Crappies are divided into two categories which are called Black Crappie and White Crappie. The black crappie is, of course, darker in color than the white crappie but this is not the only difference. It has seven or eight dorsal spines and several spots on its sides. When fishing in deep water and large impoundments you will most likely find the black crappie because this is the type of environment they prefer.

White crappies are lighter in color and have only six dorsal spines. They also have eight or nine vertical bands on both of its sides instead of spots and the white crappie prefer living in more quite remote places than the black crappie.

The average weight for a crappie is one pound but it is possible to catch crappie weighing up to five pounds.

Lakes in South Carolina
South Carolina has many lakes where you can go crappie fishing with great success. If you are not familiar with this state and all it has to offer, then the list of lakes listed below will help to give you an idea of some of the options that are available to you.
Lake Marion
Lake Murray
Hartwell Lake
Lake Wylie
Lake Moultrie
Lake Greenwood
Lake Jocassee
Wateree Lake
Lake Moultrie
Lake Keowee
These are just a few of the options that you have when you go crappie fishing in
South Carolina. You will find that there are many more areas where the crappie fishing is excellent. Talk to local bait shop owners and local fishermen to see where they would recommend you go.

If you are visiting friends or family in South Carolina they may be able to direct you to some remote ponds, creeks or lakes that have the potential for some great crappie fishing. These are places that you would probably never find on your own.

How to Catch Crappie
There are several ways to catch crappie as they are a fairly easy species to reel in. The most commonly used methods for crappie fishing are drifting, casting, trolling and still-fishing. Either of these techniques should render you some excellent results. Springtime fishing is the best time to go South Carolina crappie fishing because it is when the crappie are getting ready for spawning season. They will be migrating into the shallow, warm water to begin spawning.

In the summer the crappie will move out to deeper water during the middle of the day where the water is cooler and then back to the shallows during the night time hours. In the fall you need to fish in the shallow to moderately deep water during the late evening to early morning hours. However, they do still go out to the deeper water during the day when the sun is at its brightest.

Columbia is South Carolina’s capital, and a lot of people choose to live here. It’s centrally located to the beach and the mountains. It’s one of the biggest cities in the state, and the population has grown to just over 120,000. Some of the biggest employers in the area are the University of South Carolina, the state government, and the hospital systems. Columbia are the most affordable places to live in South Carolina that are also relatively good sized cities.

Greenville is located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and has cooler weather than the coastal areas of South Carolina. It snows usually about once or twice a year in the uppermost part of the state, and Greenville is the largest city in the upstate. It has an estimate of about 60,000 residents. This area has seen some of the largest growth for non-coastal areas in South Carolina, and it’s expected to grow even more in coming years. The city has plenty to do and lots of nice areas, but it’s also considered an up and coming area simply because of its past and projected growth.

Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular tourist areas in South Carolina. Every year, more than 15 million people visit South Carolina’s coast, and Myrtle Beach is at the top of the list of beaches, statistically speaking. Although a lot of people in Myrtle Beach live there year round, it’s considered more of a vacation spot. You’ll find putt-putt courses and beach shops sprinkled throughout the area. It also has a lot of large hotels and condo complexes right on the beach. Myrtle Beach is the most coastal city on this list. The residential population is estimated around 23,000.

Charleston is known for its history and culture. Its economy is also based largely on tourism, and it has started to make its way into the international tourism and real estate markets as it’s become the cultural hub of the state. You’ll find historic sites, museums, and art galleries throughout the main peninsula and surrounding areas. Charleston is considered more of an upscale port city and has 6 beaches along its coast. Charleston is comparable to Columbia in size, at just under 118,000.

Hilton Head does not attract as many tourists, and it’s known as a smaller and quieter coastal area. The AARP often lists Hilton Head in its top places to retire, but you’ll find a mix of people there. Its population is estimated at about 33,000. Real estate prices are relatively high, as the town has strict development and commercial guidelines. The town incorporated these rules in an effort to preserve the natural setting that people associate with Hilton Head.