Are you a fan of crappie? If so, you aren’t alone. This delicious freshwater fish is a popular choice for anglers and non-anglers alike. But did you know that there are two different types of crappie?
That’s right, it’s not just one and done when it comes to crappie—there are actually two distinct species: black crappie and white crappie.
So, which is better? In this blog post, we’ll pit these two fish against each other in a showdown to see who comes out on top. Read on to learn more!
Black Crappie vs. White Crappie
The first thing to note is that, although they are both called “crappie,” black crappie and white crappie are not closely related. In fact, they belong to different families altogether. Black crappie are part of the sunfish family, while white crappie are part of the perch family.
So, what does that mean for taste? Unfortunately, it’s hard to say. Both black and white crappie are considered to be excellent eating fish, so it really comes down to personal preference.
When it comes to size, black crappie tend to be larger than white crappie. The average black crappie weighs in at about 1-2 pounds, while the average white crappie only weighs about ½ – 1 pound. So, if you’re looking for a big fish dinner, black crappie might be the way to go.
What about spawning? Here’s where things get interesting. Black crappies typically spawn in the springtime, while white crappies typically spawn in the summertime. So, if you’re planning on doing some fishing during the spawning season, you’ll need to keep an eye on the calendar so you know when each type of fish will be spawning.
As for habitat preferences, both black and white crappies prefer shallow, vegetated waters—but there is a slight difference between the two species. Black crappies tend to prefer clearer waters with sandy bottoms, while white crappies prefer murky waters with brushy or grassy bottoms.
So, if you’re hoping to snag a black or white crappie (or both!), pay attention to the type of water you’re fishing in so you can focus your efforts accordingly.
Conclusion
So, which type of fish is better—black or white? The answer is…it depends! It really comes down to personal preference when it comes to taste; both types of fish are considered excellent eating fish.
However, if you’re looking for a bigger fish dinner, black crappies tend to be larger than their white counterparts; on average, they weigh 1-2 pounds compared to the ½-1-pound average weight of a white crappy.
As far as spawning goes, black crappies typically spawn in the springtime while white crappies typically spawn during summertime—so keep an eye on the calendar if you’re hoping to do some fishing during the spawning season!
Lastly, pay attention to habitat preferences when deciding where to focus your fishing efforts; black crappies tend prefer clearer waters with sandy bottoms while white crappies often go for murkier waters with brushy or grassy bottoms. Now get out there and start fishing!
