Thread: Shad Imitation

Been reading about crappie and what attracts them. Color of course seems to be the most focussed upon aspect of a jig. However profile is also important, or it should be. So I added potbellies to a couple to get that shad profile.



Seems the lakes are slam full of shad, so they must make up a large part of the predator’s diet. I have seen on several occasions baby shad being slapped about by predators and when I got home tried to fashion up a jig with the shad shape.

The eyes have been an issue for me as I do not care for stick ons. These were some of the worse left overs from my experiments. Anyways I am practicing using nail polish for my eyes. Of course white with black dot, but also just some sparkle will add the effect of an eye. Others turned out much better. I like nail polishes that provide UV reflectivity.

Today out on the lake the water was green with maybe an inch visibility. The Tail Gunner style jigs did better than those with no spinner. They also have been picking up catfish for some reason, but it could be the slab sauce doing the deed as well. I landed fish using them pushed out the front and trailing behind planer boards.

I am excited to get my package from Bartlows as it will have my bottom pour Lee 20# pot. It will also have large propellers so I can get started with my idea of adding props to jigs. I know others have already done everything possible, but sometimes new ideas can sneak in.

I am interested in trying to go with more natural colors. The grey chenilles did well today vs. bright colors. I need to obtain some more life like minnow chenilles and while flash probably is useless in the green water, just having the silver color might be an advantage.

Could not tell what kind of action my flapper tail jig produced. Nothing hit it.

I am so excited to try that Bat jig with small plastic baits. I also plan to add blades to the larger size. Just very interested at the prospects of what can be done with the shorter profile. Seems it would be an advantage to get more wiggle from the plastic bodies. I never cared for inserting hooks into the plastics as they seldom line up perfectly for me. Just piercing the front and letting the wire keeper hang on should lessen my errors and provide more freedom of movement. Also letting me utilize smaller plastics with larger heads. Trolling jigs, not jigging them is what I do so larger heads don’t hurt, they help.


So.....been thinking about what makes for a successful jig. A big old lazy fish sitting there, minding his own business, suddenly hears something. He can figure out which direction it is approaching from. He knows whatever it is it will come into view right about there, and only be visible for a short distance before it is gone. It is this getting noticed part that I am focussed on. If the fish never realizes my jig is near I have absolutely zero chance of catching him. If however he does notice it, well then he must make a decision- eat it or don’t bother. Getting him to the point where he is making a decision is key. They are dumb and make bad decisions all the time. I also figure that they are skittish and always wary of being eaten by alligators, gar, bass, big catfish, etc. So ever vigilant for danger, always ready to exploit an opportunity. I want to aim my efforts at a few larger fish, not necessarily filling the cooler with big numbers. I want my jigs to scream out and be like the High School Marching Band coming down Main Street. Over here.....I am over here.

Anyways, as always I like to get advice from the experts. Go any advice ?

BTW.....whenever I delete an added photo it appears as an attachment below. Is there a way to delete pictures once they have been added ?

The propeller is touchy. Regular round bead impedes the spin (pictured). I switched to an oval shaped bead and spin city (not pictured). That also made it a lot easier to tie chenille because no worries with crowding bead.

I plan to order smaller drop shot swivels for my tail spinners. Afraid to try smaller split rings- LOL.

Getting better at the eyes. Now I brush polish into cavity, let dry, then dob in the pupil using end of stick dipped. Kind of punching it on.

Can’t wait to take these babies for a spin.