A Colorful Figure in Arkansas Fishing

J.O. Brooks, a renowned crappie angler, left an indelible mark on the world of fishing in Central Arkansas. His grandson, Drew Ligon, continues the family tradition through Paperlips Outdoor Co., which crafts custom crappie jigs and apparel. Drew’s fond memories of fishing with his grandfather date back to his childhood. As a young boy, his dad would take him fishing, and J.O. Brooks became a regular companion. The first time Drew met J.O. Brooks was when he was 6 years old, and his dad took him to meet the legendary fisherman. J.O. Brooks was known for his love of catching striped bass and white bass, but he was also a master of crappie fishing. Drew recalls that J.O. Brooks was reputedly the best crappie angler on Lake Maumelle, and he did it without fancy sonar.

A Fishing Article that Started a Friendship

The first fishing article Drew wrote as outdoors editor for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette was a crappie fishing article with J.O. Brooks at Lake Maumelle. Drew had just moved to Arkansas from Missouri and was in dire need of a Sunday feature story. J.O. Brooks, who was preparing to leave, put his boat back in the water and accommodated Drew. This marked the beginning of a lifelong friendship that lasted until J.O. Brooks’ passing in 2019 at the age of 86.

The Science of Crappie Jigs

Drew’s jigs are distinctive due to their full-bodied designs, brilliant colors, and use of shiny materials. But what sets them apart is the science behind the jigs. According to Drew, a jig either pushes water away or has a neutral effect, depending on the presentation. For example, a jig with a rubber skirt-type tail will push water away from the crappie, causing it to swim away. In contrast, a jig with a marabou or synthetic tail will absorb water, creating a soft profile that attracts the crappie. Drew also emphasizes the importance of color in crappie fishing. While anglers often argue over the best color, Drew states that color is more about catching anglers than the crappie themselves. He prefers natural colors, such as Momma’s Milk, which imitates a shad. However, he acknowledges that traditional colors like black/chartreuse and blue/white are also popular in the Southeast.

A Tribute to J.O. Brooks

Drew Ligon has an abundance of stories about his grandfather J.O. Brooks. One of his favorite memories is of J.O. Brooks’ love for McDonald’s sausage/egg biscuits. Before dawn, J.O. Brooks would stop at a McDonald’s restaurant and order a biscuit, often cutting in line if necessary. If he didn’t receive his order quickly, he would pry open the window and shout his order to the attendant. “He did that everywhere!” Drew exclaims. “Even in places where they didn’t know him, the staff were always patient with him.”

J.O. Brooks was a stickler for baitcasting reels. He refused to let Drew train with anything else, even when the reels backlashed. “Figure it out! You’re going to get those knots out!” J.O. Brooks would say, his voice stern but with a hint of fun. Drew also recalls J.O. Brooks’ eccentricities, such as declaring there were no fish in a particular spot if Drew caught one before him. J.O. Brooks would roar off to a new location, leaving Drew and the rest of the group behind. In addition to his fishing exploits, J.O. Brooks was a prolific letter writer. He would pen scathing letters to the governor, the Game and Fish Commission, and his state representative if he felt the lake was being ruined. However, when he had a good trip, he would write magnificent odes to the same people, and all would be forgiven. Drew has collected these letters and hopes to do something with them to memorialize his grandfather’s legacy.

A Lasting Legacy

Looking at Drew’s jigs, it’s easy to see why J.O. Brooks would approve. The full-body designs, brilliant colors, and shiny materials are a testament to the family’s love of crappie fishing. Drew’s passion for crappie fishing is evident in every aspect of his work, from the jigs to the apparel. As for J.O. Brooks, he may be gone, but his legacy lives on through his grandson and the countless anglers he inspired.

• Drew Ligon’s jigs are distinctive due to their full-body designs, brilliant colors, and use of shiny materials.
• The science behind the jigs, including the presentation and the use of different materials, is crucial to their effectiveness.
• Drew prefers natural colors, such as Momma’s Milk, which imitates a shad, but acknowledges the popularity of traditional colors.

“Figure it out! You’re going to get those knots out!” J.O. Brooks would say, his voice stern but with a hint of fun.

Looking at Drew’s jigs makes me eager to catch a mess of crappie. J.O. Brooks would approve.

Example: Imitating a Minnow

When Drew goes to Lake Hamilton, he uses a pink head and clear body to imitate a minnow. This is a great example of how the use of different materials and colors can be used to imitate a specific baitfish.