Help: Casting jigs for crappie

Help with setup; I want to be able to cast jigs. Probably hard to cast lower weight than 1/16th? Can you recommend a setup. I don't think I care for the ultralight setups I have seen, they seem a bit too short and light and whippy to me. I'd rather have something a notch above that. I guess medium-light? What length/type rod? Reel? Any particular models you love?

This could be open water in some lakes but I fish a lot around Cypress tree lakes and fish around the trees. There are millions of them.

Retrieve -- how? If I am jigging tightline on pole, I just do it vertical or flip it out the length of the line so I can monitor the fall. With a reel, I can cast longer and then reel it back in. Would you reel it steady or raise your rod off and on?

What line and lb. test? Any particular jig type you like for casting?

I'm able to spend within reason to get good equipment. I hate to mention how much I just spent on a 7.5' medium-heavy bass rig, lol. Whatever works. I also recently bought a Berkeley Lightning Rod Shock, 7' medium with Pfleuger President 6940 reel for bass and I like it but it's not quite light enough for this. It cost about $100, not counting line, seemed a good deal. I could spend more if necessary. Getting serious into fishing again and previously lost some gear to a thief!

That's a lot, thanks for any comments.

I've posted this before, but it's worth repeating. This is the best "how to" I know of:

Charlie Brewer's Slider Company - ******* Weedless Crappie Slider "Why&How"

He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

As for tackle, I wouldn't go heavier than "light" action. They don't have to be "whippy", but a light tip helps for casting jigs.

I've used many different rods/reels, in several different lengths/sizes over the years to cast jigs in the 1/32 & 1/16oz size. What I'm currently using is a 6'6" Norsemen Outdoors ESP PowerLite rod & a Aero 1000 Shimano reel. One of the main reasons is because the rod has a very fast action tip, rather than the parabolic bend of previous rods used. I'm spooled with 6lb Vicious Panfish hi-vis copolymer line, which I really like ... and is a upgrade (IMHO) from the 4-6lb test mono's I've used in the past (Stren Gold, Mr Crappie, Trilene XL & XT, BPS Excel, and others)

99% of the time I'm reeling the jig back with a slow & steady retrieve. On those 1% rare occasions, I may add a slight "bounce" to the jig with a slight flick of the wrist, but usually no more than 2-3 times during the entire retrieve. Both movements are within the natural range of movements of a "minnow", with the slow/steady retrieve being the normal swimming speed of the minnow & the little jerks of the rod tip creating the movement of a startled or agitated minnow.

I use weedless jig heads (ball head shape) because I cast the jig around & into a lot of heavy wood cover, like standing trees, fallen trees, brush piles, and around docks (which may have cables, cross supports, wooden posts, and suspended or submerged wood cover under them).

I get my weedless jig heads custom made w/#2 Aberdeen hooks (on both the 1/32 & 1/16oz size) by the site member known as Grousefly.
My rod was a freebee from the Marketing VP of Norsemen Outdoors, when I field tested for them.
The reel is a used reel, bought from the consignment counter of my local bait store.

This is the rod/reel ... showing the graphite Tenn style handle, poodle tail extension, & built-in hook retainer. What is not shown is the micro guides/tip on the upper half of the rod.
Attachment 200918

These are the two styles of custom made weedless jig head that I use :
(top is the fiber "brush" style - bottom is the plastic "Y" shaped weedguard)
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42...y/jigheads.jpg

(NOTE: the rods are available from Grizzly Jig Co. at a lower cost than from the Norsemen Outdoors website, but are not shown on Grizzly Jig website. They are, however, shown in the Grizzly Jig catalog)

... cp :kewl

CP, do you favor brush or Y type weedless guard?

What is the purpose of micro guides? Thanks.

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Originally Posted by livemusic

CP, do you favor brush or Y type weedless guard?

What is the purpose of micro guides? Thanks.

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Personally I favor the Y guard style weedless jig ... but that may be a holdover of many years of not trusting weedless (fiber brush) style jigs, likely in part from the misinformation I'd heard that those style jigs would cause you to miss/lose fish. I've used them both with equal good results.

