Here’s what happens: You stand at the edge of a warm lake, casting a rig designed to catch big bass. Your line gets hit with a solid thumping feeling that promises big thing. You set the hook confidently, and the weight dissapears.
You look down at the bobber, then look at the water and… nothing. Crappie angler face this all the time, big bass on the brain, but you hooked up to a small crappie. Or maybe you swung too hard at a light bit and missed altogether.
Pros And Cons Of Mr Crappie Combos
What Are Mr. Crappie Combos
That’s what fuels the Mr. Crappie Combo conversation. The premise behind these pre-tied rigs is simple; bundle a soft plastic bait with a bead and a jig head into one package. The lure companies is selling it to anglers as a conveniance item for those short on time.
Is there any loss in performance for convenience? That’s up to you. Some folks think they like having a consistant factory tie, while other angler say they can has more control by doing it themself.
The Convenience Advantage
If you’re debating whether or not to put these combos in your tackle box, knowing this tradeoff will help. A big reason I likes the combos is that they help me move faster. When I’m fishing aggressive crappie, or trying a spot for the first time, rigging stuff take away from my mojo if you do it slow.
With a Mr. Crappie Combo you can changes colors patterns easy, and switch baits in no time flat. Efficiency is key, especially when the fish are schooling up tight and hitting hard. Those few second count the most.
Whether you’re an angler that fishes tournaments or wants to move water on weekends, it’s a legit advantage.
Knot Security Issues
The problem is that most factory-tied rigs comes tied using a generic knot method, which doesn’t necessarily translate into an effective knot on all lines. A knot that stay tight on mono might slip with braid; a knot for monofilament isn’t necessarily a good knot for fluorocarbon.
Most mass produced combos is tied as if they’re meant for monofilament. And if you like the added properties of fluorocarbon (invisibility) it’s possible that your pre-tied knots won’t hold up. The disparity could cost you fish at the boatside… something many angler aren’t willing to do.
Limited Hook and Weight Selection
The selection is also fairly narrow when it comes to hook size and weight. While common combos are easy to find, the smaller categories such as specialized hook shapes and patterns doesn’t always get stocked on the shelves. For instance, maybe you prefer a different type of weed guard, a certain hook shape that fishes better through heavy cover or something else entirely?
If it’s not already pre-tied, then you’re stuck with whatever your local shop carry. When tying on yourself, you have the freedom to select exactly which hook weight and precisely what plastic you think will best match current conditions. This translate into more bites and better presentations.
Who Should Use Pre-Tied Rigs
If speed is most important to you, go with these combos. They reduces variables and allow you to concentrate on locating fish. For those new to fishing, combos makes tying knots less intimidating.
It takes time to learn how to tie a consistant knot.
Why Tying Your Own Rig Is Better
On the flip side, more seasoned angler who tweak all aspects of their presentations may feel limited by combos. Being able to choose components and ensure knot security might of be too much to give up.
Combos aren’t the end all be all They are a tool. A really nice tool that works great in certain situations, especially when time doesn’t allow much else and things is relatively normal. When they’re not normal though; or if you like certain lines over others, then it’s not quite as useful.
Consider the combos your fall back option and carry a few in your box for emergencies. But don’t make them your go-to deal and learn how to tie your own rig, as that will only help you more in the long-run. The ability to customize, know what’s on your line, and have confidence will pay off down the road.
That additional second it takes to tie a knot can sometimes save you from losing that hook during the fish fight.
