Plastic vs Hair

Plastic baits are used more these days than hair jigs for crappie but there are times when hair jigs seem to outperform plastic baits. Hair imparts a very subtle action to a crappie jig. The natural look, movement and some might argue taste of natural hair jigs can entice reluctant crappie into biting. Obviously, there are plastic baits that look natural. They can easily be flavored with the many scents available and the soft bodies will feel pretty realistic as well. However, ask any die hard crappie jig angler and they are likely to tell you that there are definitely times when hair outperforms plastic. For whatever reason. There are plenty of ideas on why this is and a few mentioned above but to an old crappie angler trial and error proved it and that’s all that’s needed to tie one on under certain circumstances.

Conditions for Hair Jigs 

COLD WATER

COLD FRONT

SLOW BITE

ICE FISHING

As mentioned above there is plenty of ideas on why hair outperforms plastic for crappie, when it does that. Some say the natural action that is there with just the movement of water or current. This subtle action is why hair jigs work so well in cold water. Crappie is cold-blooded. When the water temps drop so does the crappie activity. They don’t chase their food as much and often demand a very subtle and sparse profile. Hair jigs have this and will trigger strikes without any action imparted by the angler. Oftentimes, a hair jig sitting over a deep brush pile in the winter is all you need to catch a few crappies. So cold water is probably the best time to use hair jigs for crappie.