There are two general processes to consider. Scientific research has demonstrated that fish have very good color vision and are able to distinguish differences in colors – even shades of the same color. This kind of tube jig approximates the silver “flash” of a minnow and can entice crappie to bite 2. Crappiers also seem to prefer 4-pound-test line and light rods, because you can cast the jigs further using this pound test line and a light-action rod. White is very visible in cloudy waters and in water that is choppy and confused due to wind on the surface of the lake or pond. The magnitude and range of crappie jig colors can certainly be a little unsettling and confusing especially to the neophyte angler going after white perch or crappie for the first time. Studying the crappie behavior during summer will help you know where to look. Certain colors are far more visible under specific water clarity and light conditions than other colors. How to Fish Docks and Brushpiles for Summer Crappie. I hope you enjoy the video! When presented with the right line action—a darting “bounce” produced by a slight jigging or dancing of the tip of the fishing pole—a hot pink jig can strike crappie gold. Been fishing dirty/muddy water for about 2 months now. “If the water is in the clear range, I go with more natural colors or clear bodies with sparkle – anything that closely resembles minnows and shad. When fishing on a cloudy, overcast day or in heavily stained water, Marshall goes to darker colors for the body of his jig. You can purchase crappie jigs made of soft plastic that look very much like real minnows, down to the silver and blue, or silver and green coloring of the skin and the large silver eye. It has a soft body with a very soft and subtle straight tail for great action in the water. Choose the color by environmental factors like natural food sources and water clarity, but be prepared to experiment with colors. Dannenmueller says it is critical to check the recommendations of the Color-C-Lector when available light changes (low sun versus mid-day; sunny skies fading to overcast skies) or when you observe a change in the water color. Below, in no particular order, is my list of the best crappie jig colors.. You’ll notice a few repeats, and that’s no mistake. With the probe at desired depth, turn on the unit. Going with bold colors seems to spook them.”, Anytime Lefebre is in search mode – trying to determine exact location of crappies because he has not been on the water for days or is fishing a new lake – he ties on a confidence color. I am a hobby jig maker, but several people have asked to buy them. Likely their answers are based on memorable catches with a certain color on a particular lake under specific conditions. Crappies are a favorite catch among many anglers, and you can catch a lot of them during ice fishing. You may have determined this by sonar readings of baitfish and crappies, or by having caught fish recently at this depth.”. By recognizing the part that colors plays in your jig presentation allows you stock up on a wide selection of colored jig bodies right now for the coming season…not just your favorite color! The magnitude and range of crappie jig colors can certainly be a little unsettling and confusing especially to the neophyte angler going after white perch or crappie for the first time. These come in sizes of 1/32 ounce, 1/16 ounce, and 1/8 ounce. Selecting a jig color for green stained water can be tricky, but something with chartreuse is generally a wise choice. Here we also have the top 10 best crappie jig colors guide just for you. Unlike anglers, crappies don’t have a “favorite” lure color. The size 1/16 ounce works the best with the 2-inch shade bait and is the most popular size jig for crappie. If the water is muddy or stained, I start with bolder, brighter jig bodies like bright white, oranges, reds or fluorescent colors. God bless. Simply by looking at the water and lowering a lure down, I determine if the lake is muddy, dingy, algae stained or clear. For this reason, crappie jigs tend to be brightly colored. Dannenmueller picks up the process here. “It is extremely important for the angler to have identified the depth at which crappies are holding. White is another favorite color choice among crappie fans. May 7, 2020; By Bob Frye. Myers is a self-taught computer expert and owned a computer sales and service company for five years. Regarded as the golden standard of Crappie jig bodies, the Bobby Garland Baby Shad from Bobby Garland Baits is one of the most tried, true, and effective soft plastic bodies of all time. “By using Crappie Pro Mo’Glow florescent jig heads and two-tone bodies from Bobby Garland, Garrett and I can easily match the range of colors indicated on the C-Lector. white base with hint of bluish tint).”