Midsummer Crappies: A Family Fishing Adventure in Northern Minnesota

Midsummer Crappies: A Family Fishing Adventure in Northern Minnesota

This Lund’s Ultimate Fishing Experience episode takes us to the heart of northern Minnesota, where professional guide and devoted father, Sean Colter, shares one of his favorite ways to keep kids engaged in fishing: targeting midsummer crappies along the weed edges.

The Magic of Weed Edge Crappies

Summertime fishing presents an excellent opportunity to introduce kids to the sport. Unlike the patience-testing nature of some fishing styles, crappie fishing offers near-instant gratification—something young anglers crave. “Kids need to catch fish—and usually lots of them,” Sean explains. And the key to steady action? The summertime weed edge bite.

Crappies, like their bluegill and bass counterparts, instinctively gravitate toward underwater vegetation—an all-you-can-eat buffet and a built-in safety net from lurking predators. As daylight shifts, so do these fish, rising and falling within the water column in a rhythmic dance. Sometimes they cling to the weed edges as if glued to them; other times, they hover just above, testing the open water. "Understanding this behavior is crucial to maximizing bites throughout the day." Master their movements, and you’ll turn guesswork into guaranteed action.

The Perfect Spot: Backwater Bays and Weedy Points

On this trip, Sean and his son Jax venture into a quiet backwater bay, a prime location for midsummer crappies. With water temperatures hovering between 73 and 75 degrees, it’s the ideal setting for fast action. While many anglers believe crappies only bite in the evening, Sean knows better: “Don’t think midday crappies don’t happen—you just have to find the right depth and approach.”

One of the best locations to target is a point with lush cabbage weeds extending toward deeper water. The ideal scenario? Weeds growing three to four feet below the surface, creating a perfect hiding spot for crappies while still allowing room for baitfish to move freely. Once you find a stretch of productive weed edge—whether it’s 20 yards or 200—you’re in for a treat.

Techniques That Keep Rods Bent

Crappies aren’t known for being overly picky, but a little finesse goes a long way. Sean and Jax employ two tried-and-true techniques:

Bobber and Minnow: Simple yet deadly, this method involves hooking a live minnow through the back and suspending it just above the weeds. The natural movement of the baitfish is often enough to entice aggressive strikes.

Twister Tail Jig: A lightweight jig (1/32 to 1/16 oz) paired with a soft plastic twister tail creates an irresistible fluttering action. The key? Letting it sink slightly before retrieving it with a slow, steady motion. Crappies love to feed upward, so keeping the bait just above their heads increases the chances of a bite.

Throughout the trip, Sean and Jax prove how effective these techniques are. Between bursts of excitement—“Oh, that’s a big one!”—and fatherly advice—“Hold it by the belly, just like that”—it’s clear that the experience means more than just catching fish.

Technology Meets Tradition: Forward-Facing Sonar

Fishing has evolved far beyond gut instincts and old-school know-how. Sean proves just how revolutionary forward-facing sonar has become for crappie fishing, turning the hunt into an art form. By scanning ahead, he pinpoints schools of fish suspended over the weeds, delivering casts with near-surgical accuracy. “Technology is a huge part of what everybody’s doing right now,” he explains, highlighting how modern advancements give anglers the upper hand, ensuring every moment on the water counts.

More Than Fishing: A Legacy Cast Across Generations

As the golden hues of sunset dance across the water, Sean pauses—not to check his line, but to reflect. Fishing has always been more than the thrill of the catch; it’s about the moments that linger long after the day is done. As a kid, he spent endless hours on the water with his father. Now, he watches that same passion ignite in his own son.

“Seeing the passion my son has now, as a dad, is really cool,” he says, his pride evident. And with Jax now old enough to take his own boat out with friends, the tradition lives on.

In a fast-paced world where screens dominate and distractions are endless, fishing offers something rare: a chance to unplug, to reconnect, and to lose track of time in the best way possible.

As Sean so perfectly puts it, “Take a kid fishing every chance you get.” Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the fish—it’s about the stories, the bonds, and the legacy that lives on, one cast at a time.