Thread: Big Hook Crappie Jigs

I'm curious as to the opinions about crappie jigs with oversize hooks. I've been making my own now for a few years with many trial and errors. Have experimented with a lot of size, color and style of hook. Pretty much settled on the annodized red, regular style, size 1/0 hook. I like the sickle bend, but feel the standard edges it out. The 1/0 hook sounds huge, but had gotten tired of missing fish on the commonly bought sizes (1/16oz #4 & 1/8 oz #2) and have also seen a 7 inch crappie inhale a Bandit cranckbait! After some drimmel tool work on my molds, I can pour jigs from 1/48oz and up in 1/0 hooks. The only drawback I've found is finicky mood crappie short stricking may not be getting a big enough bite to get the hook. Anyone else experimented with this or wanted a larger hook size? Comments or opinions, even negative, appreciated, thx!

Also, if interested in detailed info, feel free to PM me.

my self i like a 4 or 6

Not a fan of the big hooks for crappie.

Very interesting, I'm finding a little difference of opinion from the South to the North, appreciate the input, anyone else?

I just don't have confidence with big hooks for crappie. On the other hand I don't like small hooks either. 2 seems to be ideal size for me.

I totally understand your theory. I would say that a large hook is and could be another tool in the arsenal. Especially the days when it seems every fish you hook the hook manages to stick them right in the eye from the inside of the mouth.

Personally, I find the #2 hook to be the one that I find myself using as a good all around size. Most of my fishing includes using a 3/32nd ounce Teezur jighead with a #2 hook.

Thanks for sharing your idea, it is an interesting thought!

Hey CrappieKing, sure wish I could get up to G.M. and chat with you today, would bring some samples along for you to test out also. I live on west side of Indy near the airport. Unfortunatly I'm in the middle of my 4 12 hour NIGHT shifts. A fellar could do it all sometimes if he didn't have to sleep! Please post future appearances and I'll definatly try and catch up with ya. On a side note, I'm headed to southern AL in bout 10 days, wondering if you've ever fished Dannelly (Millers Ferry)?

I make a lot of my own jigs. I was primarily a bluegill fisherman pouring 1/32 and 1/64 on 6's and 8's and catch a lot of nice crappie on those. Crappie don't always want big.

Only in past couple yrs have been pouring larger jigs for crappie... mainly 1/8 on 2's and 1/16 on 4's. I also have thought the same thing... I like the size 2...and have also thought of modifying the 1/16 and 1/32 to accept 2's...but not brave enough yet to chance screwing up my mold.

I am a fan of light wire hooks you can bend out of a brush pile with strong line (like fireline). Having said that though... recently I bought a bunch of sickles and will be trying them out this yr. They are definately sharp. Maybe that is the key...just keep your hooks sharp.

HHD