Storing Soft Plastic Crappie Jigs: Best Practices

how to store soft plastic crappie jigs

Crappie fishing is a popular activity among anglers due to the fish being fun to catch and tasting delicious. One of the most popular baits for crappie fishing is the 2 Stinger, a small bait that mimics the size and shape of the small prey that crappie feed on. Anglers have different preferences for storing their soft plastic crappie jigs, with some keeping them in their original packaging and others using plastic boxes or binders with pouches for each different colour.

Characteristics Values
Storage containers Tackle boxes, Plano boxes, pouches, envelopes, bags, original packaging
Organisation By colour, brand, style, type of jig, use
Additional items Binder, ziplock bags, mineral oil, worm oil, SLAB sauce, G sauce
Jig size 1/64, 1/32, 1/16 oz
Rod length 5'6", 6'
Line choice 8-10 lb test braid, 4-6# test 1.5' fluorocarbon leaders

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Organising tackle boxes by colour, brand or style

There are several ways to organise your tackle box, depending on your preferences. One popular method is to organise by colour, which can be helpful when you are looking for a specific jig or lure. You can also organise by brand or style, which some people find easier to remember. For example, keeping all your soft plastics in one bag, so that when you need one, you can simply grab the bag and get going.

Another method is to group all the tackle you would use for a particular species together. For example, you could keep all your crankbaits for largemouth bass in one tray, and label it as such. This way, you can quickly grab all your bass lures in one go. If your tackle trays have adjustable dividers, use them to match lure sizes and maximise your storage space.

Some people prefer to keep their tackle in its original packaging, especially soft plastics, which can be prone to melting or bleeding together. You can also use small ziplock bags to keep your tackle together, and to prevent different brands from coming into contact with each other.

If you have a lot of jigs, you might want to consider putting all the same style, weight, and colour jigs in the same tackle box slot. This way, it doesn't matter which one you grab, and you can be sure it's the one you want.

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Leaving them in their original packaging

Leaving soft plastic crappie jigs in their original packaging is a common practice, especially for those who fish from the bank. This method ensures that the jigs remain organised and protected. Some anglers choose to further organise their jigs by placing the original packaging in tackle boxes or similar containers. This allows for easy access and transportation of the jigs.

One challenge with keeping jigs in their original packaging is finding the desired jig when there are multiple bags to search through. To address this issue, some anglers use additional storage devices, such as pouches or envelopes, within their tackle boxes. This enables them to organise jigs by colour or type, making it easier to locate specific jigs when needed.

Another consideration when storing soft plastic crappie jigs in their original packaging is the potential need for preservation methods. Some anglers suggest adding mineral oil or worm oil to the jigs to keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out or fading in colour. This additional step may be necessary to maintain the condition of the jigs over time.

While leaving jigs in their original packaging offers convenience and protection, some anglers prefer to remove them for easier access. This approach allows anglers to grab the jigs directly without having to open multiple packages. However, those who choose to do so must be careful to select a suitable storage device that will effectively protect the jigs and keep them in good condition.

Overall, leaving soft plastic crappie jigs in their original packaging is a practical option for many anglers. It provides a level of organisation and protection for the jigs while still allowing for customisation and adaptation based on individual preferences and fishing habits. The use of additional storage containers and preservation methods can further enhance the effectiveness of this storage method.

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Using a binder with pouches for each colour

You can choose to keep your jigs in their original packaging or remove them, depending on your preference. Some people prefer to keep their jigs in their packages, especially if they are bank fishermen, as it helps keep the lures fresh and prevents them from drying out or fading in colour. However, others find it tedious to dig through multiple packages to find the desired jig.

If you decide to remove the jigs from their original packaging, you can place them loosely in the pouches. This makes it easier to grab the desired jig, and you can buy them in bulk and store them efficiently. You can also keep the pouches organised by frequency of use, with the most frequently used jigs easily accessible and those used less often stored in their packages within the pouches.

