Single or double?

I'm with Shane on the big baits. Even on a slow day, they knock the snot out of a bigger bodied bait like a 3 or 3.5 inch. It's about all I use .

I like reading these threads as it gives me different things to try.

I started fishing double jigs and it seems when i fish single jigs i don't feel the confidence and dont feel like i catch as many fish.

Casting i double 1/16th a lot.

Verticle jigging on a dock or slip. I actually like double 1/32.

But on windy days i move to 1/8th and sometimes 1/4. Double 8th is as big as i go.

I like it because it seems i can find the depth and color the fish like quicker. I dont rely heavily on electronics as im still learning and figuring them out.

I think it all comes down to what you are comfortable with and what you want to try. Seems like to me with fishing.... if im doubting myself it throws my game off and i catch less. So i stick with how i usually fish along with baits and lures and i do alright..... sometimes.

Im sure double jigs are more effective but I rarely use them as I mainly fish brush and donate my share of weight to the brush. Weight of jig head will be determined by the wind and what it takes to keep in contact with the bait.

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Originally Posted by shane

90% of the time I use 1/4 jig heads. I'm different than most people as in the fall and winter, I use big baits. You have to realize that the fish are eating shad that have been growing all year or several years and usually are large. Last year we, ( Craig and I ) found many crappie eating small white peach or white bass as their food source here at El Dorado lake throughout the winter time. If I'm fishing suspended fish, I will use two jigs but in brush, I use one and sometimes if they are really deep in the brush, I will file the tip of my hook some so it doesn't get stuck as I am banging it hard to get their attention. You don't need a sharp hook to penetrate a crappies mouth. If you catch them in the hard spot on top of their mouth, keeping you line tight is key. Don't tell my sponsors this as they will have a meltdown. nonononononononono

This is a great topic to talk about as I think many struggle during this time of year. Confidence is key as you have to believe the fish are there to catch them. Electronics and knowing how to read them is a must.

When fishing with a bait ball, Try fishing the top of the bait and not in them or below them. I have experienced this to be key many times when fishing deeper waters. I don't know why but crappie will come up for the shad and will hit your bait as the shad scatters. Give it a try sometime and you will see that it works. :biggrin

Also, big baits I like to call commitment baits because they have to hit them hard to stun or eat them. With smaller baits a crappie can suck them in and when you feel that hit and nothing is there, that a fish that has spit it out. There are times that crappie will only eat smaller baits but I find that the usually want a meal not a snack.

Hope this helps. :twocents

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Thanks for the good info....will def. use this..

[QUOTE=Crappie Chatt;3094920]I prefer a single jig, 1/4 to 3/8oz. 4lb size braid. I mark my line when I get hit. Colors, white,chartreuse, pink and orange, go to colors. I've really been struggling with this set up. Do you use double jigs? What knot at top jig? Do you fish in the brush? Do you use nibbles? What kind of action(jigging)? Got to change something. <*)}}}><[/

If I am vertical jigging I usually have two jigs on. I fish light most of the time. 1/32 on top and a 1/16 on the bottom. I always use monofilament in the winter, and in the spring, I will use braid. Been fishing for them along time and am no means an expert. I just use what works for me. (And sometimes don't work for me) The old saying even a blind hog finds an acorn every now and then applies to me. But, I am a quiet fisherman, and I pay attention, I don't mind trying things that are working for someone else.

1 1/8 around brush.....like to feel that brush.... Bring the jig over the top and then drop it a couple inches and pop it ever so slow. Some people can relate to that "soft" touch by the crappie or even still your line getting limp. Kinda hard to explain but it's usually a nice fish. Like to use 2 sometimes (no chance of brush). Keep the total weigh below 3/8.

Seems like in January and February the only thing that will work is a hair jig. Then again stationary with some slowwww drop or lift followed by that soft tap.

I use double chartreuse 1/8 oz jig heads with loop knots 80% of the time. This has been my favorite bait this year, in the silverfish color. 2.25" Minnow Mind'R | Bobby Garland Crappie Baitsfs

Thank you all for the information