Eco-Friendly Tungsten Jigs Offer Precise Control, Compact Size

When you think of all the harm lead can cause people and the environment, it’s a wonder we’re allowed to fish with it at all.

Nowadays alternatives, like tungsten jigs, are finally emerging and they actually out fish their toxic counterparts in many situations, especially jigging for crappie.

At roughly twice the weight of lead, tungsten is allowing manufacturers to produce jigs in the
same weights we’re

all used to using, but at half the size – or just as easily you can fish twice as heavy in the same size. Either way you slice it, the benefits are numerous.

Depth, sensitivity and lure control are all maximized – they are all key factors when stalking early ice-out crappie, considered bymany to be one of spring’s sweetest treats.

There are just a couple of things you’ll want to do differently when making the switch to tungsten tackle:

Slow down

Because tungsten jigs are so much heavier, many anglers fish them too fast or erratically.

Try dipping one into the water next time you’re out and see how the bait dances when you merely wiggle it in place. When presenting the bait in front of a finicky crappie, you can’t move it slow enough.

Mind the Gap

The gap (the distance between the hook point and the shank) on tungsten jigs is smaller than on standard jigs.

As a result, when you attach whatever soft plastic body you’re using, run the hook just under the skin along the back rather than through the centre.

This simple step can increase your hookups and double the number of crappie you catch.

The National Fishing and Hunting Collaborative, a coalition of outdoor groups which includes the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, has made one of its priorities to encourage the transition away from lead. The group has committed to working with and encouraging the manufacturing sector across the outdoor industry to develop and market non-lead alternatives for fishing tackle and ammunition that are capable of competing with traditional lead-based products in price, availability, and real-world effectiveness.