Additionally, you can use the binder in conjunction with other storage solutions. For example, you can have separate boxes for jigheads, topwater baits, worm hooks, and specialised spinnerbait boxes. This ensures that all your tackle is organised and easily accessible, making your fishing trips more efficient and enjoyable.

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Using plastic boxes with mineral oil

Many people who fish with soft plastic crappie jigs have shared their preferred methods for storing their lures. Some people prefer to keep their lures in their original packaging, while others opt for storing them in plastic boxes with dividers. Those who choose to store their lures in plastic boxes often add mineral oil to the baits to keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out and fading in colour.

If you decide to use plastic boxes with mineral oil to store your soft plastic crappie jigs, here is a step-by-step guide:

  • Purchase or find a suitable plastic box with a tight-fitting lid. The box should be large enough to accommodate all your lures and have compartments or dividers to keep them organised.
  • Remove the soft plastic crappie jigs from their original packaging. You can organise them by colour, brand, or style in the compartments or dividers within the plastic box.
  • Pour a small amount of mineral oil into each compartment or divider. Ensure that the mineral oil covers the bottom of the compartments and that there is enough oil to keep the lures fresh.
  • Place the soft plastic crappie jigs into the compartments or dividers, ensuring that each lure is coated with a thin layer of mineral oil. The oil will help to condition the plastic and prevent it from drying out.
  • Close the lid of the plastic box tightly to prevent any air exposure, which could lead to drying or fading.
  • Store the plastic box in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.

By using plastic boxes with mineral oil, you can effectively store your soft plastic crappie jigs while also maintaining their condition and colour. This method allows for easy organisation and access to your lures, ensuring that they remain fresh and effective for your fishing endeavours.

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Floating jig heads

When it comes to storing soft plastic crappie jigs, there are a few different approaches that anglers use. Some fishermen prefer to keep their soft plastics in their original packaging, while others opt for storing them in plastic boxes or tackle boxes with dividers. Those who choose to keep their jigs in the original packaging often place them in small ziplock bags of a similar size, which are then organised into tackle boxes based on where, when, and how they will be used for fishing. This method allows for easy access to the desired jig while minimising tangling and damage.

For those who decide to transfer their jigs from the original packaging to plastic boxes, it is recommended to add a small amount of mineral oil or worm oil to the baits. This helps maintain their freshness, prevents them from drying out, and preserves their colour. The oils can be supplemented with SLAB or G sauce for added scent. Additionally, some anglers use binders with pouches for each colour, allowing for easy access and organisation of their jigs.

Now, let's focus on floating jig heads, a specific type of jig head that plays a crucial role in crappie fishing. Floating jig heads are designed to keep your bait off the bottom of the water body, which is advantageous in certain situations. When using floating jig heads, it is recommended to employ a Carolina rig, which includes a swivel and a slip sinker positioned about 14 to 18 inches above the jig and minnow. This setup is particularly effective for deep-water crappie fishing.

When utilising floating jig heads, it is important to consider the orientation of the hook. Unlike traditional jig heads, floating jig heads float with the hook point facing downwards. To ensure the minnow swims in a natural, upright manner, it is suggested to hook it through the nose and out through the throat. This setup allows the minnow to move more freely and can increase your chances of attracting crappie.

Additionally, when using floating jig heads, it is recommended to use a slightly heavier or stiffer line on the spreader to prevent the line from wrapping around it. Floating jig heads are most suitable for open water situations as they tend to hook onto objects if dragged along the bottom. Overall, floating jig heads offer a unique presentation that can be highly effective for catching crappie in deeper waters.

Frequently asked questions

You can store soft plastic crappie jigs in their original packaging or in a tackle box with dividers for each individual bait.

If you store your soft plastic crappie jigs in their original packaging, consider using a binder or pouch to organise them by colour. You can also place the original packaging in a small ziplock bag before placing it in a tackle box.

If you store your soft plastic crappie jigs in a tackle box, add a little mineral oil or worm oil to the baits to keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out and fading in colour.

One alternative is to use plastic boxes with mineral oil and SLAB or G sauce for added scent. Another option is to use a notebook-style tackle bag with BG packages.

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