Jigs

Crappie Jig

All lures

The go-to panfish producer.

Technique

Vertical jig or float

Depth

2-15 ft

Water Clarity

Any

Best Conditions

Brush piles, docks, spring spawn

Spring Fall

About This Lure

A tiny marabou or soft-plastic jig on a light head, fished under a float or vertically around brush.

How To Fish It

Present the jig vertically alongside bridge pilings or submerged timber, holding it steady just above the fish's eye level. Under a slip-bobber, cast to current seams or weed edges and allow the jig to suspend at a predetermined depth, using the float to detect subtle bites.

Retrieve Cadence

A slow, rhythmic twitch-pause-twitch cadence is essential; move the rod tip three inches, pause for five seconds, then repeat to trigger reaction strikes.

Best Colors

Chartreuse/White— Stained or murky water conditions

Black/Pink— Early spring pre-spawn in cold water

Blue Ice/Clear Sparkle— High sun in crystal clear water

Sizes & When To Use

1/32 ozFinesse presentations in shallow water under 5 feet

1/16 ozStandard all-purpose weight for depths up to 15 feet

Commonly Rigged On

slip-bobber rigstraight vertical tiedrop-shot rig

Recommended Gear

6'6" to 7' ultra-light power, fast-action rod paired with a 1000-series spinning reel spooled with 4lb test high-visibility monofilament.

Pro Tips

Always match your jig weight to the lightest possible size that maintains bottom contact to ensure a natural fall rate.
If bites are light, trim the plastic tail by a quarter-inch to reduce short-striking tail grabbers.
Apply a light smear of scented attractant to the jig head to keep fish holding on longer during the pause.
Pay attention to the arc of your line; any sudden lateral movement or slack indicates a fish has inhaled the jig.

Species This Lure Catches