Crappie killer Murphy Royer makes his own jigs from scratch.
He pours the leadheads: 1/16-ounce models for heavy brush, 1/32-ounce versions for all-around use.
The heads are poured on No. 6 Eagle Claw jig hooks. The jigs’ bodies are made of chenille, and the hair is calf’s hair. Sometimes he adds tinsel to the tails for flash.
Bass Pro Shop carries all the material needed for making the jigs, but Royer typically mail-orders in combination with friends to make bigger orders and save money.
But for the less industrious or those with less time, he offered, there are commercial options.
“If you don’t want to tie your own jigs, you can buy premade hair jigs,” Royer said. “I don’t like the way they tread water, but ….”
His top colors are chartreuse head, black body and chartreuse tail (the all-time favorite); red head, black body and chartreuse tail; gray head, silver body and silver tail; chartreuse head, silver body and chartreuse tail; and pink head, black body and pink tail.
Fish preferences vary depending on water clarity and color, he noted. Chartreuse is his favorite color in clear water. Pink is the best color in muddy water.
He ties his line to the eye of the jig with a tight knot, and is careful to keep the knot positioned at the top of the eye, where it holds the jig horizontal.
“I feel it’s more natural that way,” he explained.
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