| Florida's statewide abundance of fishing resources | | | | A total of 25-30 Crappie can be taken per day, |
| makes it one of the most popular places to plan a | | | | depending on the area in which you are fishing. This is |
| fishing vacation. | | | | a strict rule enforced by local game rangers, and |
| Types of Crappie in Florida Waters: Both Black | | | | strong punishments come with breaking this rule, so be |
| Crappie and White Crappie can be found in Florida | | | | careful and keep count! |
| waters, though the Black Crappie are more | | | | Florida Hot Spots : LAKE KISSIMMEE- Lake |
| predominate. | | | | Kissimmee is a large rectangular lake, spreading over |
| The State Record for Black Crappie is 3 pounds, 13 | | | | 35,000 acres. Lake Kissimmee stretches from State |
| ounces. Black Crappie prefer water temperatures of | | | | Route 60 north along the western edge of Osceola |
| 68 to 72 Degrees, and deeper, slow moving waters. | | | | County. The typical depth is somewhat shallow, at only |
| White Crappie also prefer water temperatures of 68 | | | | 10 feet deep. The lake has a number of recognizable |
| to 72 Degrees. White Crappie prefer darker, murky | | | | islands, such as Stern, Rabbit, Ox, Bird and, the largest |
| waters, with ample amounts of cover available. | | | | of them all, Brahma Island. |
| Rules and Regulations on Crappie in Florida : To fish in | | | | Lake Kissimmee does not require any special |
| Florida, you must be a resident for no less then six | | | | techniques or equipment to catch Crappie. Instead, a |
| months prior to purchasing your fishing license. None | | | | pole of your choice, whether it be a cane pole or |
| fishing licensees are also available. All military personnel | | | | standard 10 ft fiberglass pole, small hooks, and corks |
| and their families that are stationed in Florida are | | | | will do the trick. Live bait such as crickets and |
| consider Florida residents, no matter the length of time | | | | earthworms may be your best bet. |
| in which they have been in Florida. | | | | Fisherman must beware of bad weather on Lake |
| You can purchase licenses at any county tax | | | | Kissimmee. Because of the size of the lake, and how |
| collectors or at any of their subagents. Subagents can | | | | shallow the lake is, even the smallest wind gusts of 10 |
| generally be found in tackle and bait shops, fish camps, | | | | to 15 miles per hour can kick up some high waves, |
| sporting goods stores, and larger department stores | | | | which could potentially be dangerous to fisherman in |
| that have outdoor sections. When purchasing your | | | | smaller boats. On days when wind is present, it may |
| license from a subagent, it is typically about 50 cents | | | | be better to fish onshore, or use a boat that is larger |
| more. The prices are set by the Florida Legislature. | | | | and more stable. |