world record crappie People all throughout the world love to fish. Some people fish to unwind, while others do it to catch huge fish. Crappie is a unique freshwater fish since it is abundant, tastes great, and is hard to catch. But for some other fishermen, the main goal isn’t only to catch food; it’s to set a new record. A lot of fishermen aim to set a new world record for crappie.
In this article, we’ll talk about the fascinating history of the biggest crappies ever caught, the variations between black and white crappie records, the states that capture the biggest ones, and how to catch the next world record crappie.
Why the World Record Crappie Matters
It’s fun to think about catching the biggest crappie in the world. Records show that you are successful, skilled, and lucky. Many fisherman want to know about bass or catfish records, but crappie fishing has its own stories. The global record for black crappie was set in 2018, however the world record for white crappie has been existing for more than 60 years.
A lot of people believe that the next record-breaking fish is swimming around right now, maybe in a little, unrecognized pond or a southern lake. Crappie can grow to be very big in states like Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, and Texas because they have long growing seasons and loads of food. There are a lot of crappies that weigh about 4 pounds, so it’s only a matter of time before someone catches a new world record crappie.
Current World Records: Black vs. White Crappie
The current world record for black and white crappie
Black and white crappie are the two main varieties. Both have made great receptions, but for now, only one has the biggest official catch.
World Record Black Crappie
Black Crappie with the Most Records
In May 2018, Lionel “Jam” Ferguson snagged the biggest black crappie ever. It weighed 5 pounds, 7 ounces. He was fishing in a small private pond in Tennessee with a Kalin’s Triple Threat Grub in John Deere color when the monster hit. This incredible fish beat the old record for black crappie, which was 5 pounds.
This catch not only set a new record for the biggest crappie in Tennessee, but also for the biggest crappie in the world. A lot of fisherman were surprised by how big it was, as this kind of fish generally weighs less than 5 pounds. Ferguson’s accomplishment showed that enormous crappies are still out there and that they can grow even bigger if the conditions are right.
Could there be an even bigger crappie out there?
An interesting myth that hasn’t been proven true is that a 6-pound crappie was caught in Louisiana in 1969. People say that Lettie Robertson caught the fish on the Westwego Canal with a cane pole and a minnow. The scales that were checked showed that the fish weighed 6 pounds, which would have surpassed both of the current records. Unfortunately, no one in charge officially called the fish a black or white crappie, therefore it was never recognized as a world record. That night, they ate the fish for dinner, which made things worse because there was no way to check.
Because of this story, some still think that actual giants might exist and could be caught today.
The Best Places to Find Giant Crappie
Crappie live all over North America, but just a few states are noted for having big ones. State record data shows that 35 states have records that are more than 4 pounds, but just a few go over the magical 5-pound mark. Here are some of them:
Tennessee – 5 lbs 7 oz (World Record Black Crappie, 2018)
5 lbs 3 oz (World Record White Crappie, 1957) from Mississippi
Arkansas—5 lbs. even (Lake Wihelmina, 2011)
Georgia—5 lbs. (Bibb County Pond, 1984)
Minnesota: 5 lbs. (Vermillion River, 1940)
5 lbs 1 ounce from Lake Murray in South Carolina in 1949
New fishing gear like forward-facing sonar and better techniques have made it easier than ever for anglers to identify and capture huge crappies. The prospects of breaking the world record for crappie are better today than they have been in decades.
How to Increase Your Chances of Catching a Record Crappie
If you want to capture the next world record crappie, you need to make a plan. Planning is just as crucial as luck. Keep these two things in mind:
Find lakes that are known for having enormous fish, like Grenada Lake in Mississippi, or private ponds with lots of food and not many people fishing.
Use Methods That Work: Spider rigging, vertical jigging, and trolling crankbaits are all terrific ways to catch big crappie, especially when the seasons change and the fish are feeding heavily.
The World Record for White Crappie
The record for white crappie hasn’t been broken since 1957, however the record for black crappie is still new. That year, Fred Bright caught a 5-pound, 3-ounce white crappie while fishing near the Enid Dam in Mississippi. This famous catch has been around for more than 66 years, even though many people have tried to break it.
There isn’t a lot of information about Bright’s historic fish, but most people think he caught it with a live minnow. A lot of fishermen expect the next white crappie record will come from Mississippi, which is still one of the greatest states for catching big crappie.
What Will Happen to the Crappie with the World Record
Soon, the world record crappie will decrease again because to better fishing management, technology, and approaches. Many analysts believe that the next big thing will come from the southern US, either Mississippi or Tennessee. Ferguson’s story proves that you don’t always need a vast lake; a small, well-kept pond could have the next record-breaking fish.
So, when you’re out fishing for crappies, remember that the fish that’s pulling on your line could be the one that makes history.
Final Thoughts
The world record crappie isn’t just a number; it means you’re the best at catching fish in fresh water. These stories, such as Lionel Ferguson’s stunning 2018 black crappie and Fred Bright’s legendary 1957 white crappie, make a lot of sportsmen want to keep fishing for the biggest fish. Are you going to be the next person to set a record?
