Yes ... you definitely want to hold the jig by the lead head and with the hook point pointing away from your hand.

Here's a discussion from 2006 that might also help with the learning curve. Forget the specifics mentioned about my rods/reels, as they've changed over the last 9yrs .... but, concentrate on the actual shooting technique, as far as rod/line aiming & release timing. http://www.crappie.com/crappie/main-...ecnique-2.html

And remember ... the narrower the space your jig can get through, to get way back under the dock & in the darkest shaded spot, the more accuracy matters. At those times you want the jig to hit the water's surface just at the edge of the dock and skip off the water. So, while you're practicing your aim & release timing, make a point to not only shoot the jig straight into a bucket, but also to SKIP the jig INTO the bucket.

I'm also a believer that the quick little splashes, made by a skipping jig, are a more natural sound to the fish than a single splash ... as it may imitate a fleeing Shad or Silverside minnow, and get the Crappie's attention, making them look for the injured & sinking minnow.

And once I've completed a few rounds of shooting a dock, I like to follow up with this technique : Crappie Pappy Article

... cp