Choosing an correct jig size for crappie fishing is a primary part of crappie fishing. When choosing the correct jig size, it is important to consider how the weights of the jig will allow the jig to move in the water. Using a jig that is to heavy will scare the crappie fish away from the jig.
Using a jig that is too light will prevent the crappie fish from eat the bait. Anglers can carry several size of jigs to adjust according to the changing fishing conditions. For instance, fishermen use small jig heads in clear water to mimic natural movement in water; however, fishermen use heavier jig heads in stained water to allow more better movement through the water columns.
How to Pick the Right Jig for Crappie Fishing
The next factor to consider when choosing a jig for crappie fish is the shape of the jig head. Round ball jig heads will allow the jig to drop in a straight line and is used in fishing vertically under docks. Dart style jig heads will allow the jig to move from side to side while fishing and will trigger a strike from an aggressive crappie.
Aberdeen wire hooks will bend when it hit heavy brush and will not break. Tube jig heads will spiral while the jig sink and are used to keep the jig head in the strike zone for a longer period of time. Marabou jig heads will allow movement even if the angler is not being retrieve and are used in temperatures under 50 degrees.
The depth of the water will allow anglers to determine the correct weight of the jig. For shallow waters like lily pads, a light jig will allow the jig to avoid crashing through the cover. For areas in the middle depths like brush pile, the jig should sink at a steady rate.
For deep waters, a heavier jig will allow anglers to reach the fish before the wind or current move the fishing boat. Because depths change, anglers should weight jigs according to the depth of the crappie fish. According to the season, crappie fish change there behavior and the type of jig that should be used.
During the spring spawn, crappie fish will be in shallow waters and a medium jig will allow anglers to fish these areas without scaring the fish. In the summer, crappie fish will be in deep waters so a heavier jig is require to reach these fish. In the fall, crappie fish become more aggressive so a light jig with natural color will attract the attention of the crappie fish.
In the winter, crappie fish become less active so a very small jig with marabou will move very little in the water. Because crappie fish come in two different color, the jig will have different preferences for each species of crappie. White crappie fish live in stained water and can handle heavy jig weights.
Black crappie live in clear, cool water and requires a smaller jig presented slowly. Anglers should also use electronics to find the depth of the water and check the temperature of the water to determine the activity of the crappie fish. Knowing the depth and the activity of the crappie will allow anglers to select the correct jig for the crappie fish in the water.