All I know is that it works! Have used floating jig heads since I learned about them from Bill Binkleman, back in the early 70's. I've used them with live bait, for walleye, mainly, but I don't see why they wouldn't work for crappie either. And nothing wrong with using plastics with them. I use the "walking" type sinkers, even when casting from shore. Unless it's very rocky; then I'll use a bullet weight instead.