How to Fish for Crappie with a Jig
The jig is a versatile weapon for crappie fishing. It can be used in different techniques and situations with one bait option that would work well on every occasion!
Fishing for crappie with a jig can be challenging at times, but we’ve got the basics of how to do it before getting into some more detailed techniques.
What is a Jig?
A jig is a two-part lure. Jig heads are what you want if you’re fishing in the deep. They come with a lead-shaped section and an eye offset from it. There’s more than one style of jig head out there: some have painted designs that resist rusting or corrosion over time while others opt for the raw metal look. Some people also choose to paint their own so as to easily spot them.
The second component is the body, which will accept anything ranging anywhere from soft baits like curly-tailed grubs to minnow pieces as well!
The great thing about jigs is that they can be a versatile tool in your tackle box. They are essentially blank slates just waiting for whatever you rig on them. There are jigs available that have blades or spinners which make them even more irresistible.
What is the Best Jig Size for Crappie Fishing?
There are many different fishing techniques and weights to choose from when crappie fishing. For example, most fishermen only use heavier weights for deep-fishing while others prefer a jig weighing between 1/16th of an ounce to ¼ or ⅛ ounces depending on conditions!
How to Choose the Correct Weight
When it comes to choosing the correct weight, it is all about how far you want to be able to cast your line out. You will want to use a heavier weight when using a jig as it will help you cast your line even with the wind.
But when it comes to trolling using lures such as spoons and crankbaits that are designed to be a little heavier, lighter weights work better with less drag on the bait when trolling through calm waters.
It is important to maintain a good feel while casting when not using a weight and to keep the line tight. If you experience the wind blowing your line and you struggle to cast out your line – then you may want to consider using a heavier weighted system.
If you are using a 1/16th and struggling to cast your line – then you should consider moving up to a 1/18th. Only move up to a heavier or bigger jig if you absolutely need to as it is best to use a lighter setup in clear water.
What are some of the Best Color Jigs for Crappie Fishing?
The best color jig for Crappie fishing is Chartreuse as it is a bright color that absorbs light and the fish really seem to like it. Chartreuse is highly visible even
Things to consider when choosing Jig color:
When you go fishing, don’t be afraid to try something new. Every day the local catching conditions will change and if your favorite bait isn’t working anymore then switch it up for a color that is more in season!
Using colors near what nature would provide for the ocean is great when fishing. These fish won’t see their food coming from far away and they’ll be scared off or it will make them difficult to find, so try painting a bait with natural hues found in marine life like light blues and greens rather than deep reds which might confuse them!
Color disappears the deeper you go
It’s no secret that water absorbs light. The colors of the jigs have different visibilities the deeper you fish so some colors are better for closer to the top of the water whereas others are better for deeper water. How does this affect the fisherman?
It simply means that in order to be prepared for different water conditions and depths you should always pack more than one color option in your tackle box.
Most fishermen choose their Crappie Jigs in this order: Red, orange, yellow, green, and then blue.
If I could only choose four colors of jigs to keep in my tackle box, I would choose:
Black
Black is generally an all-purpose color for all types of fishing. It has an attractive silhouette from underneath that is very tempting for fish. I will usually include lures that have black in them for all types of fishing.
Chartreuse
Chartreuse is absolutely magical for Crappie fishing but it is great for other types of fish as well. It provides a highly visible color that is a natural contrast to the water and surroundings. Its color makes it effective for shallow water and deep water as well.
Red, Pink, White, and Purple
There are a variety of colors to fill your tackle box. A combination of red, white, and black seem to be the most popular but don’t miss out on trying other combinations. I like using a black and chartreuse jig and it works amazing!
How to Tie a Jig
The first thing you’re going to need to do when fishing with jigs is to take your time and learn how they are properly attached. First off, always attach the hook or lure in a manner that will allow it to be hung horizontally from our line – even if we want them vertically!
Secondly, make sure that you tie the knot on the right side of the eye so as not to have any issues. As far as hooks go there are a few types really worth mentioning: The popular Trilene Knot which I like because it has an integrated stop; then Palomar Knot because of its versatility but my go-to is the loop knot which is great under light loads.
What are the Best Jig Techniques for Crappie Fishing?
There are several popular crappie fishing techniques you can use. Here are four of our favorites:
Vertical Jigging
On warm summer days, crappie will look for cooler water! And as the fall encroaches on this time of year, they’ll migrate away from the shallows – but when you find them with your fishfinder (and boat), just park over their heads gently holding out some bait to lure them into your catch-net or net bag!
The idea is to use the best combination of jig head and body. Then let your jig do all the work.
How to Fish for Crappie with a Jig using a Spider Rig
Crappie will move from the deeper water to the shallower areas to spawn at the beginning of Spring. After they have completed their spawning and as the water warms up more, these fish return back down into deeper waters where it is cooler.
This leaves an opportunity for anglers in shallow areas like creeks or backwaters who are looking for some great fishing during this time of year!
Spider rigging is an exciting and unique technique that you can use to cover a lot of water, at different depths. If you are ok with running multiple poles using pole holders, you can set them up around your boat in the shape of a spider. Then creep along the shoreline or cover huge areas quickly using this method – it’s easy!
Spider rigging is one great way to power through large amounts of water while on the go; all from your boat! With individual fishing rods placed in various positions throughout your vessel (and even above), when combined they look more like “spider legs”.
If you want to get the most out of your fishing experience, make sure that all rods are identical and adjusted to be at the same level. Rods should also have similar power and action so it’s easier for anglers to detect bites on their line because they’ll know how each type of rod will react when there is a strike!
You’ll also need to make sure your rod holders are rock-solid!
The long series of rods are also helpful for preventing tangles as you turn, but they sometimes get tangled up when a crappie takes the jig and fights back.
For a more in-depth look at Spider Rigging, check out this article on Field & Stream here
Fishing the Shallow Water During Spawn
Casting a jig is the best option for getting your bait into hard-to-reach areas.
With their cool shapes and colors, they can be used with any line weight from 4-10lb, making them exceptionally versatile lures that have been proven themselves over many years as one of the most effective means available for catching fish not only at sea but also in freshwater environments too.
One of our favorite fishing spots is in the shallows near submerged cover. Sometimes, we cast out a little further from shore and try to retrieve slowly so that they become worried and bite!
Slip Float Near Cover
Slip floats are amazing for fishing near stumps, pilings, or another crappie habitat. The Thill Crappie Cork is an awesome addition to your tackle box because it allows you to cast flawlessly while still controlling the depth of your terminal tackle. This float has no need for beaded stops and can easily adjust depending on how deep you want your line to go which makes it super easy to use!
What is the Best Color Jig for Crappie?
Chartreuse is the absolute best color for jigs. It looks like fish underwater so Crappie naturally wants to eat it. It works in all water conditions. Chartreuse is the color you have to have in your tackle box.
Related: What Do Crappie Eat?
Final Thoughts on How to Fish for Crappie with a Jig
Crappie fishing is a blast and jigs are the way to go when it comes to catching them. They’re versatile, easy-to-use, deadly on crappies–and nothing beats one! So next time you take off for your favorite spot on Lake Michigan or Erie just remember: Bring along some of those shiny lures that look so good in the tackle box…
Also, check out our articles in Freshwater Fishing or Saltwater Fishing!
