Fishing With Crappie Jigs

Disclosure:

Any links to merchants in this post are affiliate links.  If you click on a link and purchase a product mentioned in this post I may earn a commission.  This will not add to the price you pay for that product.

Although referred to as crappie jigs, many species of fish will often bite on these lures.  There are many different methods that can be used to successful catch fish with a jig.  We'll cover a few of these in this post giving you an array of techniques to help improve your crappie fishing success.

One method used when fishing with crappie jigs is to "count down" to the desired depth and steadily retrieve your lure to keep it at that depth.  Jigs of differing weights will sink at different paces.  The heavier it is the faster it will fall.  Although you can find all kinds of data about how fast a jig will sink depending on the weight and water temperature, I have found that it is not necessary to worry so much about the depth in feet. Try counting to five seconds before retrieving your bait.  If you don't get a bite, try seven seconds.  Repeat this process varying the number of seconds you count before retrieval until you start getting bites.  Once you find the correct count continue using this count with each consecutive cast.  With practice you will be able to achieve consistency using this method.

Another method that has been used by many anglers effectively is to place a bobber on your fishing line above your jig so that it will sit suspended in the water at the desired depth.  If you are fishing at a depth that is lower than the length of your fishing pole, you can use a normal float.  However, if you wish to hang your lure lower in the water it can be achieved by using a slip float with a bobber stop attached to your line in the desired position.  When using this method try fishing two jigs on your line about eighteen inches apart.  While fishing with a bobber you can slowly and steadily retrieve your lure recasting when it reaches the shore, or you can reel in a few feet of line quickly, stop and allow the crappie jig to settle below the bobber for a bit before once again repeating this procedure.

Jigs may also be fished from a boat or dock by dropping them straight down to the depth you want and bouncing them by using a quick but slight upward motion with the tip of your pole.  Many times fish can be caught by repeating the process of dancing your bait in the water for a bit followed by allowing it to settle for a few moments.

- Any day in the outdoors is a good day

Fishing With Casting Spoons

Disclosure:

Any links to merchants in this post are affiliate links.  If you click on a link and purchase a product mentioned in this post I may earn a commission.  This will not add to the price you pay for that product.

Acme Little Cleo

Spoons have been used for fishing as far back as the mid 1800's and are available in a seemingly endless array of color combinations.  Casting spoons are good for those who are fishing in areas that don't have a lot of snags to get hung up on.  Spoons have a concave side which causes them to wobble and reflect light mimicking an injured baitfish.  Spoons can be used to successfully catch many different species of fish but are very popular for the pursuit of bass.

Blue Fox Cast Champ Spoon Kit

When fishing a casting spoon there are two main options to use.  The first option is to "jig" it from a boat or a dock.  When using this method, release your reel allowing the spoon to fall to the bottom of the lake. Once you notice it has reached the bottom, gently nudge it off the bottom and allow it to fall again.  A large portion of strikes will occur while the spoon is fluttering back to the bottom as this is when it will produce the most flash.  Once the spoon hits the bottom again, continue repeating this process.  Because the spoon will twist your line as it moves up and down, you may also let the lure dangle just off the bottom letting it spin while the line untwists.  Watch for your line to jump as this is a really good sign that you've had a fish strike your lure.

Blue Strobe Spoon Kit

The second method for fishing these spoons is to cast it out beyond the point the fish are located and allow it to sink to the bottom.  Gently raise your rod tip up and allow the lure to fall to the bottom again.  Once the spoon has hit the bottom, tighten your line and repeat this process until you have brought your lure back to you or you receive a bite.  As with the above method, the spoon will flash the most as it making its way to the lake floor.

If these two methods aren't producing try casting and retrieving the spoon as you would a jig, gently bouncing your rod tip from time to time allowing the lure to sink a bit after each bounce.  Be sure to set the hook as soon as you notice a strike.

Acme Kastmaster

Although fish can sense the vibration made by the lure moving through the water, the spoon is a lure that attracts fish by catching their eye as it flashes while dancing through the water.  Because of this using spoons in lakes and reservoirs with water that is clear or mostly clear will produce the best results.

- Any day in the outdoors is a good day