I never go fishing for crappie. Not because I don't want to, but because I don't know how. With EVERYTHING being cancelled for the corona virus, I am planning to sign my kids up for a 4h crappie fishing tournament. We've been doing the bass tourney that ends Saturday, but they are easy to find in stock tanks. The crappie tournament is Saturday's May 9-23, but I have no idea how to actually target them. What are the basics for catching crappie during this time of year (lures, location, patterns, etc.)? As a side note I have easy access to Stamford, Hubbard Creek, Fort Phantom, Millers creek and the general area north of Abilene, and a fishing boat.

This is not an ad, but if you have kids and want something for them too do in May, let me know and I can send you some info on the 4h tournament. I have nothing to do with it other than taking my kids fishing. There's also a catfish tournament, but I would have to check dates.

Poo. Now I really feel stupid. Found the thread right before mine and it has a lot of info Im looking for. Please feel free to add info to supplement the post with calendars and tips.

Some will be spawning, some will be coming off the spawn and they’ll be HUNGRY. You’ll be able to catch them anywhere from 1-18’ but I would target brush and other structure in 10-15’. 4 lb test, 1/16 oz jig heads, get you some of lanes baits, bobby garland jigs, and some slab bandits. May they’re usually not picky about lure size, june-August is a different story. You’ll find that they prefer a jig lowered to them this time of year.