Panfish Lure Sizing

[busse3775]

Looking at ordering some tungsten jigs for crappies and sunnies on Cyber Monday but before I order I want to make sure I am getting the right sizes. On Fish USA there sizes for the Fiskas tungsten jigs range from 3mm to 7mm. Just wondering what everyone thought would be the optimum sizes for both crappies and sunnies?

[Tom Sawyer]

I would buy 5mm, which is normally size 10 hook. If I had to choose one size for both species. I don't fish anything smaller than a 14 hook when I need to downsize, which would be a 3mm.

[monstermoose78]

1 hour ago, Tom Sawyer said:

I would buy 5mm, which is normally size 10 hook. If I had to choose one size for both species.

Agreed. 

Sometimes you need to go down to the 2.5 mm for gills or even up size to the bigger jigs depending on the body of water. I have some 7mm jigs but they do not see much usage, but with the xl maki mino they will be coming out more often. 

[MN BassFisher]

I fish the 4mm most often for Crappies/Sunfish I'd say. If you're in 30+ fow and the fish are aggressive I will up-size to 5mm to get down to the pack quicker. If the bite is tough and the fish are selective (mid-winter) I will downsize to 2.5 or 3mm jigs.

[Rick]

I would have a variety of sizes. You definitely need the smaller sizes: ( See: 7 Ice Fishing Facts To Help You Catch Early Season Panfish )

On the flip side you will likely need the upper end as well. I will still never forget going up to Upper Red Lake before everyone knew about the monster crappies in that lake. I went in to See Kelly Petrowski's dad , Jim, to get bait and all he had were shiners. He told me to use them. By golly, that is exactly what the Dr. ordered. Those crappies slammed those 4"-5 inch shiners. Another time I was on French Lake. I had a good friend who swore by finesse tackle (small). I was using the big stuff. I caught the big crappies and all he caught were the 8" and under variety and not many of them in any case. You might be surprised at how large a morsel those gills can get into those tiny mouths.

Moral of the story, be prepared to offer those pannies whatever they tell you they want.

[clayton08]

I usually have in my aresenal anyways 2.5-5mm I usually tie on a size 8 jalapeno jig but when there not hitting that I start at a 4 and go down or up from there.