Berkley Powerbait Minnotator
Tie on, cast out, catch fish. Simple as that. The Berkley Powerbait Minnotator comes prerigged on a jighead with sticky-sharp Berkley Fusion 19 hooks. The 2- and 2.5-inch versions are great crappie catchers. These baits feature incredible realism with baitfish designs printed right on the plastic bodies. The club tail helps the bait swim fluidly through the water, just like the real thing. Available in 14 different colors. MSRP: $7 for a pack of two.
Bobby Garland Brushoff Jig
Crappie love hanging in wood. Snags and laydowns are great spots, but you don’t want to lose baits. Bobby Garland Crappie Baits has your answer. Their Brushoff Jig comes custom made with a couple antennae-style wire brush guards to keep hook points out of sticky wood without deterring strikes. Coming in glow chartreuse, white and pink, and available in 1/16-, 1/3- and 1/50-ounce sizes, you can put these jigs in places you don’t dare try with others. Spider rig it, slip cork it, cast it, troll it, jig it or dock shoot it with confidence that you’ll get it back and probably with a crappie attached. The bait-keeper design works well with soft plastics. MSRP: $4 for a pack of 10.
Mad Scientist Tackle LS Snipin’ Jig
How about this for a unique approach? The same fancy coatings put on sunglasses that impact light penetration and filtering to the eye and brain can be used on fishing lures! Mad Scientist Tackle makes small batches of jigs and baits that reflect light, both visible spectrum and ultraviolet, that fish find irresistible. These baits are designed to be most eye-catching and attractive to the specific rods and cones in fish eyes. These jigs are tough tested and professional angler approved. The LS Snipin’ Jig has 18 different facets to maximize sonar return for forward facing sonar users. MSRP: $6 for a 1/4- or 1/8-ounce jig.
Rapala Nano Rap
Rapala has turned their sights to panfish with the release of the Nano Rap. These 3/4-inch baits are great for vertical jigging. Their weight-forward design allows them to cut through the water with subtle vibration and a slight side-to-side wobble on the fall. Available in 14 colors, including some glow variations. High-quality hooks and split rings. MSRP: $9
CrappieNOW columnist Scott Mackenthun has been writing about fishing since 2005. He is a fisheries professional, father, and avid angler when he’s not writing about his time on the water. He can be reached at scott.mackenthun@gmail.com
