Keith Lusher 11.04.24
Right here in South Louisiana, Shrimp lures are a serious vendor relating to synthetic baits. From speckled trout to largemouth bass, there all the time appears to be a plethora of shrimp lures to select from for concentrating on these species within the marsh the place reside shrimp are outstanding.
However what a few shrimp lure for catching crappie? Since crappie are discovered primarily in freshwater, the considered concentrating on them with shrimp isn’t precisely on the prime of the typical crappie fisherman’s record.
I made a visit with Kyle Metzler of Pearl River, LA, to the East Pearl River, the place I used to be launched to a man-made shrimp lure particularly made to focus on crappie. It’s referred to as the Iddy Biddy Shrimp, and it’s made by The Crappie Psychic. Metzler might be one of many largest synthetic shrimp anglers within the state. His story is a singular one as he began competing in bass fishing tournaments on the native rivers and profitable utilizing synthetic shrimp lures. As Metzger fished with the lures extra, he additionally realized how the crappie love the lures as effectively. He did a little analysis and located a shrimp lure that’s made for crappie fishing. “I went into the native bait store and noticed them on the shelf and tried them out,” he mentioned. “After one journey, I used to be bought!
On my newest journey, I used to be in a position to check out the Iddy Biddy Shrimp. Metger and I had been fishing the marsh on the japanese finish of the East Pearl River. The realm is thought for its improbable bass fishing and crappie fishing. After tucking up right into a facet canal the place the water was flowing laborious due to a tough falling tide, we started to jig down in 12 ft of water. I used to be fishing with a typical crappie tube jig and Metger was utilizing the Iddy Biddy Shrimp. It didn’t take lengthy earlier than Metzger set the hook and slung a 10-inch crappie within the boat. As we continued to fish, he put extra fish within the boat. He turned to me and requested me a number of instances if I wished a shrimp like he was utilizing. After watching him put his fifth fish within the boat I gave in.
The Iddy Bitty Shrimp is available in two weights, 1/32 ozand 1/16 oz. I used to be utilizing a 1/16 oz, and after dropping the shrimp down, I realized that it was a gentle faller, that means it didn’t reduce straight down like most jigs. It had sufficient bristles on the physique to catch the present and sink slowly. The tail can also be longer than a traditional crappie jig in order that it imitates a shrimp tail. The crappie cherished this as I let the present take the shrimp and watched for a “tick” within the line, signaling a chunk. That chunk got here on my third forged as I watched the road leap proper.
I set the hook and slung one other 10-incher within the boat. After that, I used to be bought on the bait similar to Metger.
I studied the shrimp because it sank, and I’ve to say my favourite factor about it’s the enlarged eyes that protrude out of the pinnacle of the shrimp. This appears to be like lifelike and I’m fairly positive there isn’t a crappie in that river that has seen a man-made jig like this one. I used to be totally impressed by the Crappie Psychic’s hand-tied jigs and extremely suggest the Iddy Bitty Shrimp to these crappie fishermen on the lookout for a little bit selection within the sort out field. Metzger and I completed the day with over 20 crappie however extra importantly, I added a brand new lure to my crappie fishing arsenal. One which I’m positive will catch a great deal of crappie for years to return!
