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Best Crappie Jigs
Once captured, they also make a great meal. The flesh tends to be soft and mild, making it a great vessel for a homemade spice blend. It can be fried, baked, or even used in chowder. Okay, I’m getting hungry. Let’s explore more about the best jigs to use to catch these fish.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Style
If the fish has no interest in your lure then maybe it is because they do not like the style.
Okay, so to start this off, let’s clarify what exactly a jig is. You already know that it is a type of fishing lure but it works differently than a spinnerbait. Essentially, this type of lure consists of a lead sinker with a hook that is molded into it. To top it off, it is also typically covered by a soft body to attract certain types of fishes (such as crappie). The reason it differs from its spinnerbait counterpart is the fact that it is intended to create a jerky, vertical motion in the water. A spinnerbait, on the other hand, moves horizontally through the water.
With that now out of the way, let’s talk about what you should look for here. For starters, you really want to buy jigs that offer lifelike designs. When it comes to fishing, most of the time, it is all about the presentation as fishes can be very particular and finicky with what they are attracted to. As such, buying models with 3D eyes and lifelike bodies may increase your success. And, as you probably noticed throughout this list, one of the most popular crappie jigs is one that is designed with a furry, threaded body and a feathered tail.
Materials
Some of you may be looking to avoid jigs that are cheaply made.
As simple as this product is, the materials that are utilized can really make all the difference in the world. Now, there are different components that you need to assess such as the head, hook, and main body. For the most part, you will see most jig heads made from lead. Part of the reason for this is because it gives the lure the proper amount of weight that it needs. Then again, you may also see those made of tungsten, which is also ideal as it is a bit heavier than lead. But, what about the hooks? The same concept applies here, really, as they need to be sharp and also durable (they will be made of high carbon steel most of the time). They should also not rust and though this will be less of an issue in freshwater (which is where crappie resides), rust can still persist as long as moisture, air, and iron is present.
In addition to all of this, you will also see differing opinions on whether you should go with plastic or metal bodies. They both can be very effective when the quality is right but some of you may actually prefer plastic because it can be easier to work with.
Value
If you want a good variety (or backups) then look for nice-valued sets.
No, this is not just about assessing the price and, quite frankly, do not exert too much of your time worrying about this anyway. Instead, this section is all about the value in regard to the quantity and quality. For the most part, you will see an abundance of sellers on the market package their model in packs. Some may provide you with just a few jigs while others will include several. Along the same line, you can also invest in fishing lure sets that also include them. The benefit here is when you are tired of using this particular lure, you will have several other choices to select from if the fish are not biting.
Of course, all this may be irrelevant to you if the set you choose is cheaply made. However, also remember this and it was mentioned a few times already; top-notch quality may not be that important to you if you only plan to fish every now and again. So, even if the lures do not last that long it will not be that much of a deal. On the flip side, if you fish on a weekly basis then you probably do not want crappie jigs (no matter how many come in a set) that will last you one or two fishing trips.
Color
Yep, this can change everything because of how picky fish can be.
When it comes to fishing, variety is the spice of life as you do not want to be limited by only a few lures as it can be tough to be successful that way. Fishing for crappie is no different and one of the ways you can improve your chances is by having many different colored jigs. At their core, fish are simple creatures, much like us, that will be appealed to certain colored lures. This also goes back to the “style” section that alluded to the importance of the lifelike appeal as the paints that are used should be chip-resistant. Then again, it is not as if there is perfect research that indicates which colors will work the best.
But, the reason it is important to have variety is that certain conditions can affect which colors work. To elaborate, let’s look at some examples. First off, if the water is darker then you will need brightly-colored jig heads that will reflect as much light as possible. The same goes for cloudy days but you should focus on lures that have a flash of brightness to it (possibly like chartreuse tails). For clear water, go for more natural colors and on sunny days, you can really opt for whatever color you want as the fish are already receiving an ideal amount of light in the water.
Features
Some extra features can come into play here if you are interested.
Truth be told, this section is not necessarily mandatory. It is not as if it is irrelevant in the buying process but it is also something that can be avoided with little to no consequences. But, the reason we wanted to include it is that there are some interesting features that should be addressed. For starters, some models on the market will come equipped with an extra eye at the back. What can this do? Well, it is simple really. With this extra eye, you can attach stinger hooks to trail behind the main hook which can increase your chances of getting a bite. Also, you can look for weed and brush guards as these can help to prevent the hook from catching wood and weeds. For convenience, these are nice features to have.
OUR TOP PICKS FOR THE BEST CRAPPIE JIGS
1. EAGLE CLAW
The field is definitely competitive but this lure is about as good as it gets. It is made of solid metal and also sports a threaded body with a tail that is loaded feathers.
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One reviewer went out of their way to claim that this was one of the best lures they have ever used. It is equipped with a threaded body and tail and also feathers.
