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Premier Half-Day Crappie Fishing Adventure

  • Published Date: July 22, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Forney, TX
  • $100 - $500 price range
  • Updated Date: October 7, 2025

Summary

Ready for a focused crappie fishing adventure? This half-day trip is perfect for anglers of all skill levels, including families with kids. You'll be using top-notch gear like Piscifun reels and Pro Angler rods, plus advanced electronics to help locate the fish. The guide provides quality bait, including LS Slabs and LS Crappie Plastics, to maximize your chances of success. With room for up to 3 people (2 included in the base price), you'll get personalized attention and expert tips. Don't forget to bring your cooler for drinks and snacks. After the trip, your guide will clean any fish you catch, so you can take home fresh fillets. The best part? If you don't catch any fish, your next trip is on the house. Just remember to check with the guide about current fishing conditions before booking. This strategic approach to crappie fishing offers a rewarding experience on the water, whether you're a seasoned angler or trying it for the first time.
Premier Half-Day Crappie Fishing Adventure

Crappie Catch of the Day

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Three people enjoying outdoor activities in Forney

5 white bass fish caught in TX

Three anglers enjoying a fishing trip in TX

Three people enjoying outdoor activities in Forney

Two wiper (hybrid striped bass) fish caught near Forney

A couple fishing in TX

Striped Bass, Wiper, and White Bass caught in Forney

4 white bass and wiper fish caught in TX

3 striped bass and wiper (hybrid striped bass) fish caught in TX

Three people enjoying outdoor activities in Forney

Three people enjoying outdoor activities in Forney

5 white bass fish caught in TX

Three anglers enjoying a fishing trip in TX

Three people enjoying outdoor activities in Forney

Two wiper (hybrid striped bass) fish caught near Forney

A couple fishing in TX

Striped Bass, Wiper, and White Bass caught in Forney

4 white bass and wiper fish caught in TX

3 striped bass and wiper (hybrid striped bass) fish caught in TX

Three people enjoying outdoor activities in Forney

Three people enjoying outdoor activities in Forney

5 white bass fish caught in TX

Three anglers enjoying a fishing trip in TX

Three people enjoying outdoor activities in Forney

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Crappie Fishing: Half-Day Hotspot Adventure

Ready to chase some slabs? Our half-day crappie fishing trip is tailor-made for anglers looking to fill the cooler with these tasty panfish. Whether you're a seasoned pro or introducing the kids to the joys of fishing, we've got you covered. With top-notch gear and local know-how, we'll put you on the fish and show you why crappie fishing is a customer favorite year after year.

Trip Overview

Climb aboard our spacious, fully-rigged boat for a morning or afternoon of targeted crappie action. We've got room for up to three anglers, making this the perfect outing for a small group or family. No need to fuss with licenses or equipment - we've got all the gear you need, from Piscifun reels to Pro Angler rods. Just bring your favorite drinks, a cooler for your catch, and get ready to reel 'em in. And hey, if the fish aren't cooperating? Your next trip's on us. That's how confident we are in putting you on the bite.

Crappie Tactics 101

We don't just fish - we hunt these paper-mouths down with cutting-edge tech. Our boat's decked out with Solix 15 and Garmin 122sv PanOptics LiveScope, giving us real-time underwater views that'll blow your mind. We'll show you how to read the screen and spot those crappie schools like a pro. We'll be using our secret weapons - LS Slabs and LS Crappie Plastics - to entice those finicky biters. From vertical jigging to slow trolling, we'll adapt our tactics to what the fish want on any given day. And when we're done? We'll clean your catch, so you can start planning that fish fry before we even hit the dock.

