Over the years I've tried a lot of jig heads for rigging 1/1/2" and 2" tubes for crappie. I've finally settled on Big Bite Baits minnow head as one of the best.                          This is a minnow head shape, and has a good hook. But the best part of this jig is the keeper barb. Not too large to tear a tube jig, but big enough to hold them on, even after catching several fish. They come in several colors. I like the 1/16 oz in red most of the time. Available at Academy Sports.

I like those. I don’t have an Academy close, unless I want to go to Amarillo , so while my wife is shopping I get the Eagle Claw ball heads at Wally Martinez. They have served me well , as long as I sharpen them before going in the tackle box. 

Nothing against the keeper barb, but for my money I add a grub-grip wire to all my soft plastic jigs no matter the weight/ hook size. I've caught over 2 doz. fish on the same lure held tight to the head. I've shown the method how to add it to jigs on other forums but super glue was preferred, even though glue doesn't allow lure change without damaging the lure.

On 10/5/2024 at 8:56 PM, fishmagnet75 said:

Nothing against the keeper barb, but for my money I add a grub-grip wire to all my soft plastic jigs no matter the weight/ hook size. I've caught over 2 doz. fish on the same lure held tight to the head. I've shown the method how to add it to jigs on other forums but super glue was preferred, even though glue doesn't allow lure change without damaging the lure.

Care to share? Are you just attaching the wire to the eye of the jig? Hard to tell from the photo.

On 1/5/2025 at 9:44 AM, Bass Rutten said:

Care to share? Are you just attaching the wire to the eye of the jig? Hard to tell from the photo.

He might not come here often enough to see your question, if you are interested in his invention visit crappie.com under spoonminnow. BTW he wrap, I think 24 gauge wire just below jig eyes with that bended part to  hold plastic in place.

My way a little bit different but still better than traditional plastic keeper that often year after a few fish.

 

@JustJames,

Why is the bottom of the jig head removed?

Or is the paint scraped off and I am imagining things?

Good to see you are back posting on BR.

On 1/12/2025 at 10:09 AM, JustJames said:

He might not come here often enough to see your question, if you are interested in his invention visit crappie.com under spoonminnow. BTW he wrap, I think 24 gauge wire just below jig eyes with that bended part to  hold plastic in place.

My way a little bit different but still better than traditional plastic keeper that often year after a few fish.

 

Thank you, how are you making those keepers?

Need to get my hands on some more crappie jigs. We'll have some open water here in Iowa soon enough.