Here on the North end of Ky Lake, vertical jig'n is commonly used! I personally VJ 75% of the time. Love that "THUMP"! I VJ for as deep as they get, up to about 10'. After they get in 10' here you're just about better off cast'n so you stay off them & don't spook'um.

My jig of choice is a 3/32 oz jig (1weezer sold me on them) with a #4 lite wire hook. I strongly disagree that re-bending the hook back weakens a hook to the point that it won't hold the biggest crappie you'll ever catch. I have never had a crappie bend a hook & I've caught some studs. If you're break'n hooks you're using the wrong hook IMHO. I use all other weights up to 1/4 oz & down to 1/32 oz depending on factors like depth, wind, current, etc...

I use all different color tubes (prefer chartruse combo) & pump'um up with the Bait Pump & crappie nibblets. I use 6# Suffix Elite high vis yella line on a 10 1/2' to 12' med. action graphite pole.