Live Bait

[Hookemdown.]

I've really wanted to try out some live bait (shiners, shad) at a local lake.  But the only way i've ever fished it is in moving water. Do you rig them different for non-moving water?

Also, has anyone fished the Packaged "dead bait" that you can find in stores like Walmart?

[I stink at fishing]

we used to rig shinners on a bobber setup for non moving water.

[PEZCOREvolution]

ive used the bobber setup with live bait before and had some success..i just dont find it very much fun so i dont do it very much

[Hookemdown.]

Thanks for the replys.  I tried a 3in shad out on a drop shot rig yesterday.  Caught 3 on the shad, then caught 4 more on artificial lures.  There wasn't a real difference in size between the fish caught on live and artificial, but from what I've heard, I need to stick with it to land the big ones.  I'll keep you updated.

Danke

[roadwarrior]

Fish your shiners on a split shot rig, #6 Gamakatsu Octopus Circle Hook. Cast and retrieve SLOWLY. This method is very similar to casting and retrieving lures. It's not boring, but you need to be careful..you might get your arm broken!

[Fishing Doug]

Fish your shiners on a split shot rig, #6 Gamakatsu Octopus Circle Hook. Cast and retrieve SLOWLY. This method is very similar to casting and retrieving lures. It's not boring, but you need to be careful..you might get your arm broken!

RW,

Do you tailhook, lip hook, or other with your shiners?

FD

[MALTESE FALCON]

When I use live bait, I also use the split shot rig. I hook the shiner through the lips (bottom lip first) so it swims natural.

Falcon

[roadwarrior]

When I use live bait, I also use the split shot rig. I hook the shiner through the lips (bottom lip first) so it swims natural.

Falcon

Me too!

[Guest avid]

I went out yesterday with a couple of big shiners.  I use a 2/0 circle hook hooked through the lip and a bobber.  I caught a bass that was 5 1/2 lbs.  I thought sure it was an 8 lber.  Had a huge gut.

I didn't photo it because I was so dissapointed that it wasn't my new PB.  So as I have done several times before I tested the boga on flour sacks and dog food bags.

Dern if that thing ain't right on.

I hate scales.  They shrink all my big bass.

PS. I use the circle hook so I can fish artificials while the bait is swimming around.  The bass hooked itself.

I don't understand why circle hooks aren't more popular.  They work very well, will rarely harm a fish, and don't require a "cross their eyes" hook set.  I use them alot especially with finesse baits when I'm using a light rod/line.  

[Bass Mekanik]

Yesterday I supported the local fishing economy and bought two dozen shinners to try at a new peacock spot i found. I rig them with a size 1 Mustad Live Bait hook through the bottom lip up into a nostril.  When I use bluegills for bass/snook I hook them right under the dorsal fin.  These tactics seem to work freelined but I have not used a bobber setup yet.  I find that most bass eat the shinner tail first and if not tail first they hit from the side.  I give em 3 seconds to eat the bait before i set the hook.  

[Troutfisher]

Usually when I fish minnows I catch them in my minnow trap, and when fishing them in the big water I hook them like RW does.  The hook size for me varies, as does the use of a bobber.

[roadwarrior]

avid,

I use to fish kahle hooks, but once I "discovered" circle hooks, there's no going back.

Hook-up ratio approaches 100%. Fish coming unbuttoned is rare and mortality is reduced to virtually zero! Everyone fishing live bait that intend to release their catch should use nothing else.

One caveat: You have to adjust your style. NEVER "set the hook." Circle hooks set themselves as you, the fisherman, maintain steady pressure. If you set the hook, you will pull it out almost everytime.