What Anglers Are Saying

"We had a ball for my hunny's 40th birthday. Brandon made sure we caught a good amount of fish. Will be back!" - Taneisha

"Brandon was the best guide I have had. We had a great fishing trip. He has a ton of knowledge on fishing. He also put us in a position to catch as many fish as possible. We definitely enjoyed ourselves." - Cierra

"This was a great trip. My friend and I are experienced fisherman, but we wanted to see how the real professionals catch crappie. And boy did we learn. That was a great experience. Caught big crappie and in the Brandon cleaned and bagged them all as well." - Mark

Crappie: The Ultimate Panfish

Crappie might not be the biggest fish in the lake, but pound for pound, they're hard to beat. These feisty panfish are known for their paper-thin mouths (hence the nickname "papermouths") and their delicious, flaky white meat. We target both black and white crappie, which can grow up to 2-3 pounds in our waters. Spring is prime time when these fish move shallow to spawn, but we've got honey holes for every season. Crappie are schooling fish, so when we find 'em, we usually find a bunch. They're notorious for their light bite, which makes detecting strikes a fun challenge. And let's not forget - there's nothing quite like a plate of fried crappie fillets at the end of a successful day on the water.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Our half-day crappie trips aren't just about filling the cooler (though we do plenty of that). It's about the experience of being on the water, learning new techniques, and enjoying some quality time with family or friends. Crappie fishing is perfect for anglers of all skill levels - it's challenging enough to keep the pros engaged, but forgiving enough that beginners can have a blast too. Plus, with our state-of-the-art electronics, you'll get a crash course in modern fishing technology that'll up your game no matter where you wet a line. And let's be honest - that moment when your rod doubles over and you feel the telltale thump of a slab crappie? That never gets old.

What to Expect on the Water

When you step on our boat, you're in for a treat. We'll start by going over the game plan for the day, based on recent patterns and weather conditions. As we motor out to our first spot, we'll give you a rundown on how to use the gear and what to look for. Once we're set up, it's all about putting baits in front of fish. We might be working brush piles, drop-offs, or open water schools - wherever the crappie are biting. Expect hands-on instruction throughout the trip. We're here to help you catch fish, but also to teach you skills you can use on your own. And don't worry if it takes a bit to get dialed in - crappie can be finicky, but once we crack the code, the action can be non-stop.

Gear Talk: What We're Using

We don't mess around when it comes to equipment. Our Piscifun reels are smooth as butter, perfect for detecting those subtle crappie bites. Paired with sensitive Pro Angler rods, you'll feel every tick and bump. But the real game-changer? Our electronics. The Solix 15 gives us a crystal-clear picture of what's below, while the Garmin LiveScope is like having X-ray vision underwater. We'll show you how to spot individual fish and even watch them react to your bait in real-time. It's like playing a video game, but way more delicious when you win. As for bait, our LS Slabs and Crappie Plastics are proven fish-catchers, but we're always tweaking colors and sizes to match what the crappie want on any given day.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to get in on the crappie action? Our half-day trips are booking up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, introduce the kids to fishing, or just want to fill the freezer with some of the best-eating fish around, we've got you covered. Remember, with our "no fish, no pay" guarantee, you've got nothing to lose and a whole lot of fun (and fish) to gain. Give us a call or shoot us a message to check availability and lock in your date. Don't wait - the crappie are biting, and your next great fishing story is just a cast away!

Customer Reviews

Fishy 40th Fun

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We had a ball for my hunny’s 40th birthday. Brandon made sure we caught a good amount of fish. Will be back!

TM
Taneisha Matthews

October 19, 2024

Hooked on Return

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Great trip. Look forward to our next trip. Hopefully soon!

TB
Troy Bontrager

October 20, 2024

Brandons Bounty

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Brandon was the best guide I have had. We had a great fishing trip. He has a ton of knowledge on fishing. He also put us in a position to catch as many fish as possible. We definitely enjoyed ourselves.

CJ
Cierra Jones

September 15, 2025

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This was a great trip. The guide was spot on. The fishing was awesome.

CW
Courtney Whigham

June 17, 2022

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Very nice trip. We caught a lot of fish and had a blast.

MO
Michael Oti

August 16, 2022

Thrice as Nice

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Great time’s fishing with Brandon. Literally my 3rd trip in 3 months.. Can’t beat the prices for a singles trip.. Always came home with fish!

BK
Brandon Knox

July 5, 2023

Inclusive Adventure

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Captain Brandon is the man!! My son uses a wheelchair, and Captain Brandon, made sure we was secure, and comfortable at all times. It was too windy for the fish we were going for, so Brandon put us on white bass, and hybrid, and we had a blast. We had an exceptional experience with Captain Brandon, and will be scheduling another trip soon.