The main purposes of micro guides are to reduce overall weight & to lengthen the casting distance (by keeping the line "straighter" than guides with larger openings, as it shoots thru them). The ESP rods have a large "gathering guide" as the first guide from the reel, then progressively smaller micro guides to the tip. The "gathering guide" is large so that the spiraling line going on the reel will not be confined to a small outlet hole, creating constant friction ... or restricting the loose coils of line coming off the reel, when you cast.

... cp :kewl

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Originally Posted by livemusic

Help with setup; I want to be able to cast jigs. Probably hard to cast lower weight than 1/16th? Can you recommend a setup. I don't think I care for the ultralight setups I have seen, they seem a bit too short and light and whippy to me. I'd rather have something a notch above that. I guess medium-light? What length/type rod? Reel? Any particular models you love?

This could be open water in some lakes but I fish a lot around Cypress tree lakes and fish around the trees. There are millions of them.

Retrieve -- how? If I am jigging tightline on pole, I just do it vertical or flip it out the length of the line so I can monitor the fall. With a reel, I can cast longer and then reel it back in. Would you reel it steady or raise your rod off and on?

What line and lb. test? Any particular jig type you like for casting?

I'm able to spend within reason to get good equipment. I hate to mention how much I just spent on a 7.5' medium-heavy bass rig, lol. Whatever works. I also recently bought a Berkeley Lightning Rod Shock, 7' medium with Pfleuger President 6940 reel for bass and I like it but it's not quite light enough for this. It cost about $100, not counting line, seemed a good deal. I could spend more if necessary. Getting serious into fishing again and previously lost some gear to a thief!

That's a lot, thanks for any comments.

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livemusic. One quick comment . The lighter the line the better it will cast. I use Pfluger Presidents. I believe they are 6920. (-A 6940 is better suited for bass fishing).I like the Berkley Cherrywood Hd, 5 and one half feet(Grizzly Jig Co.). They do a good job and shoot docks well. I use Vicious Panfish 2 pound test(tougest line I have used) hi- visibility.I cast 1/32 and 1/16 crappie gigs, These are not the only combinations out there .Some cheaper reels can be just as good The line is the secret, liter line =longer cast, Hope you have good luck and a lot of fun.....crappie1133

Check out the St Croix Panfish 7ft light, ex. fast action. Rod is very light in weight and the ex. fast action should provide some back bone without being to whippy.

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Originally Posted by crappie1133

livemusic. One quick comment . The lighter the line the better it will cast. I use Pfluger Presidents. I believe they are 6920. (-A 6940 is better suited for bass fishing).I like the Berkley Cherrywood Hd, 5 and one half feet(Grizzly Jig Co.). They do a good job and shoot docks well. I use Vicious Panfish 2 pound test(tougest line I have used) hi- visibility.I cast 1/32 and 1/16 crappie gigs, These are not the only combinations out there .Some cheaper reels can be just as good The line is the secret, liter line =longer cast, Hope you have good luck and a lot of fun.....crappie1133

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I've had people laugh at 2lb test line, but it sure casts nice. I use 2 or 4 for casting and then 6 or 8 for other methods of fishing. Rarely break off a fish if you just pay attention to the condition of the line.

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Originally Posted by CatFan

I've had people laugh at 2lb test line, but it sure casts nice. I use 2 or 4 for casting and then 6 or 8 for other methods of fishing. Rarely break off a fish if you just pay attention to the condition of the line.

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Catfan, Thanks for the backup. It's hard to break 2 pound test if the drag is set properly. I have caught some big cats using small diameter line. It cast great and is more than adequate to do the job. Thanks again.....crappie1133

My favorite rods for casting light jigs are the B n' M Sam Heaton Super Sensitive (SHSS) in the 7' length. These rods a tad step up from UL, yet more sensitive than most light action rods. And plenty of backbone to handle any fish. I like them with either a Shimano Symetre or a Pflueger President 6920. This rod and the President will set you back less than $100.00. Very cost effective.

I fill this with 2# test Fireline Crystal and attach a 4' length of 4# test fluorocarbon leader with an Alberto knot. I can cast 1/16 oz. jigs quite a distance, and very easily with this combo. Yet it's strong enough for 1/8 oz. and can cast 1/32 oz. jigs as well, only not as far as the 1/16 oz..