. A popular takeoff on the artificial minnow crappie jig is the tube jig made from soft plastic that has silver flecks impregnated in the tube body. Opt for the jig colors that match well with the surrounding conditions. “In tournament situations, I always use the Color-D-Lector,” concludes Dannenmueller. jigs are probably the most popular lure to use to target crappie. Many styles and color options available. A writer and entrepreneur for over 40 years, J.E. Aug 24, 2015 - Buy Factory Direct crappie jig heads, crappie flukes, crappie shad, crappie jigs, and much more from moestackleshop.com. Professional crappie angler Dan Dannenmueller, member of Team Crappie Country along with Garrett Steele, is a firm believer in the scientific approach. After a few seconds a digital number between 0 and 40 will appear in the window. He explains that after determining the water clarity of the particular lake or river, you once again begin lowering the probe but this time stopping at the depth you believe crappies are located. This is based on one’s experience over a broad range of lakes of different water clarity. So for me color was not really a big deal. This kind of tube jig approximates the silver “flash” of a minnow and can entice crappie to bite 2. If I know crappies are in a location but I’m not getting bites within 5 to 10 minutes, then I change colors.”, When post frontal days create those high blue cloudless skies, crappies can be tight lipped. “I use the Spike It Color-C-Lector. Dave Lefebre of Erie, Pennsylvania is a professional bass angler on the Bassmaster Elite circuit. It consists of a light meter on the end of a measured cable which is attached to an instrument with color bands arranged in three major groups: Clear, Stained, and Muddy, along with a number scale ranging from 0 to 40. Not to sure about spring/summer, just started using painted jig heads. A popular takeoff on the artificial minnow crappie jig is the tube jig made from soft plastic that has silver flecks impregnated in the tube body. Color selection is important as crappie are often finicky. White is another favorite color choice among crappie fans. It takes the guess work out the process. Email me at jigsbyjoe@yahoo.com My other confidence colors include blue glimmer, white, and daiquiri (mint green).”. Folks, this video was highly requested by some viewers on my channel, so here you go! “The Crappie Book: Basics and Beyond”; Keith Sutton; 2006, “Pro Tactics: Panfish: Use the Secrets of the Pros to Catch Bluegill, Crappie, and Perch”; Jason Durhan; 2008. My process of color selection is based around water clarity. SHOP CRAPPIE JIGS. Here are 10 tips you need to know to help you catch more crappie in the fall. If you locate a swarm of crappies that are hungry, any color—and nearly anything for that matter—can be jigged effectively. The jig-and-pig is a standard bait for flipping, pitching or casting. Viewing row after row of crappie jigs in varying sizes and colors is daunting. Walk into any boat shop anywhere in the country and you’ll see a rainbow of colors. Mr. Crappie jig heads come in colors of chartreuse, fluorescent orange, limetruse, pink, refrigerator white, and unpainted. See more ideas about crappie lures, crappie jigs, crappie. Crappies are scrappy little fish that are fun to catch and delicious to eat. At night, you can try blacks and dark blues. The Eagle Claw models feature a feathery tail that flutters as you let it dive or retrieve it through the water, while Strike King offers a traditional jig head with a special hook designed specifically for latching onto crappies. Marshall believes that color selection is important and that crappie can detect shades such as reds, pinks or oranges. Therefore color plays a critical role in lure selection along with general shape, size and movement of the jig. But orange heads have pretty good with something chartruse in the jig. Viewing row after row of crappie jigs in varying sizes and colors is daunting. “However, if I didn’t have one available, my starting colors would be either something with chartreuse or Bobby Garland Glacier (i.e. The head of the jig is usually painted black or white and has a painted eye on it. In some parts of... How to Choose the “BEST” Color for Crappie Jigs. Once confined to just a few basic colors and combinations, fishermen had to make do with the choices at hand. On one of the lakes I fish red flake body with chartreuse tail is the ticket. Because crappies school together and often feed in a frenzy like sharks, you may find you can catch dozens of them, one after another continuously, as soon as you put the right jig in the water. "Lil' Nick's" Bluegill jigs available in 1/80 or 1/100. “This will be a cross between a natural color and a bright color, such as a sparkle body with a hot chartreuse tail. Honestly crappie fishing is where I have learned more about color preference than probably any other type of fishing I do. Crappie readily bite for nearly everyone in the spring, but these panfish become more of a challenge to catch in the heat of summer. PowerSports of Abrams, WI Adds Steve Kuchenberg to Lund Pro-Staff. The theory is that crappie can see this color from some distance despite a lot of silt or vegetation in the water 2. To learn more crappie jig colors, check out my article about that here: Best Crappie Jig Colors, And How To Choose. Crappies, particularly the much-desired “plate-sized” versions, feed on tiny minnows as enthusiastically as other species of sport and panfish. Many anglers fish 1/32-ounce jigs year-round for crappie. Hot pink can work in the same cloudy water conditions as chartreuse-colored jigs, theoretically. Folks today, we go crappie fishing on the Coosa River! “Jig color in crappie fishing is super important to me,” stresses Lefebre, who has been chasing crappies for almost four decades. The same crappie may choose to strike completely different colors from one day to the next so it’s important to remember to experiment when one color isn’t working. You probably already know what color works best on your home waters and if not just experiment to find that magic combination. By considering water clarity, light intensity and depth, this instrument tells you which colors fish see best under specific conditions.”