Materials
The head itself is made of metal and, overall, you can tell that this is well-designed and that it will hold up to fish bites.
Value
A previous buyer noted that they had bought several different packages of this model and that some of them only came with one jig while others came with three.
Color
Based on your experience, you may know which colors work best for you and the variety here is nice. Some of the noteworthy colors are the yellowtail and black body and the whitetail and black body.
Features
Relatively speaking, there are not too many additional features to speak of here. Nothing is really needed as this is that well-designed.
Overall
Eagle Claw has designed a keeper here let’s just say that. For virtually all anglers out there, you should find great success and use out of this lure.
2. BOBBY GARLAND JIGHEAD
If you want a flashy option that is specifically optimized for crappie fishing then look no further. What sets this jighead apart is it is coated with a glow-in-the-dark vinyl finish.
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Being designed with bait keeper barbs (though it could hold a jig in place better) and glow-in-the-dark vinyl finishes, each one of the lures here sports an ideal style.
Materials
Without question, these are designed with the highest quality of materials. Each one is equipped with a super-sharp black chrome hook that is specially tempered for crappie fishing.
Value
With your purchase, you receive 10 of these bad boys and for the price, the value here is really good.
Color
Each color that is available is going to glow for much longer thanks to the high-gloss coating. As for the colors, some of the ones available are blue, pink, and orange.
Features
Really, the main feature here (with all the lures) is the fact that each hook is perfectly tempered.
Overall
Though it would seem that the glow-in-the-dark design of each one of these lures is all for flash, it makes for effective fishing in both the middle of the day and at night.
3. JOHNSON BEETLE NICKEL BLADE
Most sellers and options will provide you with multiple jigs for your purchase. It appears that you only receive one here but it sure helps that the lone lure you get is simple to use and well crafted.
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This is a nickel blade and it is easy to use for both avid and novice anglers and users out there.
Materials
The combination of the steel shot and the polycarbonate head adds enough weight to ensure that this is both more effective and also louder to the crappies.
Value
Okay, so this is one of the few options on the market that is not going to come with more than one jig. Due to the quality of it, though, the value is still not too bad.
Color
The fire orange and chartreuse color combination is bright enough to gain the attention of even the pickiest of fish.
Features
A really nice feature is the fact that you can remove the safety-pin spinner to use this is a plain old jig in the instance you do not want the spinner attached.
Overall
If you enjoy variety then there is a chance you may be disappointed with this model. Then again, individually, it could be the most impressive option on the market.
4. BERKLEY GULP
If it looks like, smells like it, and tastes like it, it's gotta be it, right? Not in this case. These minnows have all of the characteristics that attract crappie and bluegill, including the quivering tail, but they are fake!
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This is a surefire way to trick the fish that you are hunting. This bait is almost an exact replica of a minnow and is very enticing to sea creatures. Each bait is one inch long and weighs 2.1-ounces.
Materials
This Emerald Shiner may even fool you as a real minnow. It has a split tail that quivers in the water. The exact materials are not listed but we can assume it is made from plastic. When in the container, the minnow absorbs the scent of a real-life minnow, helping to attract fish.
Value
The exact count is not listed, but reviewers believe that each container holds about 40-50 minnows. You could also choose the pack which comes with six baits. While they aren’t the most durable option, you can typically catch about three fish before the bait is destroyed.
Color
The color options are suited for many different waters. You have the option of Emerald Shiner, Chartreuse Shad, Luma Glow, and Smelt.
Features
Besides the fact that these are more durable than live minnows, they are also easier to transport. Be cautious not to let to container spill though, because it holds the potent scent (and taste) of real minnows.
Overall
If you are looking for an effective way to catch fish, this is a great option. They are too small for some fishermen but loved by most. They are priced fairly and available in enticing colors.
5. YAZHIDA JIG HEADS
Another great set here, this one provides you with 16 different pieces. Each one is designed with natural feathers to attract all types of fish including crappies.
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Each of the 16 lures features a familiar design if you have been paying close attention to the other models on this list. They are designed with threaded bodies and feathered tails.
Materials
Though these are made of natural and durable materials, the high carbon steel hooks will pop off when they get hooked into larger fish mouths.
Value
For the price, quantity, and quality, this value is tough to beat. As a consumer, it is hard to ask for much more, to be honest.
Color
Okay, so you can’t physically choose each individual color yourself. With that being said, there are multiple packs available that offer different color combinations (so check them out).
Features
For what this design is, it is about what you would expect and there are not too many additional features to discuss.
Overall
Mark it down as this is simply another fantastic set in a long list of them on the market. With 16 crappie jigs in all, this should satisfy you for quite a bit of time.
6. BLAKEMORE ROAD RUNNER
The Road Runner Pro Series Hook is quite the fan-favorite and it really has been optimized very well. And, while the willow leaf blade is not too flashy, it seems to attract crappie regardless.
