Crappie

Crappie fishing near Grantsboro offers opportunities on the Trent and Neuse Rivers, as well as smaller creeks and ponds in the surrounding area. Spring is prime time, as crappie move into shallower waters to spawn. Focus on areas with submerged structure like brush piles, fallen trees, and docks. Small jigs and minnows are effective baits. A local secret is to target crappie in the flooded timber along the edges of the Trent River, especially after a period of heavy rain. You can access these areas from several small landings along Highway 17. The crappie in this region tend to school tightly, so once you find them, you can often catch several in the same spot. Remember to check creel limits and size restrictions before you head out.