Summer crappie fishing is all about adapting to warm water and active fish patterns. Over the years, I’ve dialed in my go-to setups for targeting slabs, and I’m excited to share my top picks for Summer 2025. These lures and rigs, paired with the right gear, will help you land more crappie whether you’re fishing shallow weeds or deep structure. Plus, you can grab these items at Lurenet.com (Code NICOLE15 for a nice discount) and Outdoor America, or use NICOLE18 for Piscifun gear to score a killer deal on your next reel.
Below I go through my 5 top crappie picks PLUS I highlight my favorite setups for throwing these awesome baits.
Crappie Pro MoGlo Jig and Bobby Garland Mayfly Combo
My go-to for spring and early summer crappie fishing, the Crappie Pro MoGlo Jig paired with the Bobby Garland Mayfly is a deadly combo that I rely on heavily. I’ve ditched live bait entirely thanks to this setup because it’s just that good. The MoGlo Jig’s glow, horizontal presentation, and light weight paired with the Mayfly’s lifelike insect profile mimic the natural prey crappie love, especially during early summer insect hatches. I keep a variety of sizes—1/16, 1/24, and even 1/32 oz for finesse bites—to handle changing weather and water conditions. Whether I’m casting to docks or twitching it under a bobber in shallow cover, this combo consistently produces. Grab it at Lurenet.com (nicole15) or Outdooramerica.com for a discount.
Yum FF Sonar Jig and Minnow is Perfect for Summer Crappie
Originally my go-to walleye rig, the Yum FF Sonar Jig and Minnow doubles as an incredible crappie fishing bait (in fact you can watch an entire video about it here), especially as water temps rise and crappie get aggressive. This setup shines when you know where the fish are holding—think docks, weeds, and submerged in cover. I use this particularly often post spawn, as these fish shift off their shallow spots to the nearest weed bed in cover.
I opt for the smallest size (1/8 oz) and maintain a consistent, slow retrieve with occasional pauses to trigger strikes. The subtle action of the minnow/jig combination is deadly when thrown at weeds and lightly retrieved. It also hovers well if you choose to use it with your FF Sonar (but definitely not required). You can find this combo at Lurenet.com using code NICOLE15.
Lindy Spinner Rig with Leeches or Crawler
I have so many videos and blog posts on this next method. When I need to find fish, cover ground, and /or take kids and newbies fishing this is what I do!
When it comes to searching for crappie in the summer, the Lindy or Little Joe Spinner Rig is my workhorse. I run this rig over weed beds religiously, either with a live leech or a piece of nightcrawler for added attraction. Depending on the depth and cover, I’ll sometimes add a small split shot to get it down or run it clean to make sure I’m on top of the weeds. The spinner’s flash draw crappie out of thick weeds, making it perfect for covering water and locating active fish in weedbeds. Pick up Lindy Spinner Rigs at Lurenet.com with code NICOLE15 for savings. You can also check out the shop page on OutdoorAmerica.com as well.
You can find my rigging tips here.
Great Lake Finesse Marabou Jig
The newest addition to my arsenal is the Marabou Jig from the Great Lake Finesse Line. This jig is a game-changer for targeting crappie holding deep on structure like cribs, downed trees, or brush piles in mid-summer. The marabou’s lifelike movement and subtle presentation make it ideal for dropping right on top of fish you know are stacked up below. I’ve had great success vertical jigging this bait or casting and letting it sink to these areas. It’s quickly become a staple in my tackle box.
Gear Recommendations for Summer Crappie Fishing
For my lightest baits, like the Crappie Pro MoGlo Jig, I stick with my trusty St. Croix Panfish Series rod (I like the Light Fast) paired with a Piscifun Carbon X 500 or Viper reel (use code NICOLE18 at Piscifun for a great deal). This ultralight setup gives me the sensitivity to detect subtle bites and the finesse to work small presentations in shallow water.
For bigger presentations like the Lindy Spinner Rig or when I’m pulling through thick weeds, I switch to a St. Croix Avid MLF or MLXF rod. These medium-light, fast-action rods have the backbone to handle larger baits and the occasional bonus fish like a big bass or walleye that might crash the party. The extra power helps me muscle through cover without sacrificing control.
Final Thoughts For Your Next Crappie Fishing Trip
Summer crappie fishing is all about versatility and precision. These picks—the Crappie Pro MoGlo Jig and Bobby Garland Mayfly, Yum FF Sonar Jig and Minnow, Lindy Spinner Rig, and Great Lake Finesse Marabou Jig—cover all the bases, from searching weed beds to targeting deep structure. Pair them with the right rod and reel, and you’re set for a successful season. Stock up at Lurenet.com or Outdooramerica.com with code NICOLE15, and don’t forget to use NICOLE18 at Piscifun for your reels. Get out there and start landing those slabs!
