Big slab little jig or big jig?

[M_a_c_k]

I have read that some seem to say the big slabs tend to like tiny jigs... but then again i have also read pro crappie fisherman saying that big fish means big lures... what is your guys take on all this, please give me your opinion.

[Crappie 1]

I always followed the "Big fish want a big meal theory" I think it depends what your fishing for, water temp, etc.

[shelldecoy]

xx2

[OkieDon]

Even small Crappie will eat a big mouthful. Big Crappie will eat anything they can get in their mouth. I've found all types of stuff in their stomachs, including 4 inch shad and big Crawfish. I've heard of people finding bigger things than that in them.

So my 2 inch Yum Beavertail isn't really a big bait to them!



The jig in the picture above is my usual setup. It's a 1/4oz Crappie Pro Jig head with a 2" Yum Beavertail. I use two of them about a foot apart.

[Hitek]

Depends on the day, time of year, and conditions.

[MePreach]

I agree with callshy, I think its the mood of the crappie and not what we fisherman think.

[crappiedoc]

For some reason 'match the hatch' comes to mind. I've found that spring and fall the big bait bite is happening, although it's not exclusive. Some bodies of water they'll never take 'em, those waters where the fish are buggy, small lakes and ponds. Another indicator is mouth to body size, which is hard to explain. Dirty or heavily stained water is one I've found to be consistent for bigger baits.

[satdoc1]

For these 2+ pounders here in Miss we use mainly 1/8 oz with 1/0 hooks

[jimfish]

For these 2+ pounders here in Miss we use mainly 1/8 oz with 1/0 hooks

Ditto maybe a 1/8 with a 2/0 sickle hook

[PA_Slabs]

As a GENERAL statement, I think season and water clarity may be the single most important factors in selecting your tackle. In dirty and stained conditions, fish rely on their other senses other than sight. In these conditions, a crappie can close in on it's target allowing it to forage on larger bait fish. In the clear to very clear conditions like in my area, smaller is almost always better. I'll add most of my personal experience is on smaller impoundments...