i wanna switch things up!!

[Jordyn Kaufer]

ok well,

i want to switch things up and was wondering if any of you guys have any ideas.

I usually just go with the Ratso/waxie combo and i want to change it up.

what are some things that have been producing for you that you think i should try...?

[ozzie]

Diamond jig with a couple euros.......jigging spoon 1/16 oz tippped with euros waxies or minnow head.......flu-flu.....jig and power minnow.....bro's bloodworm or scud bug.......demon tipped with a waxie......small jigging rap or chubby darter......ant with waxie/minnow/euro.....all of these have their time to be used while chasing panfish

[Jordyn Kaufer]

thank you

[Deitz Dittrich]

I'll second what ozzie said.. When I first start out.. I use a marmooska or similar(diamond jig) and two eurolarve on it.. Small spoons work very well too.

[magic_minnow]

Genz bug tipped w/ Powerbait Power Wigglers. My friends laugh at me for using power wigglers, but I usually get the last laugh. I got my limit of crappies in 15 minutes on a East Central Lake one morning.

[blackdog1101]

I haven't used bait much at all this winter. Try some micro jigs tipped with Little Atom or Maki plastics. I caught a limit of crappies yesterday while everyone fishing with crappie minnows or waxies was getting skunked. I had 3 people come up and ask what I was using. When I showed them my jig they were very suprized.

[ozzie]

what type of plastic is the 2 tone one on the black diamond jig? looks intersting........I have also found though when I put a plastic tail on it I do better with the plastic coming perfectly horizontle from the hook like your 1st 3 jig set-up opposed to the last 2 where the tails kinda angle......but I know how tuff it is to get the plastics perfectly on a small hook.....thanks for posting the pics....oh and what kind of jig is the first one with 2 hooks? (fiskas?)

[blackdog1101]

The first one is a Fiskas "Balance" jig. I've never, ever caught a fish on the front hook. I think they're for catching fishermen. But it's one of my go-to jigs anyhow. I love them.

The two-tone pink plastic is a Little Atom "Duppie."

I agree about making the plastic horizontal. Hard to do sometimes with cold hands, though.

[blackdog1101]

I should add that I open up the gap a little on the Balance jig with needle nose pliers. I get a lot more hook ups. The jig in the picture was before I opened the gap up.

[Drewski]

1/16 oz forage minnow tipped w/euro.

[ozzie]

thanks blackdog1101....I in no way was trying to be negative by pointing out about the plastics but rather trying to be helpful to others trying to get into using plastics.....I hate trying to get those thin plastics on those little hooks, but I figure that is why you get so many tails in each box/bag......good luck and thanks for the info and tip.......

[blackdog1101]

NO negativity taken at all. Thanks Ozzie!

[ozzie]

Jordan- I saw the pic in the photo sharing forum of your first crappie this year...congrats.......here is another tip for you when using horizontal baits like the ratso in your pic......make sure the knot is hanging the bait horizontal from the line....if the knot is in the wrong place (touching the jig head) it will hang the bait the wrong way and instead of a horizontal bait you will have a verticle bait and won't be using it to it's full potential......also get rid of those waxies when using plastics....if they need a little meat put 1 euro on......if you have never used euros look at the end with 2 black spots and thread the hook right under them and out...this will stay on and you have pierced the scent sack.....Good Luck