Even though winter has not yet loosened its grip on the Pennsylvania landscape many fishermen — especially those who are not a part of the Frozen Chose — have started to awaken and stir a bit.

Fish Commission trucks are on the move and lakes and streams are getting their early season trout stockings and with April just around the corner, trout fishermen are beginning to rev up for opening day. For years the middle of April signaled the traditional opening of Pennsylvania’s trout season, almost a sacred day for many avid trout fishermen, although we now have two opening days in Pennsylvania — April 3 in much of southern Pennsylvania and April 17 in the remainder of the state. Even with the divided season openers April and much of May for many is still set aside for trout fishing and for years I was a willing participant in that mid-April mayhem known as ‘opening day’.

While I certainly haven’t given up my quest for trout in April, I have come to realize that there is another gamefish well worth pursuing in the spring of the year — crappies. Although crappie fishing in the spring of the year may seem to be at its peak, they can however be taken the year around and in fact a couple of weeks ago we were still taking good numbers of crappies through the ice.

Bear in mind too that like all panfish, crappies are legal to take throughout the year. In addition to being legal the year around and for the most part willing feeders all year long they are also relatively easy to catch, which makes them a great choice for young anglers or even experienced anglers who are looking for some fun and some great table fare.

We actually have two different species of crappies that inhabit Pennsylvania waters — the black crappie and the white crappie. I suspect that many fishermen do not know the difference between the two because their similarities far outweigh their differences.

Crappies are members of the sunfish family. They have flat, silvery bodies with black to dark green markings. The easiest way to tell the difference between the two is by the arrangement of the dark markings; a black crappie will have random dark spots while the white crappie will have five to ten vertical dark bands. The markings may not always be obvious, especially during spawning and depending on the clarity of the water from which they are taken. During spawning male black crappies will be almost black throughout; male white crappies will appear dark around the head and back. Markings are often barely visible on crappies taken from murky or discolored water.

You can further differentiate the two by counting the boney dorsal spines; a black crappie will have seven or eight while a white crappie will have five or six spines. If further identification is needed check the distance from the eye to the beginning of the dorsal fin (that’s the one on the back); on a black crappie the distance from the eye to the dorsal fin is equal to the length of the base of the dorsal fin but in a white crappie the distance form the eye to the dorsal fin is greater than the length of the base of the dorsal fin.

Congratulations, you can now tell the difference between a black and white crappie. But does it really matter? I pride myself in knowing what I’m holding in my hand and that alone is good enough for me to be able to distinguish between the two but there are some subtle differences in behavior that may help in locating one or the other.

White crappies can tolerate murky water better than black crappies and they will thrive in basins with either soft or hard bottoms. Although they can both be found in open water, suspended at times, crappies prefer vegetation and woody structure, especially black crappies. White crappies do not school as tightly as black crappies. It’s not unusual at times to hit a school of black crappies and be able to catch 50-100 before the school moves to another location. My wife and I have had this happen at both Walker Lake and at Blanchard Dam.

I have at times taken both species from the same waters, using the same lures and in the same area. Both feed readily on minnows and both can be taken on minnow imitations and jigs and grubs. Crappies tend to shy away from too much light so it’s usually easier to catch them early or late in the day or at night. Crappies are an excellent nighttime gamefish.

I don’t find one to be more aggressive than the other and nor can I say one is generally larger than the other. In the north they don’t reach the sizes that they do in the warmer climates. Both world records came from the South. The world record white crappie weighed 5 pounds, 3 ounces and came from Mississippi. The world record black crappie weighed 6 pounds and came from Louisiana. A 10-12 inch crappie around here is pretty good although I have taken them over 14 inches — a real trophy in Pennsylvania. When I do find both species in the same lake it seems that the larger crappies tend to be the white crappies.

While I’m certainly excited to put a bend in my favorite trout rod as soon as the ice is gone I am equally excited about getting into some large schools of crappies; in fact, I will likely spend my "opening day" in pursuit of black and whites on some un-stocked trout lake where I will likely be alone.

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Officially, spring (vernal equinox) arrives on March 20, marking the beginning of the new astrological year. Anglers celebrate another commencement around this time of the year- the new trout season. Although it is more than a month away, most fishermen begin to dream about being out along a favorite stream catching fish, perhaps the big one. And, let us not forget, spring gobbler season is close behind.

One way to scratch "the itch" is by looking at fishing and hunting gear, and talking "trout" or "turkey" with others who love the sport. This is the weekend to do just that. The 2010 Trout Kickoff, Sports, Recreational & Outdoor Show sponsored by Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the Williamsport YMCA will be held on Sat. March 13 and Sun. March 14, at the YMCA Pickelner Arena on Elmira St. Show hours will be 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday; Noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is just $3.00; children $1.00; children under age 6 will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

Every member of the family, regardless of age, will find the wide range of displays and on-going demonstrations interesting and entertaining. For the youngsters, there is the always-popular Trout Pond, stocked with over 200 hungry trout. Stand by and watch as budding fishermen thrill to the excitement of a feisty fish attached to their line (equipment is provided). Don’t forget the camera. Those ear-to-ear grins are priceless.

Seminars include Dave Tilburg- Turkey Calling (Sat.-11a.m.); Kelly Cooper- Spring Turkey Hunting (Sat.-1p.m.); Sheri Baity- Coyote Calling (Sat.-3p.m.); Dave Butters & Cody Ensanian- Erie Steelhead (Sun.-1p.m.); Rick Henrich- Kayak Demo in the pool (Sun. 2:30p.m.).

Vendors will be displaying fishing and hunting products, including high-quality, custom-made items. Come, see, and discuss these exciting products with the experts and learn how each can bring you more success in the woods or on the water.

Exhibits include wildlife paintings by Ron Beach, Anne Dixon, Vicki Frith, and Bob Crain, all extremely talented artists. John DeWalt of Northeast Trade Co. will be on hand to discuss blackpowder guns. Dave Tilburg will be available to "talk turkey." Tilburg is well-known for his expertise on turkey hunting and for his turkey calls.

E. Hille Company will display fly fishing gear. The guys at Hille’s are very knowledgeable and will be available to accompany all takers who would like to try out a new fly rod or need help with their casting. They will also have fly-tying demonstrations. Is catching big fish part of your angling dreams? Then visit Salmon Hunter Charters or Wishin’ to be Fishin’ Charters, both successful Lake Ontario fishing services. This is where the fish are measured in pounds, not inches.

Also in attendance will be Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy, A Water Odyssey Scuba, Aten Beef Jerky, Andy’s Taxidermy, Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, Game On Game Calls, C.W. O’Connor Specialty, Steam Valley Game Calls, Chad & Kelly Copper, Pennsylvania Game Commission, numerous local watershed organizations, Rock River & Trail, Lycoming Creek Anglers, Rhode’s Taxidermy, Rick Metzger- Selective Marketing, Lefty’s Archery, and the Lycoming County Conservation District, as well as others.

Continuing the Kickoff tradition is a raffle and Chinese Auction. First prize in the raffle is $500 cash; second prize- $250 cash; third prize- a fly rod, along with dozens of other prizes (ticket holders need not be present to win). The Chinese Auction will feature several high-value items on the bidding block. Included are a fly rod outfit (rod, reel, line), a muzzleloader, and a beautiful framed print.

The 33rd Annual Trout Kickoff will be held on Sat. March 13 (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and Sun. March 14 (Noon-5 p.m.). Come with an appetite, as food, snacks and refreshments will be available; and, come with a thirst for knowledge about hunting and fishing.

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