One of the joys of crappie fishing is the variety of different baits you can use. When they’re young, crappie feed on crustaceans and insects. Larger crappies, on the other hand, are predators that feed on fish smaller than them. They even eat the young of their predators! Any lures that imitate small fish can be used to catch large crappie.nnThere’s (almost) no substitute for the real thing, so many anglers opt to use minnows as live bait. Jigging is another popular way to catch crappie. Opt for a jig that weighs between 1/32 ounces and 1/8th of an ounce. Technique is essential here, as you’ll be fishing in and around structure. You may get a lot of practice unsnagging your line - but the crappie are worth it!nnFancier lures can help you catch crappie, too. Spinnerbait lures, which create flash and vibration, are great for attracting large, predatory crappie. nnIn the wintertime, crappie become lethargic, so using less active lures can be a good idea. Opt for marabou jigs, minnow stingers, and other lures that provide a bit of movement without being overstimulating. nnThere are all kinds of other baits you can use for crappie fishing - some anglers even use hard plastic lures to find crappie, then switch to soft lures to catch them. In general, however, soft, natural feeling lures that provide movement are best for attracting crappie. With so many different options, you can fish for crappie with just about any bait you have available. n