set-up for minnow fishing

[papadew]

What's the best line, hook size/type, weight, swivels, etc for dragging live minnows in cold weather? I fish mostly rocky highland reservoir for smallmouth.  Does spinning tackle work better than BC's with clickers? Rod action?...Thanks---Papadew

[.ghoti.]

That's a tough one. For me, live minnows means small, light wire hooks. Something like an Aberdeen hook, size 8, or even 10. They bend very easily, so that dictates light line, no more than 6lb test. That also means spinning gear. A light power moderate action rod will be good. A good drag will be crucial. You won't be able to put much pressure on the light hooks, so you'll be fighting the fish with the drag and the soft rod.

If you're using larger minnows, that won't be killed by a larger hook you can upsize everything.

I caught quite a few smallies out of Table Rock, fishing minnows below a float targeting crappie. Also got smallies up north, targeting walleye with leeches and minnows below a float.

The basic rig I use is constructed in this order: bobber stopper, bead, float, slip sinker, swivel, leader and hook. That's the order they go on the line. You can fish this as deep as you need. I like the little rubber bobber stops that slide on the line better than the string versions. They go through the guides easier when casting. For less than about 8' deep, a thin slip float with a split shot will do. As I go deeper, I'll increase the size of the float and the slip sinker. I balance the float with the sinker to keep just the tip of the float above water. I want it to be pulled under with a minimum of resistance. I've never fished this rig deeper than about 20'.

The other option you might consider is a Lindy rig. This is a walking sinker, swivel, leader, at least 4' long and a small hook. I've caught a lot of walleye with this rig, but not many smallies. With a live craw, this could be a good option for smallmouth. I've never tried it.

Good luck,

GK

[roadwarrior]

I fish a G.Loomis GLX PR844S/ Shimano Stella 2500FB/ Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #4 & #6/ Gamakatsu Octopus Circle Hooks #6. This is a dedicated rig for fishing big, live minnows to my pet smallmouth. The PR844S is my favorite rod, period.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

I use any rod near me for shiners, no specific action or anything, I free line them sooooo.

light wire hook is not neccessary.

1/0 circle, octopus or live shiner (kahle) hook from gammy.

[lubina]

I use any rod near me for shiners, no specific action or anything, I free line them sooooo.

quote]

If ever cross my mind to fish with life bait this is what I would use too. ;D