. They are still fairly possible to catch, but require different methods due to change of temperature. ... Dannenmueller takes advantage of contrast another way, by always pairing soft baits of one color with a jig head of a different one. Furthermore, if fish are observed at multiple depths, you can set rods at those depths with each rod fishing a different color combination recommended by the Color-C-Lector.”. If you locate a swarm of crappies that are hungry, any color—and nearly anything for that matter—can be jigged effectively. But, if you leave it in the hands of experts, like us, then you can be assured that you will land up with a reliable and trusted crappie jig colors. My process of color selection is based around water clarity. Hot pink can work in the same cloudy water conditions as chartreuse-colored jigs, theoretically. Your crappie jig color is important and certain colors seems to work better on certain lakes. First, the scientific approach utilizes an instrument developed through research that reveals which colors fish can see under certain conditions. However, if you don’t want to spend extra than you should go with the kmucutie jig 5 Pieces Mix Colors Resin Jig Metal Lead Jig 3 inch 1 Ounce. Make sure you use the small minnow jigs, not the larger minnow jigs meant for bass and walleye fishing. “For turned-off crappies, I want to present something that barely gives a hint of being a baitfish. Lefebre often remarks that if he was not fishing the pro bass circuit, he would be on the crappie tournament trail. 3 jigs for $2.75 plus shipping. “Sure, you can catch some crappies on almost any color, but to maximize your catch you must be tuned into the best color for the conditions. for Crappie. We all know that crappie are finicky at times and testing a few different colors will work. BnM How To May with Brad Whitehead – Jig Fishing, Crappie Now – BnM Rod and Reel for Vertical Jigging, Crappie NOW How To Following The Cold Water Fish, Crappie Kids Corner: Minnows, by Scott MacKenthun. The Color-C-Lector indicates a fluorescent color and a non-fluorescent color in separate color bands opposite each number. ... jigs but rarely catch them . Bad blood is body color half white and half chartreuse with red curl tail or stinger tail. Experiment to find the “color of the day.”. Crappies have even struck a piece of aluminum foil or a bit of red cloth. Those with limited casting skills can easily catch scads of crappies by “jigging” for them rather than casting. The Eagle Claw Jig and Strike King Mr. Crappie are both highly effective baits, meaning a choice between these two will boil down to personal preference. Hot lemon-lime or chartreuse-colored jigs are perennial favorites among all anglers, from bass anglers to crappie hunters. The Color-C-Lector was developed by Dr. Loren Hill after years of laboratory and field experiments. Crappie Sniper Jig Tails Product Material ALL Crappie Sniper T-Shirts are 50/50 DRY BLEND: The best of cotton and polyester fabrics in one, blending the softness and breathability of cotton with the flexibility and durability of polyester. You should try the chartreuse green, red and other attractive colors. When the summertime sun raises water temperatures above the 80-degree mark, crappie seek deeper water and heavier cover. Copyright © 2020 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. “Sure, you can catch some crappies on almost any color, but to maximize your catch you must be tuned into the best color for the conditions. Chartreuse crappie jigs, made from marabou feathers or bucktail, are particularly effective in cloudy waters. See below for a list of my favorite colors. Hot pink is another popular color in marabou or bucktail feathered crappie jigs. “Jig color in crappie fishing is super important to me,” stresses Lefebre, who has been chasing crappies for almost four decades. 50 Pack Of Crappie Jig Chart Or Red Hooks 4s You Pick From . How do we know what colors are best to use in a given situation? catch more on a small twister tail jig but live bait works much better on bluegill .for crappie, jigs work good in fall,winter and spring but in summer I sometime have to … Jig head options were often limited to white, chartreuse, or red. For the modern crappie fisherman, color options run the full range of the spectrum. Story & photos by Darl Black Ask a few anglers around the country to name their “favorite” crappie-catching color in a jig and you’ll probably …. The Best Color Jig For Winter Crappie. In clear waters, use jigs that are close to the typical color of their food such as silver and gray. The Best Crappie Jig Colors For Any Situation Crappie Fisher . Details About Crappie Jig Hks 4 Packs Mister Wobbly Eyes Chart Black Chart 1 32oz 6 Eyes Move . Crappie are known for their good eyesight, so coloring is important. Crappie jig color is not an exact science by any means, but by choosing a jig color based on the theory that makes most sense to you, you will have a place to start. All Rights Reserved. If you lose sight within two feet, water is