I think I just realized that I don't know how to properly jig. I know I have fish down at the boat slip (I can catch them with live minnows) but no matter what I throw at them jig wise, I can't get a bite. When I drop a jig, I fish the same depth and location I do with the minnows under a bobber. I raise/twitch the rod lightly every so often, but mostly just leave it in place (and I think this is my downfall). So, how do you properly jig?

well its gonna be pretty hard to explain because i think everyone kinda has their own styles... but the only dvd that ive seen jiggin is mr crappie's first dvd at bass pro. i'd prefer u get both.

you using 6lb test or lighter ? you using a loop knot . if yes to these questions .your not setting the hook on the thump

Hehehe, I guess that is my problem then... I'm probably not feeling the bite?! Before I got in to crappie fishing and had the opportunity to share this boat slip, I was mainly a catfisherman. I still haven't had the change to buy in to ultralight. Long story short, my gear is either spooled with 15lb mono or 10lb braid on medium-heavy rods. I do use the loop knot, though.

slowly....very slowly

some swear by the mr crappie fish line. it is cheap too

the stiffer line will work sometimes if they are aggressive .but with light line your jig will have better movement

I am no expert but I consider the following to be
good info.
I don't think the motion is that important, I get most bites
just holding the jig in place ( right depth is critical)

The key components for crappie jiggin'.
light line ( hi-vis) watch your line, some days you will
see more strikes than you feel.
light but sensitive rod
jig wieght varies by depth and lb test of line.
( IE , a 1/16 oz jig will catch crappie , but if
you are fishing 15 feet deep with heavy line
you will never feel the bite)
I use 6 lb test line, and progressivly heavier
jigs as I fish deeper water. 1/32 or 1/16 for
shallow water , 1/8 for deeper , 1/4 for anything
approaching 20 ft.
Plastics, feathers, store bought , hand tied , all jigs
will catch crappie, Use what you have confidence in.

one little thing that is so important , but often
overlooked. Make sure your jig lies horizontally in the
water. If the knot slides forward and you jig is riding
head up in the water column , you will very seldom get
bit.

good luck
Mo

Hey whiterock! whats going on man Make sure that the line your fishing number one ballances out with the jig wght your fishing! you want just enough weight at the jig to keep your line taunt but not to heavy a heavy 32 or light 16 should do with 6# test depending on depths fishing youll fig it out. Keep your drag set in case you get into a sal but not overdone. You can fight big fish with light line if you keep your drag set,Other than that i couldnt agree with some, more on the subject tecqnique youll develop that as time is spent fishing. Although a little hent when fishing gets tough and you cant by a bite, remember frustration is part of pursuit! Try draging or swiming your bait away frome them in a slow side action motion. And dont forget to try new things other than this its all based on trial and era, but i have confidence that if you love what you do the time you spend will pay of champ!

GO get-um!........PS mo has it down pat!

"CrappieDale"

E-Mail dalebchmp@yahoo.com



Bad Shad!.........Top of the food chain!

Fish it slow, use heavy enough jig to be able to feel the hit or pick up...I suggest a 1/8 until you develope some feel...Just soak the jig and let it do it's thing...

one more thing.......get a five gallon bucket if water stick your jig in there and move your line around with the tipe and with the hand and see the movements . that will give you an idea what its doing in the water

Got to use the candy. Open the jar and let them dry out some, so they'll stay on your hook. You'll feel the bite then !!!

+1

any fish in them buckets? lols