In regard to links throughout this
Site, you may see a word that is underlined but NOT highlighted blue
like a link, It IS a link and these are words that can be found in
our Dictionary. In case you're unfamiliar with some of the
fishing lingo.
When
salmon wander up the streams come fall, red worms and roe can be
combined for on-the-water action. Two or 3-inch worms and dime-sized
spawn bags typically work best. For lake-residing salmon, the switch
to live minnows suspended off bottom can be productive for inshore
boaters and surf or pier casters.
Trollers
rely on whole or cut bait when searching for salmon on the Great
Lakes, with herring, anchovy, alewife and smelt garnering the most attention.
Bluegills
and Sunfish
These
small-mouthed pannies are the heroes of childhood fishing memories.
A small portion of worm is the easiest and most convincing bait to
throw their way, resulting in many hookups and fast action. Offer up
small tidbits of bait, and you'll have no trouble attracting these
spunky fighters.
Crappie
Small
portions of worm, as well as downsized minnows make up the live-bait
menu for these pugnacious fish. One to 2-inch minnows offer more
action at the start of the season, with worms coming on as the water
warms. Keep bait size small, especially in relation to the size of a
crappie's mouth.
Perch
Where They Live
What They Eat
Perch live in lakes and ponds with slightly deeper
water; larger perch like depths of 10 to 50 feet.
Much like crappie, perch are a definite fan of
nightcrawlers and small minnows. Pinhead minnows are a favorite among
anglers during spring and fall, with worms getting the nod once the
water warms. Leeches will also produce when after perch.
Adjust your presentation to the size of fish you are
catching, or hope to catch, and keep in mind that perch have a
gluttonous appetite, so don't be shy with bait selection.
Brown Trout
Where They Live
What They Eat
In Lakes and streams where the water is cool and clean.
They usually hide under a log or the stream bank. they
are wary creatures that scare easily.
Prefer really warm, slow water in rivers and lakes.
They can be found on the bottom, so a weight and bobber will work
great! Catfish like to feed at night so they use a sense of smell and
touch to identify their food.
WARNING: The dorsal and pectoral
spines on a catfish carry a toxin that will irritate your hands. Use
gloves when removing them from your hook!
Mr. Bucketmouth has a healthy appetite for live bait,
readily accepting many types of offerings that are tossed his way.
Top choices include minnows, frogs, crayfish and whole nightcrawlers.
Due to the size of their yap, and their gluttonous behavior, relying
on above-average-size bait is highly recommended. Frogs can work
wonders in shallow water areas (especially when worked on the
surface), whereas crayfish excel when slowly fished over rocky points
and breaklines.
Fishing Methods: (Fly casting - Bait Casting)
Smallmouth Bass
Where They Live
What They Eat
In streams with water slightly cooler than preferred
by their largemouth cousins.
They like to be around rocks and boulders and will
chase your bait before they take it, so, be patient!
Crayfish reign supreme for bronzebacks, with minnows
and leeches following closely behind. Lively crayfish worked across a
rocky shoal drives these fish crazy. Remember to choose the biggest
leeches you can get your hands on, while also increasing the size of
your minnow as the season progresses.
"When chasing smallmouth my choice is leeches -
they cannot resist them," says Phil Harrison, a well-known
Ontario fishing guide. "I routinely use them on a Carolina rig
setup with a circle hook. These little buggers squirm like crazy and
just drive the fish absolutely nuts. They work particularly well on
high pressured lakes and in severe cold-front conditions."
Keep in mind that leeches are a poor bet when the
water temperature drops below 50 degrees, as they will ball up on the
hook, refusing to uncoil and swim naturally.
Walleye
Where They Live
What They Eat
They live in large lakes with hard, rocky bottoms.
If you can find a place where the edge of the lake
drops off into the deep water - drop your line right there at the
edge, DEEP!
minnows
worms
spinners with worms
jigs with worms or minnows
Minnows, leeches and crawlers work well for walleye,
with all three baits capable of producing as well as the next.
Minnows are your best bet early and late in the season, with leeches
and crawlers producing better throughout the summer months. As fall
approaches, make sure to increase the size of your minnows, as fish
prefer bigger bait this time of year. Shiners, suckers and chub lead
the pack in selection.
Sheldon Hatch, a tournament walleye angler from the
Ottawa, Ontario, area gave this advice: "My three favorite baits
for walleye are minnows, minnows and minnows. When the walleye force
me to slow down and move to a finesse live bait approach, I always go
with minnows. In warmer waters, nightcrawlers or leeches will be the
ticket, but minnows are number one for me in both spring and fall."
"If I had to pick a general size range of minnows
to use year round, 4 to 5 inches in length would be the best choice
in my opinion," added Harrison.
Muskellunge or
Muskie
Where They Live
What They Eat
Muskellunge's spend most of their time in the deep
water of lakes, but they like to feed in the weeds.
Most muskies are caught while trolling (slowly
pulling your lure along) behind a moving boat.
WARNING: Be very careful removing a
Muskellunge from your hook! Their teeth are very sharp!!!
minnows
worms
spinners with worms
jigs with worms or minnows
Northern Pike
Where They Live
What They Eat
A Northern Pike can be found in slow-moving streams
and the weedy shallows of lakes, under logs and lilly pads and
besides stumps. They are aggressive feeders and eat other forms of
aquatic life. They even eat small ducks and muskrats.
WARNING:
If you should happen to catch a
Pike, be very careful removing it from your hook. It's teeth are very
sharp and can cut your hands.
It is important that people who
fish follow all fishing rules and regulations.
These rules help conserve fish
populations and also help anglers be successful.
Regulations may limit the size of,
number of, and season that a type of fish may be caught, and may
require a license to fish. In some cases, only “catch and
release” fishing is allowed, which means the fish must be let
go. Some bait is illegal in certain areas.
Contact your state wildlife agency
by visiting Our Rules
and RegulationsPage.
If
you have
any hints, suggestions, techniques or anything that you would like to share
or
have me put onto this web page, please
feel free to Email
me
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