Downsizing for Tough Pannies?

[blackdog1101]

I've "downsized" in previous years to 3 lbs test line and 1/64 oz jigs and have definitely caught more fish. What really sold me was the nearly 16" crappie I caught on a really negative day. I deadsticked the rod, and every once in a while moved the spring bobber a tiny bit just to give a little action to the jig. The spring slowly bent and bang! I was onto the biggest crappie I've ever caught.

I just bought some smaller (3mm) tungsten jigs and 1 lbs test flouro line. I'm thinking I'll spool up a reel with the 1 lbs line and keep it for really negative days, as I don't want to lose a bunch of $3 jigs on extra-light line, and will fish 3 lbs test on "normal" days.

How far down do you "downsize"? What have your successes, or failures, been with downsizing? How small do you go?

[VexilarView]

Blackdog:

Based on water clarity, low pressure bite, or just a down right tough bite, I will drop down to a 2.5mm jig, tipped with one Goldenrod grub or maggot on .5lb test. The main lake I fish is gin clear year around and this is sometimes the ticket to get the bigger gills & crappies to go. With this set up you can't horse them up through the hole, have to finnese them. And I will take the time and re-tie after every 6th of 7th fish, no matter the size. I just strip off about 2 to 3 feet of line and tie a new knot. Found that this helps maintain the overall quality of the line and keeps my jigs in the box longer. When things get really tough I will tie about 15 to 20 yards of 8X fly tippet on 2lb. test. There are a number of quality fly fishing tippets on the market and in clear water they do appear invisible.

My general go to set up is 3 to 4mm jigs with 2lb. fluorocarbon on a light rod. No spring bobber or bite indicator, just run straight through and feel for the lack of weight which will signal a pick up. Can't wait to try some of the new Clam Drop jigs this season. The color patterns look very interesting.

You might also want to try a drop shot rig with your 3lb. test. I have found that this will work for selective biters in the weeds. Just tie a palomar knot on your line and pull the loop tight. (The loop needs to be just at the top of the weedline or right above it). Take your 1lb. test fluoro and tie on about 4 to 6 inch leader and attach a gold size 14 hook with a single maggot. At the tag end of your 3lb. test, clamp on a couple of split shots that will allow the rig to penetrate the weeds. Practice your jigging technique so that you get a good cadence, not too fast, but not too slow and I think you will enjoy the results. That litle gold hook with a small offering will sometimes get the picky biters to go.

About the best thing to do is experiment. Balance the jig, line and rod type and dial it in over time.

Dan Walker

Clam Power Stick

Ice Team

[Lawrence Luoma]

On average I use 3mm and 4mm jigs and always use 2lb test. Downsizing to me is going to 2mm and even 1mm sized jigs. 1/64 is just too big in my opinion.

[Mr.Seaguar]

I think jigging motion is as significant a factor in catching pressured blugills as any other factor.

[Kevan Paul]

When times are tough for gills I'm running 1lb test with 3mm and plastic.

[Valleye]

I think I am similar to what Lawrence does. In tough conditions I down size to 2.5 mm Fiska jig with a shortened plastic or one spike. Another option is tying a small loop knot on the line with a small hook, anywhere from 6 inches to a foot from the jig. I will place a spike on that hook. Basically a modified drop shot rig with two offerings for the panfish.

[blackdog1101]

Thanks for the responses guys, I appreciate your help. Looks like I still have some more downsizing to go. I'll pick up some 2.5mm jigs. I tie my own flies for fly fishing so maybe I'll tie some size 16 nymphs too.

[Pat_Rodger]

have you tried using your flies that you tie to downsize? I would try them on a drop shot rig for finicky fish.

[Pat_Rodger]

have you tried using your flies that you tie to downsize? I would try them on a drop shot rig for finicky fish.

[palisade1kid]

There were some great suggestions here...I agree a 64th oz jig in my opinion is huge on those tuff days...here's a story... took a customer out 1 night. It was 30 below,pressure was super high ..we got 1 hole drilled and the auger head froze up...no more holes. The heater burned blue it was so cold. Needless to say I dropped one of my hair jigs down in a 1/64th oz size. the crappies were stacked but would not move. I then dropped to an 80th...same color...not they would lift a foot and then slink back...finally dropping to a 100th oz and it was 6 crappies back to back to back.

I have added some clam tungsten..and some small fiskas. 1 euro added is all it takes...dead sticking may be the ticket...if you have a good knot and good smooth drag,big fish can be raised...don't rush it...and don't try to hoist...lip em.

[blackdog1101]

Nice to see you Keith, hope you're well!

Yup, I'm going to downsize further. You taught me about downsizing and no meat. I'm ready to take it to the next level.

[palisade1kid]

Nice to see you Keith, hope you're well!

Yup, I'm going to downsize further. You taught me about downsizing and no meat. I'm ready to take it to the next level.

I thought that was you...I'm doing well..looking forward to ice...we should get back together for a trip...got a new spot for you.

[Eric_Kruger]

I used to downsize for those finicky fish, but last season I had something insane happen. I was on a bite that was tough, everyone said 1/100th oz jigs with 1 spike hooked a certain way....yada, yada, yada... Out of pure boredom I tied on a 1/4 oz spoon and started bouncing that around with a minnow head, had one of the best days ive ever had on the water for the rest of that day.

Sometimes it pays to do the opposite of what general logic tells you!Sure Downsizing has its days, but give this a try next time you run into a tough bite too!

[palisade1kid]

I had that happen too once to me Eric...I spanked the guy the day before...but he found a few the next day when I could not catch a one....I'll take my chances on most days going small, however...if all else fails going big may be what saves the day.

[jumbo chaser]

I down size on negative days but since I use Berkeley nano line my line I s always down sized because 3lb nano is thinner than 1-2lb mono it works great for me and is very strong . It does cost a lot more but I have not lost a big fish while targeting pannies to me that's priceless