What Size!

[Len]

What is the largest "SICKLE" HOOK do all of you use for tying a crappie jig?

[smoothlures]

I use a #1 in 1/8th oz. heads. It's pretty big.

[fishhunter775]

I use a size 1 also but it also depends on the style head and materials I maybe using.

[skiptomylu]

I use size #1 in 1/8 and 1/4, but use more #4 in them also. Got the #1 size more for black marabou for bass fishermen, but I use it some my self on crappie.

Skip

[Len]

Is sickle hook size #4 about the average used for a 1/16 head?

[FisherMike]

Skip, what about a 32nd?
I like the sickle hooks.

[smoothlures]

Is sickle hook size #4 about the average used for a 1/16 head?

Yes, the smaller size is usually more popular, though I like big hooks to catch him in the roof of his mouth instead of the paper thin mouth.
Just FYI here's what I use.
1/8th - #1
1/16th - #2, #4
1/32nd - #4, #6
1/64th - #8
1/80th - #8

[Saddle Tramp]

Great thread !

I'm a fan of larger hooks on smaller jig heads but it all depends on what time of the season, water temperature and whether the fish are aggressive or not..
During the open water cold weather months or ice fishing, I'll use hooks as small as # 12 on 1/100th and 11/80th oz heads.
I tend to loose some fish this way but I also get more hits as the fish are gently sucking in small and microscopic baits.
As the water warms or after Ice out, I'll go with 1/32nd oz heads with hook sizes ranging from # 6 all the way up to #1/0 depending on whether I'm using plastic baits or hair. The smaller hooks for plastics.
After the water has warmed and we get into our summer patterns, I go all out with big hooks on all my jigs. The smallest I'll use at this time will be #1/0 and go to #3/0 because we're using bigger plastics and hair /feather jigs to duplicate the larger baits that the crappies, walleyes and white bass are feeding on. Rarely do you loose a fish using the large hooks and they do reach inside the mouth of the crappies to hook on a more solid area.
The one thing I really find important is the hook diameter.
Not many companies make a fine wire hook in the larger sizes.
I've found that the Mustad Ultra Point hooks and certain Gamakatsu hooks are fine enough wire to still allow you to use lighter lines with the large hooks.
Always searching for a better edge though !

[smoothlures]

Saddle Tramp, not to get off topic, but I have some of the 1/0 and 2/0 Matzuo sickle hooks and they're pretty fine wire. Don't know if you use the sickle hooks or not but you might want to try them. Other than that I love all Gamakatsu light wire hooks, for everything from bass to catfishing.

[FisherMike]

Great information all.
Thank you.