How to Rig a Crappie Jig

jig bait on the coast image by Kokhanchikov from Fotolia.com

Chances are if you live near a farm pond, municipal lake or golf course pond, you may have access to some really good crappie fishing. It's a great way to introduce children and new anglers to the sport as crappie are abundant and relatively easy to catch on a variety of baits and lures, including jigs. Pound for pound, crappie put on one of the best fights around when hooked, so it's worth the effort to rig a jig to attract them.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

4- to 6-lb. test monofilament line
Cork cigar float with peg
Snips

Step 1

Install a monofilament fishing line in the 4- to 6-lb. test range. In colder weather, consider going down to a 4-lb. test line as crappie may be more sensitive and able to detect larger diameter lines.

Step 2

Slide a cork cigar float onto the fishing line. Insert the free, or tag, end of the line through the body of the float. Slide the float up the line and peg in place with the plastic or wood peg included with the float. Do not worry about exact position; adjust it later when you begin fishing.

Step 3

Tie a jig to the tag end of your fishing line with an improved clinch knot. Form the knot by passing 4 to 5 inches of line through the eye of the jig.

Step 4

Wrap the tag end of the line around the main line for six to seven turns. Begin the turns near the eye of the jig and work up the line.

Step 5

Turn the tag end down and pass through the small loop formed with the line just above the eye of the jig. Do not tighten the knot at this point. Feed the tag end through the elongated loop alongside the knot. Moisten the knot slightly, pull the knot tight and trim excess from the knot with snips.

Tips & Warnings

When you arrive at your favorite fishing hole, adjust the position of the float on your line. The float will suspend the jig at a level in the water. Determine the depth where you think crappie are holding below the surface. Set the float that distance from the jig.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

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