rated Muddy; two to four feet, water is rated Stained; greater than four feet, water is Clear. Summer Crappie Fishing – Finding The Right Jig Color. COLOR IS IMPORTANT. Perhaps more so than many gamefish, crappie often show distinct color preferences, and Tim notes, these can change on … “Under this situation, I go with translucent hues and clear bodies with sparkle flakes regardless of water color,” explains Lefebre. That erratic motion, although small, gives the jig a more life-like action and will make tight-lipped crappie bite. Going to a well-stocked fishing supply store makes the task no easier of course. The fish still remain active though as they feed on schools of shad passing through the crappie’s hot-weather haunts. The number of possible crappie jig colors can make your head spin. Most fall days bring cloudy skies and light winds, and choosing a dark-colored jig for these conditions is paramount for success. Branching away from chartreuse, other good color options for crappie are white, pink, yellow, green, black, red and blue. This is the best choice currently available in the market at the best price. At first I had trouble catching them, then a change of color made all the difference! Ask a few anglers around the country to name their “favorite” crappie-catching color in a jig and you’ll probably end up with almost as many different responses as the number of fishermen questioned. Keying on Crappie Colors; Keying on Crappie Colors. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, Tips for Using Rubber Worms for Bass Fishing. Tim and Matt provide a master class on making the right bait and color choices for moving out of summer and into the fall transition. When presented with the right line action—a darting “bounce” produced by a slight jigging or dancing of the tip of the fishing pole—a hot pink jig can strike crappie gold. If I am throwing a jig that does not have chartruse in it, I use a that color as my head. 6,314. Cool Holes are Hotspots for Summer Crappie. "Boo Biter" Crappie jigs are available in 1/16, 1/32, or 1/64. CrappieNOW is an unrivaled destination for passionate crappie anglers searching for information on new crappie fishing tips and techniques, destinations, products, recent events, and the latest news from industry leading professionals. And using bright colored spinners and jigs will attract crappies because they are sight feeders. Leaves turning colors and air temperatures dropping signal the start of the crappie fall feeding festival. The market is filled up with a variety of crappie jig colors, but the best crappie jig colors that suits your needs can be a bit difficult to find. They both have their favorites and we bet you will have a blast putting their choices head to head on your own body of water as the summer heat fades away. After crappie fishing for 20+ years, I still remember how tough it was to choose jig colors in the beginning. Professional crappie angler Tim Blackley takes a moment to share his favorite crappie plastic colors for water clarities ranging from muddy to clear. Copyrights © 2019 CrappieNOW. White Skirts. The second approach is – for lack of a better term – your gut. Going to a well-stocked fishing supply store makes the task no easier of course. In plastics, white, chartreuse, and smoke dominated in the not too distant past. by Randy | Posted on August 12, 2018. These jigs have large painted white or red eyes. First you determine the water color by lowering the probe into water and noting at what depth white top of the probe disappears. Best Crappie Jig Colors: Choose The Best Crappie Fishing Jig Behind live bait (minnows, worms, etc.) Or perhaps they choose the only color crappie jig in their box! She currently serves as Director of Elections for McLean County, Illinois government. Because they congregate around “stick ups” like stands of water grasses, downed tree limbs, or bridges and boat docks, crappies are easy to reach from shore positions. Next pinpoint that number on the scale, and then move your finger across to the previously determined water clarity column to determine the recommended color or colors. When autumn arrives, crappie snap out of their summer doldrums and gorge on baitfish in preparation for a long, cold winter.The fish migrate from their deep summer haunts to the dining areas of the shallow flats.. In fact, if you walk into a tackle store it’ll likely have an entire aisle full of different jigs for crappie. My goal is to speed that process up for you. Both work. In the past, it was a struggle selecting the right colors for these situations. for Crappie. Do not be afraid to try any and every hue of crappie jig available, including dark green, blue and black jigs, in very clear water. Walking into a bait shop with mom and dad, young anglers see a lot of different live baits for sale. Myers has a broad and eclectic range of expertise in personal computer maintenance and design, home improvement and design, and visual and performing arts. Crappie jigs come in dozens of colors. But during the offseason he is a diehard crappie angler. Now some 40 years later it was still hard to convince me that color really made that big a difference. Because crappies school together and often feed in a frenzy like sharks, you may find you can catch dozens of them, one after another continuously, as soon as you put the right jig in the water.