Thread: Real crappie topic

Did you catch them out of really stained water? That could explain the light coloration. When you put them in the livewell, maybe the water was cleaner than the water they came from. BTW Nice fish!

The water was pretty stained. So if the water is muddy they will not turn black?

I would think if they wer 8-10 feet deep, and they turned black AFTER you had them in the livewell, I would guess your spawn hadn't started yet.

Ive caught some in october that would turn black in the livewell. But sounds like your spawn is fixin to get going pretty soon good job.

You might had some of the ladies in the livewell also. That may have got them in the mood!!!

Crappie might change colors, Black while in the shade and white when they are in open water??

any one with better information......??

I think they turn black whenever they are stressed, eg. caught, handled, guarding a nest, or putting up with the ol ball and chain (or, even scarier thought, a whole school of them) screaming "earl, I thought I told you to make the bed?!! I've been out getting my fins done, and what do I come home to? You floating around here watchin synchronized swimming on sportscenter!!! Get up and move that piece of gravel and then mow the seaweed!! I swear, I don't know why I put up with you sometimes!!!"

I had some like that last week. These were almost turned from black to white. Couple hours in the live well they turned back black... I got no idea why..