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CH
Curtis Hardwick

October 16, 2023

Adaptive Angling

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Captain Brandon is the man!! My son uses a wheelchair, and Captain Brandon, made sure we was secure, and comfortable at all times. It was too windy for the fish we were going for, so Brandon put us on white bass, and hybrid, and we had a blast. We had an exceptional experience with Captain Brandon, and will be scheduling another trip soon.

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CH
Curtis Hardwick

October 16, 2023

Home on the Water

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Brandon was great! Very personable guy, made us feel right at home.put us right on the fish! Highly recommended!

DB
Danny Bailey

June 29, 2025

Father Son Catch

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Had a great time fishing with my son who was visiting from University. We booked a morning trip and Brandon did a great job getting us to the right locations quickly to catch fish. When the fish were not cooperating, we moved on to a different location. This was the first time I fished using using Livescope, and Brandon explained what we were looking at and how to pull fish out of the schools we were seeing. Overall great trip, very comfortable boat and great guiding!

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DO
Darryl Ogawa

March 6, 2024

Crappie Masterclass

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This was a great trip. My friend and I are experienced fisherman, but we wanted to see how the real professionals catch crappie. And boy did we learn. That was a great experience. Caught big crappie and in the Brandon cleaned and bagged them all as well. Already planning on going back for the White Bass lessons!!!!

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MC
Mark Cross

May 15, 2024

Learn more about the animal

Crappie

Crappie (Poxomis) 

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. 

Crappie Habitat and Distribution

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 Distribution Map
Crappie Map of Habitat

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 Size and Weight 

Crappie can be 7-12 inches long and weigh about 0.5-1 pounds. 

Crappie Interesting Facts

Crappie is known for its tasty and white meat. 

  • Both Poxomis nigromaculatus and Poxomis annularus are less active during the day.
  • Both the fishes have a different number of dorsal fin spines. White Crappie has 6 while Black Crappie has 7 or 8.
  • Mouth of Black Crappie is larger and reaches mid-eye and has a resemblance to largemouth bass.
  • Crappie travels in schools.
  • Female lays 5000-60000 eggs.
  • Crappie can live for 7 to 10 years.

Is Crappie Good to Eat?

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 

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. 

Crappie Food 

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 Fishing 

Crappie is most active at dawn or dusk. Anglers recommend using live bait and properly sized hooks, not too small, not too large. 

Spin or Bait Fishing for Crappie:

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.

Fly Fishing for Crappie:

  • Fly fishing for Crappie is exciting. Both dry and wet flies work well. Use dry flies on still and calm days, especially early and late. A great way to start a young angler on fly fishing, crappie is not as challenging as much other game fish.
  • The best-wet flies for fly fishing are streamers and nymphs and soft large hackles. Streamers (small) are perfect when the fish is eating minnows.
  • Anglers can fly fish for Crappie near fallen trees or bushes using a dry or wet fly. Be patient and let the fish properly take the hook. - Clouser Minnow is the ultimate fly bait that can catch even the sluggish crappie.

Crappie Baits and Lures: 

  • Spinners
  • Pan-fish jigs
  • Small crankbaits
  • Insects
  • Worms
  • Streamer flies
  • Small minnows
  • Nymphs

Crappie

About the Custom Build

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 10

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 45

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Ready for some crappie action? This half-day trip is perfect for anglers of all levels, from kids to pros. We've got room for up to 3 people, with 2 spots included in the base price. Bring your cooler and favorite drinks as we head out on the lake in search of crappie. We're equipped with top-notch gear, including Piscifun reels, Pro Angler rods, and high-tech electronics like Solix 15 and Garmin 122sv PanOptics LiveScope to help us locate the fish. Quality bait is provided, featuring LS Slabs and LS Crappie Plastics. Best of all, we'll clean your catch for you. If luck isn't on our side and we come up empty-handed, your next trip is on us! Just remember, deposits are non-refundable. Give us a shout to check if the crappie are biting before you book your adventure.
Lead Slingers Outdoor Fishing & Bowfishing Guide

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