9 New Crappie Lures You Should Have in Your Tacklebox

Successful crappie fishing begins with getting your bait into the strike zone. Having the right crappie lure tied on the end of the line completes the process.

Here are nine crappie lures to consider for 2018.

Clam Drop TG Open Water Jig

For years, anglers have appreciated Tungsten's sensitivity, structure-bumping sound and line-straightening benefits. Clam extends this to open water fishing with a round ball jig made of 97 percent pure Tungsten, featuring a 90-degree Mustad Extra Point 4X strong long shank hook. $8.99; clamoutdoors.com

VMC Probe Jig

Pre-rigged with a Trigger X Probe soft-plastic body, this bait was designed to replicate small fry and baitfish with its spear-like profile. Available in eight color patterns, it comes in two sizes, 1/32-ounce (No. 6 hook) and 1/16-ounce (No. 4 hook). $2.99 (2 pack); vmchooks.com

Bobby Garland Pile Driver

Made to operate around brush piles, the 2 1/2-inch Pile Driver's short, stubby arms emit a subtle quivering action even at rest. These arms hold tight to the round, ribbed body, which vibrates when it contacts limbs or other structure. Two streamer-like legs enhance the bait's performance. $3.69 (10); bobbygarlandcrappie.com

Thundermist T-Drop

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This inline drop-shot rig freely spins 360 degrees for maximum motion and presentation angles. Built with a hook mounted on a metal stem, with top and bottom swivels for main line and leader attachment, the T-Drop accommodates natural and artificial baits. Black nickel coating maintains a low profile in the water. Four sizes available. $4.99 (2); thundermistlures.com

VMC Boot Tail Spinnerbait

Combining flashy appeal with a weedless design, this bait carries a swivel-mounted Colorado blade linked to a paperclip-style arm attached to the eyelet of a special ball head-type jig rigged with a Trigger X Boot Tail body that swims with a light and subtle vibrating action. $2.99; vmchooks.com

Clam Panfish Leech Flutter Spoon

A crappie-size version of Clam's popular spoon, this bait is made to fall and tumble with enticing action. The 1/32-ounce lure carries a No. 14 feathered treble and includes a highly reflected plated finish to flicker light. A fast-snap maximizes the spoon's fluttering action. $4.99; clamoutdoors.com

Strike King Series 3

Taking a trio of established fish-catchers, Strike King enhanced their appeal with a new line of colors. The Mini 3 (3/16-ounce, 1.5 inch, 7-foot diver) has 12 new colors, the Series 3 (1/4-ounce, 2-inch, 9 foot) has 10 and the 3XD (7/16-ounce, 2-inch, 12 foot) brings seven. $4.99-$5.99; strikeking.com

Fin Commander Fin Spin Shad

The dart shape creates a unique look and movement when cast or trolled; the underspin blade rotates and flashes for added appeal. The design includes Double Cross barbs, which securely hold jig bodies. $1.99 (2); duckcommander.com/fincommander

 

Thundermist Stingeye Spinner

The dominant "eyeball" is positioned adjacent to this inline spinner's treble hook, so when crappie attack that natural target point, they end up with the business end. A French blade emitting flash and vibration help attract interest. Available in four colors, the Stingeye Spinner comes in 1/8-, 1/4-, 3/8- and 3/4-ounce sizes. $4.99 - $5.99; thundermistlures.com

Gear 2018: Click here to read about new gear for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and catfish