I've caught bass up 3 lbs. and northern pike up to 5 lbs. on this rig, as well as countless crappie, yellow perch & bluegill. The main line is a lot stronger than the 2# test rating and the fluoro leader helps with abrasion resistance. Last season was my first with the SHSS in 9' length. Used it as well for casting jigs and it even beats the 7 footer for distance and fight-ability.

X2 on the Sam Heaton Super Sensitive,(BnM), actually saw some at Walmart the other day. I prefer a 7' or a 9', depends on its purpose. I use 7' for casting. A 9' will also cast and vertical jig. I prefer a Pflueger President 6925, I think the slightly larger diameter spool cast a little farther than a 6920. I use 10lb power pro exclusively, it's a braid with the diameter of 2lb mono. As stated above the thin diameter line is the key for casting, and the 10lb braid will catch anything that swims in freshwater. I use a steady retrieve a tick above as slow as I can stand. Attachment 200958Attachment 200959

I caught this 55lb flathead on that very rig. 9 ft Sam Heaton, Pflueger President 6925, 10 Lb Power Pro. Jig and a wax worm. Fought it for an hour and ten minutes.

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Originally Posted by CrappiePappy

(NOTE: the rods are available from Grizzly Jig Co. at a lower cost than from the Norsemen Outdoors website, but are not shown on Grizzly Jig website. They are, however, shown in the Grizzly Jig catalog)
... cp :kewl

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hi,
i've looked thru their catalog, and can't find this rod. is it listed as 'Norsemen Outdoors' ?

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Originally Posted by naturenut

hi,
i've looked thru their catalog, and can't find this rod. is it listed as 'Norsemen Outdoors' ?

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I have the 2014 catalog ... and the ESP line of rods they carry is on page 41.

But, you might want to look over the Norsemen Outdoors website & see what interests you, then call Grizzly Jig & see if they have them in stock. (1-800-305-9866)

... cp :kewl

thx alot, got it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CrappiePappy

I have the 2014 catalog ... and the ESP line of rods they carry is on page 41.

But, you might want to look over the Norsemen Outdoors website & see what interests you, then call Grizzly Jig & see if they have them in stock. (1-800-305-9866)

... cp :kewl

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If you're not looking to spend a lot of money I've found the Shakespeare Micro Spinning rod is a great deal at around $20. You may think at this price range this rod is a pile of garbage but you'd be surprised. Available in various powers (ultra-light and light) and lengths (4' to 7.5'). If you have a local wal-mart go take a look they stock them (at least 'round here they do).

If you get one and don't like it just find a kid at a pond and give it to them, $20 well spent :)

Those of you who use 9' rods, can you provide any more input on that versus, say, a 7' rod? I haven't used spinning combo rigs much, but I am liking mine. But I am hesitating to go 9'... wondering if that would be cumbersome. Are there advantages such that you favor a 9' rod over a 7'? I guess for vertical jigging, 9' could help. But for casting, hmmm. And, I guess these are 2-piece? Any disadvantage to that?

Do the 9' rods have spinning rod eye guides?

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Originally Posted by livemusic

Those of you who use 9' rods, can you provide any more input on that versus, say, a 7' rod? I haven't used spinning combo rigs much, but I am liking mine. But I am hesitating to go 9'... wondering if that would be cumbersome. Are there advantages such that you favor a 9' rod over a 7'? I guess for vertical jigging, 9' could help. But for casting, hmmm. And, I guess these are 2-piece? Any disadvantage to that?

Do the 9' rods have spinning rod eye guides?

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Longer rods allow you to cast farther and move more line on the hookset. Having said that, I don't go over 7' unless I'm fishing from the bank. Once you hit 8', virtually every rod is at least two pieces.

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Originally Posted by deathb4disco

Longer rods allow you to cast farther and move more line on the hookset. Having said that, I don't go over 7' unless I'm fishing from the bank. Once you hit 8', virtually every rod is at least two pieces.