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This is easier for the fish to see due to the manner in which it is designed and, also, it sports a willow leaf blade (though it does not give off much flash).
Materials
There was one reviewer who reported that the model they bought arrived broken. While this can always just be due to improper shipping and handling, take note of it.
Value
Now, the product description claims that this comes in a seven-pack but a few previous buyers have frustratingly noted that they only received five.
Color
These come painted with gold-colored willow blades, for the record. But, you can get the heads with either red and white coloring or yellow coloring.
Features
One really nice feature is the fact that the positioning of the blades on these jigs will not interfere with hook-ups.
Overall
The Road Runner Pro Series does deserve some accreditation; it is on this list after all. Some minor blemishes, though, can really get to you.
7. JOHNSON BEETLE FISHING BAIT
Due to the fact that you receive a nice chunk of jigs with your purchase here, it makes the overall value quite worth it. But, while these do catch fish extremely well, they tend to disintegrate a little too quickly.
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To provide a more attractive lure to the crappies in the water, this has been equipped with brightly-colored feathers and also chenille wrap.
Materials
Unfortunately, both the wrap and the feathers do not hold up very well over time. When they are attached, though, they really do help you catch more fish.
Value
As one user pointed out, the number of jigs you actually get can vary. They did mention that the smaller packages usually come with eight, though.
Color
Even if you are not a fan of this particular color combination, there is a strong variety of others that are available for you to choose from.
Features
What is nice is with your package, you are provided with rigging tips and recommendations that can help you catch more crappies than ever before.
Overall
Sure, the build quality and durability of the feathers and wrap could use improvements. But, when it comes to the effectiveness that is where this option truly shines.
8. SOUGAYILANG JIG FISH HOOKS
Okay, so right from the get-go, you will probably notice that this option only consists of steel hooks. Some rigging is going to be required on your part so understand that going in.
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As mentioned, all you are getting here is just the hooks. And, while they are designed with special barbs, you will still need to be responsible for rigging them with rubber baits or worms.
Materials
One thing is certain; you can’t question the build quality of these hooks. Each one is designed with high-quality high carbon steel and is very sharp.
Value
In the plastic container, you receive 50 individual hooks. And, while different sizes are supposed to come with your purchase, one reviewer expressed their disappointment with receiving the same-sized hooks.
Color
There is no need to worry about the color choices here as, once again, all you are receiving is the steel hooks.
Features
Much like with the color, there really is not much to speak of when it comes to the features here.
Overall
If you do not want to be responsible at all for rigging your lures then there are better options out there. However, if all you need are some nice high-quality jig hooks then look no further.
9. MR. CRAPPIE ROADRUNNER THUNDER
Our next addition from Mr. Crappie is available in a wide range of colors and two different sizes. The bright colors and large eyes make it very appealing when down in the water. There have been slight durability concerns, but that hasn't stopped fishermen from calling it one of their favorites.
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Right off the bat, you will notice the fun design and lifelike motions of this addition from Mr. Crappie. You can choose between two different sizes, 1/16 or ⅛. The flared tail is vital to slower movement and realistic descents.
Materials
The head of this item is made from solid lead. While the rest is not listed, we can assume the body and tail are made from plastic. The colorful head, body, and large eyes work together to attract many fish.
Value
The price of this option is slightly higher than we would like to see. Especially considering that there have been some concerns with the overall durability. A few reviewers claimed that they had the superglue the tail and body to keep them in place.
Color
There is an incredibly wide range of color choices available. It is great to invest in multiple because that allows you to change the color if the weather conditions change or if the clouds roll in.
Features
The hanging silver spinner adds attention-grabbing movement and flashiness.
Overall
If you are interested in the same product in many different colors, this is a great option. It is tried and true by many. If only the overall durability could be improved, we would find it much higher on our list.
10. LOTFANCY FISHING LURES
When you look at each lure individually, you may not be that impressed with this set. However, when assessing it as a complete set, the value is above-average.
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Outside of the jig hooks that are included, there are also gravity balls that will resonate with a low-frequency rattle to mimic actual fish.
Materials
Though it is claimed that sharp stainless steel hooks and impressive body details come with this set, the reality is many users have dubbed this set “cheaply made”.
Value
The main reason to buy this set is if you want an assortment of lures to catch crappies and other types of fish as there are 30 different pieces included.
Color
As you are probably used to at this point, this is a set that comes with an assortment of different colors. Once again, however, you do not have the luxury of physically selecting the colors you want.
Features
What is nice is the lures you receive do come in a wide range of sizes (from 1.5 to 3.6 inches).
Overall
At the end of the day, if you treasure the highest quality crappie jigs then look at some of the other options on this list. The reality is this is perfect as a variety choice for casual fishermen.
