At SLABmesilly.com, It's all about crappie for serious crappie anglers. Best hand tie crappie jigs. Top quality in workmanship. Construct of only the top quality materials with 15 years of experience finally available to all anglers.
jig, jigs, hand tie jigs, hand tied jigs, crappie jig, crappie jigs, feather jigs, marabou jigs, custom jigs, high end jigs, flagship jigs, quality jigs, best jigs, top ranked jigs, awesome jigs, premiere jigs, starter jigs, #1 crappie jigs, SLABmesilly jigs, black nickel sickle hooks, Matzou hooks, sickle hooks.
Please visit our for general specifications
To continue shopping click to our products page
Often times, I have received emails from many asking for help in choosing a jig. Some are experienced angler, but not at crappie angling; others are novice at the sport altogether.
There are many different factors when selecting a proper jig to suit the fishing condition, but let's focus on the two very important factors which may help you with a better understanding of crapping angling.
- SIZE of a jig (profile and weigh)
- COLOR combination (Head/Body/Tail)
Before we get too technical, there is ONE simple rule:
1) There is NO rule!!!!
Condition varies and different body of water yield different result from this comprehensive guideline.
SIZE of a jig (profile and weigh):
A profile of a jig is not how much it weighs, but rather how big it seems. A heavy jig can have a small profile like a much lighter jig. Certain body of water at a certain time of year will dictate whether a bigger profile would work best, but for the most part, a small profile of a jig will claim more strikes over all.
Crappie jigs come in various sizes from 1/48oz to as big as 1/2oz or bigger. However, the most popular sizes are usually 1/8oz or 1/16oz. Some other common sizes are 3/32oz or 1/32oz. Since most are accustomed to 1/8oz and 1/16oz, SLABmesilly.com offers both.
Crappie is a predator which normally seek small bait fish such as small shads and minnows. Although at times bigger crappie will strike at bigger bait, however, smaller bait tends to produce more strikes over all. An easy prey is a slow swimming bait which translate into a lighter jig. By using a lighter jig, the jig will fall at a much slower pace and would look more favorable to entice a strike. When moving a jig horizontally, a lighter one will also move slower. Thus, the rule of thumb for choosing the correct weigh is the lighter the better. Keep in mind that wind condition and line weigh will varies how light a jig one can use. The ideal line weigh for this practice is 6 lbs test line although may varies from personal peference.
Up to 15' deep: 1/16oz is a better choice (although, up to 20' deep is not uncommon)
Be patient with a lighter jig as it takes a bit longer to get down, but it will be very productive when use properly.
Deeper water will require a heavier jig (1/8oz)
COLOR combination (Head/Body/Tail):
Since there are 3 possible color within a jig, choose what an overall tone would give you a better translation.
This is where the complexity begins. Once again, it varies depending greatly on many different factors.
Cloudy or Sunny; Early morning and late evening with low light; Depth of water; Clarity of water; and Different body of water will yield different go to color combos.
Cloudy vs. Sunny: Darker jig works better on cloudy day and lighter jig works better on sunny day
Early morning and late evening with low light: Use same as cloudy day
Depth of water: The deeper the water, the darker the jig since a darker jig would produce a better profile in deep dark water when a crappie is looking up. Remember, it's darker as it gets deeper even on sunny day .
Clarity of water: Many of Texas lakes are normally murky in compare to other Northern State body of water. Chartreuse has been known by most anglers that it is a MUST have, however, it isn't always true.
Although crappie will hit various color combos in the same area at the same time, especially during the feeding frenzy. Nevertheless, there is always one color combo that is better than the other for most encounters. Finding a right color combo will separate a great angler to a not so great one. Water clarity does play the most important role in selecting a right color combo that is best for your fishing condition. Chartreuse works great in murky water. Yellow and Orange works great in murkier water to muddy water. Muddy water might require a bigger profile jig to enhance your chance. Clearer water would favor more blue or neutral color in your jig. Cold fronts weather is a must with PINK. Black is not to over look during cloudy days or early and late hours.
Certain lake will have a certain color combo that would work best, however, do keep in mind that it still depends on what the water clarity at time of your outing. Water clarity will dictate what would work best. Different part of the lake will have different water clarity and so on...
 | ||||||
| ||||||
A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO
"HOW TO BEST CHOOSE YOUR JIG"
