Crappie anglers are familiar with using jigs that weigh considerably less than typical bass jigheads. Popular jig weights for crappie include 1/32-, 1/16-, and 1/8-ounce, but weights can vary considerably from one manufacturer to another, sometimes even one jig to another.
“I’ve seen jigs marked 1/16-ounce that weighed anywhere from 1.5 grams to 2.1 grams,” said former guide Rod Wall. “That’s why I also ways carry a gram-scale with me and measure each jig individually before I put it in the rotation.”
Wall said what may seem to be a negligible difference in weight can make a lot of difference in the depth that a jig swims at when it’s pulled behind the boat. Add to that the weight and buoyancy of the jig, and most anglers have no real clue what depth they’re fishing.
“The best water for long-line trolling is going to be stained, which means reduced visibility,” said Wall. “A crappie may only be able to see the bait at a distance of about two feet. Another factor, and any good crappie angler knows this, is a crappie always feeds in an upward position and will completely ignore a bait that passes just six inches under it’s nose.”
A gram scale can be found at most hardware stores that sell precision tools and equipment for around $15. instead of having only three to four choices in jig weights, he can broaden that range to around a dozen options. The subtle weight difference allows him to hone his swimming depths to get around a foot of tolerance, which can and has made a huge difference in the number of bites he gets.
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