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I fish from the bank, I have a MHX 8'6" med. light with fast tip and use this almost always. Farther casting, also use bobbers and 1/64 oz. jigs and this setup works for me perfect. With sahara reels.

Tuckyboy - Awesome catch! I've caught large carp on these rods as well, but nothing to compare with that bad boy!

Livemusic - I was skeptical about getting the 9' model at first, but I'm pleased that I did. Have used it for the entire season of 2014 with great results. I find myself reaching for it more and more. However, I cannot definitively state "why". I just like the feel and overall performance. You cannot go wrong with either length. What you might go wrong with is not choosing a B n' M. JMO! :)

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Shakespeare Micro Spinning rod is a great deal at around $20

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Like them as well as any light action rod with a fast tip. I never cared for rods over 6.5' for spinning, or over 6' for spincast (push button)

Line: I like 6 or 8 lb test Power Pro, but other braids do the job even with light lures (1/32 - 1/8 oz), but most important - little to no line twist! Plus, the diameter is less for braid than an equal mono test and equally important - zero line stretch for long distance hook sets!!!

Other than braid, Trilene XL or Suffix in 6# test works fine or as a leader to braid, though braid is immune to ultraviolet degradation or curling.

jigheads: 1/32 - 1/8 oz, but remember hook size is extremely important per lure length. Remember, soft plastic adds weight depending on design and size and therefore 1/32 + 1/16 lure wt. in oz = 3/32 oz = more than enough for making long casts. I get mine on Ebay in different hook sizes per jig lead wt.

Reels: spinning or spincast; gear ratio and spool diameter very important! or how much line taken in per one full turn of the handle. You can tell regardless of reel type by how many handle turns moves the lure 1'-2'. All too often, crappie and other fish species swim toward you and along with moving the rod tip to the side or higher than your head, you need to take in line fast not only for the hook set but to keep the fish hooked!

My panfish reels cost less than $30, some less than $20, but the drags are smooth and the ratios at least 3.5:1. Note: the stated gear ratio must coincide with line spool diameter to be useful. Small diameter spools require more winding no matter the ratio.

Today I cast a variety of lure designs in different sizes using cheap spinning and spincast reels loaded with either braid with a 1' leader or chartreuse line alone (Suffix), jigs between 1/32 - 1/8 ox with hook sizes between #4 (largest)- #6 (smaller) and loaded the boat with four species of pan fish. When the crappie and white perch hit, you knew they meant business!

I use St.Croix 7' panfish rod with a Shimano Stradic reel spooled with 4lb Nano-fil line. Cast 1/32 oz jigs a long way, shoot docks with it too. This is my setup that I use 90% of the time. Slow steady retrieve with an occasional twitch. If you think you are going slow, slow down more!

I used the Sam Heaton 11 footer,for all my casting. This may seem long but so light and easy to use that u forget about being 11'. These rods are so sensitive u can almost feel the fish breathing on your lure.
LittleJohn

I like my president reel with some small diameter braid and st. Croix panfish rod for small baits. With 1/16th it casts as far as I want to toss a jig and with 1/32 it does well enough. When using a small jig like the 1/32 I do not want it too far away.

I have used an 8ft and a 7.5ft Okuma Celilo ultra light spinning rod for the last couple of seasons and they have performed beyond my expectations. They are quality rods and both are under $35 at FishUSA. I have 1000 series Shimano Sedonas on both spooled with 4lb test hi-vis Vicous mono. I use a fixed float and a small panfish jig on the 8ft and a slip float on the 7.5ft. They have provided many fillets for me and my family.

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Originally Posted by bigbass12

I have used an 8ft and a 7.5ft Okuma Celilo ultra light spinning rod for the last couple of seasons and they have performed beyond my expectations. They are quality rods and both are under $35 at FishUSA. I have 1000 series Shimano Sedonas on both spooled with 4lb test hi-vis Vicous mono. I use a fixed float and a small panfish jig on the 8ft and a slip float on the 7.5ft. They have provided many fillets for me and my family.

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i have the exact same rods and reels, and love them.
really nice for the money...

I bought one a couple of weeks ago. Great rod for the money. Balances well with a Lews speed spin 200