A compact profile built to kick
The Tad Kicker starts with a short, chubby body that gives a jig hook plenty of plastic to hold onto and creates a more substantial target than a thin-bodied micro bait.
Behind that body, the profile quickly narrows into a flexible tail section before opening into the curved kicker tail. That separation allows the tail to move independently from the body as the bait travels through the water.
At just 1.75 inches long, it fits naturally into crappie and panfish presentations but is not limited to them. The same small profile can be useful whenever larger fish are feeding on fry, small minnows, young shad, or other compact forage.
Top 3 ways we fish it
Small jig head
- Thread the Tad Kicker straight onto a light jig head with the body centered behind the hook.
- Cast it and use a slow, steady retrieve, small lifts, or a combination of swimming and pausing.
- Adjust jig weight to match depth, wind, current, and how slowly you want the bait to fall.
Under a float
- Rig the bait on a light jig below a fixed or slip float.
- Set the depth so the Tad Kicker stays just above fish, cover, or the level where they are feeding.
- Use small twitches, slow pulls, or wave action to keep the tail moving without pulling the bait out of the strike zone.
Vertical jigging
- Drop the Tad Kicker to the depth where fish are holding.
- Use short lifts, small shakes, and controlled falls rather than overly aggressive jigging.
- Pause often and let the tail continue working while the bait remains close to the fish.
Choosing a color
Natural, translucent, and subtle flake colors are good starting points in clear water or when fish are feeding on small natural forage. Brighter colors such as chartreuse can add visibility in stained water, low light, or around aggressive crappie and panfish. Because the Tad Kicker also lets you select an extra tail color, you can add contrast to the back of the bait without changing the entire profile.
Extra tail color & optional scent
Select an additional tail color to give the Tad Kicker a contrasting two-color look, or keep the body and tail closer together for a more natural presentation. Optional scent can also be added when ordering. Because scent is incorporated with the finished bait, it can cause a slight change in the appearance or shade of some colors.
Tad Kicker FAQ
What kind of bait is the Jiggin' Johnsons Tad Kicker?
The Tad Kicker is a 1.75-inch soft plastic built around a compact, chubby body and an active kicker-style tail. Its small profile makes it a natural fit for crappie and panfish while remaining versatile enough for finesse bass, walleye, and other multi-species fishing.
How big is the Tad Kicker?
The Jiggin' Johnsons Tad Kicker measures approximately 1.75 inches long, putting it in the sweet spot for small jig heads and presentations designed around small forage.
How many Tad Kickers come in a pack?
Each pack contains 10 Tad Kicker soft plastic baits.
Is the Tad Kicker just a crappie bait?
No. Crappie are an obvious match for the 1.75-inch profile, but the Tad Kicker was developed as a multi-species bait. Its compact body and active tail also make it useful for bluegill, perch, bass, walleye, and other fish feeding on small forage.
What size jig head should I use with a 1.75" Tad Kicker?
Match the jig weight to the depth and presentation rather than relying on one size for every situation. Light jig heads are ideal for shallow water, slow falls, and float fishing, while additional weight can help reach deeper fish, handle wind, or maintain control during vertical presentations.
Can I choose a different tail color?
Yes. The Tad Kicker can be ordered with an extra tail color, allowing you to create a contrasting tail or customize the bait for the water conditions and forage you are trying to match.
Can scent be added to the Tad Kicker?
Yes. Optional scent can be selected when ordering. Keep in mind that adding scent may cause a slight change in the finished shade or appearance of some colors.
- Package Quantity::
- Pack contains 10 baits
