Whistler jig tutorial

I have been tying these for years and last year these were my #1 bait for big crappie, biggest was 15.5". Not to bad for Missouri. For those of you who like to vertical jig crappie in brush this is the bomb bait for you. The propeller spins like crazy on the drop and crappie really thump it, bass too. They are easy to make, hardest part for me is getting the 3/32 bead over the barb of the Matzuo #2 sickle hook which these were poured on. These are Diner Shiner jig heads in 1/16 and 1/8. Materials used are Awesome possum zonkers , flash and thread, that's all folks. I start by tying in The thread and not trimming it but actually doubling or tripling the thread so it's trailing out the back of the jig. Then I trim a small clump of possum from the hide and tie it in just behind the bead but not to close or the propeller won't spin. Add a little bit of flash, not too much and you are don son. Attachment 393599Attachment 393600Attachment 393601Attachment 393602Attachment 393603Attachment 393604Attachment 393605Attachment 393606

I think these would work great with soft plastics as well. I'm going to tie some with just a little thread and a drop of glue behind the bead to keep it in place and add my plastics like a Keitech or similar bait. A few crappie pics from last year using these. Any style of jig will work with these. Most of the blades are 9/16". Attachment 393608Attachment 393609Attachment 393611

Thanks, awesome looking jig.

Very interesting. Thanks for information.

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Awesome. I think Rawr has a video using something similar with plastics in one of his videos :dono

I like those. Need to get some supplies and try them. What size blades, beads did you use?

The blades on these are 9/16", sometimes use the 11/16" if I want to slow the drop speed even more. I use 3/32" beads on baits with a #2 or smaller sickle hook but think a 1/8" would be better with a #2. I bought the beads in bulk, 1000 ct. They aren't countersunk like the beads at the fly shops. Both holes appear to be the same size. I have a bunch of smaller propellers in 7/16" that I use with a #6 or smaller hook. I bought 1000 each of those in gold, nickle and brass and would sell some for less than half what you would pay at the fly shops and throw in some beads as well. I'll never use them all in my lifetime. I believe baits like this would be a difference maker in a crappie tournament fishing vertically in timber. I've seen what they can do and I only fish from the bank or wade.

I’ve been wondering what to do with the prop blades I have, thanks Jim. Kinda doubt mine will get possum hair but I gotta try em. Thanks.

That’s neat, what size propeller and bead would a guy need to order?
Opossum hair, well I never, but I will!


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If I had to choose one size I'd go for 9/16" on the blade and 1/8" beads. Opossum hair is soft with a blend of white, black and translucent hair. I had been ordering Awesome Possum zonkers made by Wapsi but decided these strips were too expensive and ordered three pelts for $45 with free shipping. Now I have enough to last a long, long time. Even dyed a couple patches, neon yellow and pink.

I tie them up too. I bought a big group of blades at the flea market and there were a 1000 gold propeller blades!!

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Originally Posted by JUNGLEJIMJIGS

If I had to choose one size I'd go for 9/16" on the blade and 1/8" beads. Opossum hair is soft with a blend of white, black and translucent hair. I had been ordering Awesome Possum zonkers made by Wapsi but decided these strips were too expensive and ordered three pelts for $45 with free shipping. Now I have enough to last a long, long time. Even dyed a couple patches, neon yellow and pink.

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Do you sell those jigs?

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Was lucky to get a few of these jigs and they are awesome.

Another thing I like to do with these propellers is before I put them on the hook I lay them on the table and lightly press on them so they are flatter. I think they catch more water and spin faster on the drop when you do this. ksnouf, Thanks for cutting those two possum hides for me. They make some killer bass jigs. Very nice work.

Thanks Jim ..was a joy working with you. Am still selling rabbit strips but not tying or cutting anything at the moment as I'm on the island of St Lucia till June. Covid is starting to get bad here but well stocked and looking out over the ocean. Life is good. You make some great jigs....surprised you are sharing so much. Shows your character. Just a nice guy.

Whistleing possum jigs.....they look great

Nice looking jigs.
I have used a commercial made propeller jig by Northern Tackle with good success.
I will have to tie a few of my own.

I got the idea from Northland Tackle Whistler jigs. They weren't tied and had just the blade, bead and different style of hook. You could tip them with live bait or plastics. I'm going to post more styles of blade baits in the next week or so. I'm trying to give the tyers on here more ideas to work with. I field test them constantly and I know they work for me.