I don't think so. I prefer a #4 jighook but some of my baits are better suited to a larger hook size. I use a #2 jighead a lot and catch a bunch of small crappie.
Getting ready to make up some 1/16 oz. jigs to use with crappit thunder bodies and trubo tails. The longer and wider gag of the #1 hooks would seem to be a good choice, any concerns on weather this size hook would be to "large" for smaller crappie to inhale ? -Thanks
I don't think so. I prefer a #4 jighook but some of my baits are better suited to a larger hook size. I use a #2 jighead a lot and catch a bunch of small crappie.
CATCH A BIG-UN
FYI, I have seen a kid got a ~17inch with a 1/4 oz spinner bait.
If a #1 hook on a 1/16oz jighead is what you favor, and have confidence in, then by all means ... go for it. I've caught 5" Crappie and hand sized Bluegill on a 1/16oz jighead/1.75" tube/#2 hook ...
Even a 5" Crappie has a mouth big enough to take in a 1/0 hook :p
I don't personally believe, that a hook larger than a #2 is necessary ... and I've caught many 2.5+lb Crappie on both #4's & #2's. And I've never had a Crappie straighten out a hook, even the lite wire #2's that I use with minnows. And my jighead hooks are usually firmly stuck into the upper palate of the Crappie I catch, so they're not likely to be bent open, either. Almost all of the jigheads I use are outfitted with #4 or #2 hooks. I've even caught a 6lb Largemouth and several 4lb Smallmouth on these jigheads. Not to mention, that 95% of the time, these jigheads are of the weedless variety. But .... that's just me, and what I have confidence in, and use. If you think you need a bigger hook, then get a dozen made up and try them. That's the easiest way, I know of, to settle any doubts.
... cp
The hooks I have are Mustad xs # 2 size, but are more compareable to the #1 size used in other jigs. From the hook eye to the bend is 1 1/8" with a 7/16" gap, same as most #1 size. My other jigs with #2 hooks are 1" from the eye to the bend with a 3/8" gap. So you can see the Mustad #2 are slightly bigger than most #2 hooks in jigs. Any thoughts on this ? Usally while crappie fishing it's a mixed bag, white bass, drum, largemouth,etc., so a little more hook helps out.
-Thanks
we use some #1s, they work good not too big, I like the bigger hooks
Last edited by SteveJ; 01-18-2009 at 08:15 AM.
Proud Member of Team Geezer
Southern Sickle Jigs Pro Staff
Last few years I been going towards bigger hooks myself. Seem to have better hook ups. I haven't tried a size one hook but sure wouldn't be afraid to try one. I know what you mean about different sizes I use a #2 sickle a lot and that would be comparable in gap to a #1 hook I would think. Let us know how you do with them.
big hook, big bait=big fish......Works for me every time I go catching......
Member BS Pro-Staff and Billbob Pro-Staff
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The jigs I use are 1/16 and 1/8 ounce with a #2 hook. I hook a lot of fish back near the eyes, but if I use a #4 hook on the same jig, it tends to get them more forward, toward the lips. If I were strictly catch and release, I would use the 4's. Keeping fish and ESPECIALLY tournaments, I want the bigger hook.