Live bluegill for bass hook size?

[Guest kosta]

If I nose hook a live bluegill for bass what hook size would you recommend? I also want to use a weedless type hook like a vmc weedless wacky as my fishing area is full of snags

[Montanaro]

Its illegal in my state and many others

[Cak920]

I use a 2/0 to 5/0 depending on the size of the gill. hook through the mid section. It's legal here but the gill counts towards your limit of panfish 

[Guest kosta]

5 hours ago, Montanaro said:

Its illegal in my state and many others

I know.. but i'm planning a trip to the delta where I know live bluegill is legal. Plus the laws just dont make sense, there's no limit on keeping bluegill yet I can't use it as bait in most places? weird...

[king fisher]

1 hour ago, kosta said:

I know.. but i'm planning a trip to the delta where I know live bluegill is legal. Plus the laws just dont make sense, there's no limit on keeping bluegill yet I can't use it as bait in most places? weird...

The reason many states don't allow the use of live fish for bait is because many people will use gold fish, and other species that aren't native to the waters in the state.  Bait that get away end up starting populations that can be difficult to eradicate.

[BASS302]

2 hours ago, kosta said:

I know.. but i'm planning a trip to the delta where I know live bluegill is legal. Plus the laws just dont make sense, there's no limit on keeping bluegill yet I can't use it as bait in most places? weird...

I assume "delta" means the Sacramento delta in California.  The California limit for sunfish is 25 (except in a couple of San Diego lakes that are 0).  In areas where use of fin fish as bait is legal, they can only be used if lawfully taken, and, only if used in the water where taken.  Please abide by all sport fishing regulations (even if they do not make sense to you).

[Guest kosta]

3 hours ago, BASS302 said:

I assume "delta" means the Sacramento delta in California.  The California limit for sunfish is 25 (except in a couple of San Diego lakes that are 0).  In areas where use of fin fish as bait is legal, they can only be used if lawfully taken, and, only if used in the water where taken.  Please abide by all sport fishing regulations (even if they do not make sense to you).

Well I'm not from the Sac delta region but the local lake I fish has no limit on bluegill yet you can't use it as bait.

[bigbill]

I purchased gold fish lures on eBay.

 

i think there worried about a population of goldfish in the water.

[N Florida Mike]

In Florida, you can use a live bluegill but only if you catch it on hook and line ( no castnetting ). 

I used to use a 3/0 baitholder or wide gap hook and certainly caught a lot but the big hook greatly reduces the live action of the bream.I started using a much smaller bait holder hook. You get a lot more interest from the bass,but the hook up % goes down some. Personally, I like the increased action with the smaller hook ( I think its a # 4 ).  I always use bronze,and I count to 10 before setting the hook . I have caught a 4 pound bass on a tiny hook that I was catching bait with more than once.

I may or may not use a cork depending on where Im fishing. I get more interest from bass if I dont use a cork. People say they have to use a cork to know when a fish hits. Trust me, when a bass takes a bream , even without a cork ,youll know it!!

[TheFishingFool]

I have caught some nice ones by using size 4 to 6 circle hooks and hooking them through the dorsal fin.