Just wondering if anyone uses spikes (maggots) for ice fishing instead of wax worms? I just made an order for waxies and got some spikes also. Curious as to how they will work or not work. Any info would be great. Thanks.
I have never used spikes (but I heard you can get them at Smith and Edwards), but everything I’ve heard about them is very positive from other anglers that use them through the ice. I know for a fact that they are killer up at Mantua. The bluegills, perch, and largies seem to prefer them over most anything else when attached to your jig or icefly. I don’t know about how they work for trout, but I do know that the warm water fishies LOVE THEM.
I bought some glow Gulp maggots and I’ve heard good things about them for ice fishing, and I’m excited to try them at Mantua very soon (maybe next Saturday a.m.).
Thanks for the reply. If I recieve my shipment I hope to use them at utah lake next week. Provided the ice gods are gracious and firm up the playing feild some throughout the week.
I love using spikes for perch and blue gill up at Mantua. I use a small 1/100 ounce jig and they are killer up there. I have also done very good for crappie, bass, and trout on them in Wyoming. For trout I have had better luck with either wax worms or meal worms. For white bass I think they would work really good though. Good luck and post a report on how they work.
I really like spikes. In fact, I have better success with spikes than meal worms. Having said that, I think it is a good idea to have a variety of baits. Some work better than others on differant days and places.
I fish them a lot using small ices flies. I have used them for panfish and trout.
Good luck