09-14-2009, 02:38 PM
Live bait is the best option for many species, but only if fished properly. How you rig the bait really depends on the water conditions and what you're fishing for.
For crappie, you might be marking fish 5' down, holding on structure, in 15' of water. So, a bobber rig would be best for keeping your bait in the strike zone; and out of the snags. Consider what size bait the crappie are feeding on. You don't want to use a two inch minnow if they are feeding on hatchlings. "match the hatch"
For catfish, there isn't a finer bait than live bait or fresh cut bait. When I say "fresh" cut bait, I mean it's kept alive in the livewell until it's time to put it on the hook. The fresher, the better. if you're using live bait for big flatheads and blues, you better have heavy gear. A fish finder rig with a heavy fluorocarbon leader is my choice of rigs. If you're going to drift for catch, it's a different rig. Suspending a livey over rocks, different rig.
Lots of variables when you fish live bait. How you rig your terminal gear and present the bait are more important than the bait you're using. Sounds like you need to purchase a couple books and study up.
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For crappie, you might be marking fish 5' down, holding on structure, in 15' of water. So, a bobber rig would be best for keeping your bait in the strike zone; and out of the snags. Consider what size bait the crappie are feeding on. You don't want to use a two inch minnow if they are feeding on hatchlings. "match the hatch"
For catfish, there isn't a finer bait than live bait or fresh cut bait. When I say "fresh" cut bait, I mean it's kept alive in the livewell until it's time to put it on the hook. The fresher, the better. if you're using live bait for big flatheads and blues, you better have heavy gear. A fish finder rig with a heavy fluorocarbon leader is my choice of rigs. If you're going to drift for catch, it's a different rig. Suspending a livey over rocks, different rig.
Lots of variables when you fish live bait. How you rig your terminal gear and present the bait are more important than the bait you're using. Sounds like you need to purchase a couple books and study up.
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