nigromaculatus) or and White Crappie (Poxomis annularus). Both the species are similar to each other, apart from few distinctions. White crappie will have vertical bars running the length of their body, and black crappie will have no discernible pattern and will just be speckled, hence their nickname, “specks". White crappie has 5-6 spines, and black crappie has 7-8 spines. Anglers often differentiate the two by body shapeGrenade Lake, Mississippi, and Reel foot Lake are considered among giant crappie lakes.
Both the crappies have a similar habitat, though black crappie prefers clearer water than white crappie. These fishes can be found in rivers, lakes, and backwater pools swimming in shallow waters or hiding among bushes, vegetation, or other covers.
Crappie is native to Canada and the eastern States. It is a much-enjoyed game fish in North America and inhabits the Great Lakes, Hudson Bay, and the Mississippi River Basins.
Crappie can be 7-12 inches long and weigh about 0.5-1 pounds.
Crappie is known for its tasty and white meat.
Despite its name, crappie is an excellent source of nutrition, containing high amounts of protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids. Although it's not as popular as salmon or tuna, crappie can be a delicious addition to any healthy diet. They are known for their delicate taste and ease of preparation.
When cooked properly, crappie has a delicate flavor and flaky texture, making it perfect for grilling, frying, or baking. Moreover, because they are smaller fish than other common species, such as bass or catfish, the chances of mercury contamination in their flesh are much lower.
Crappie spawning season begins in early spring and summer when the water temperature is 62 F-68 F. Male builds the nest in soft or gravelly spots, the female lays the eggs, and the male guards the nest. Eggs take 2 to 5 days to hatch.
Depending on the age, Crappie victims consist of zooplankton, crustaceans, small fish, minnows, insects, gizzard or threadfin shads, and larvae of other game fishes.
Crappie is most active at dawn or dusk. Anglers recommend using live bait and properly sized hooks, not too small, not too large.
Spin fishing for crappie is a popular angling technique used for years. The use of small lures, such as crappie spinners or jigs along the bottom with light tackle, makes it possible to catch these elusive fish with ease. Crappie spinner fishing involves using a spinning rod and reel setup to cast the lure out into the water and retrieve it in a steady fashion.
When fishing for crappie with a spinner, it's essential to choose the right size and color of the lure. Smaller lures are more effective when targeting this species due to their smaller mouths. Additionally, selecting colors that mimic the natural prey of crappie can help increase your chances of catching them. It's also important to consider where you're casting your line when using spinners for crappie fishing.
Another popular technique is a bobber with a hook with live bait such as worms or small minnows. This is a proven method to catch crappie.
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Great time with Brad, caught lots of fish and had a blast! Will be going back for the crappie.