what is the best bait and the best way to tackle these winter bluegills i have had very good success in the summer time but i just dont seem to catch many at all in the winter...i do live in the south where there isnt any ice fishing so any help will help me catch more fish!!!
In south Louisiana we use waxworms that I order from Beaver Bait Co. We have had better success with them than red worms or crickets. Sometime you have to fish a bit deeper.
Im another Wax Worm lover, put them on a 1/16th jig head, let it sink then reel slow,, works for me year round,, vary the speed untill you find what they want that day...
John
Thanks John and John for the info, i have never used waxworms but i am going to,maybe i might go after turkey day and i get my belly full...Thanks Again Yall
Hey there fellar, to add to what the other fellars said. Try deeper water like on bottom works for me, or staying in there perfered temp range if you have a boat. If not dont worry about temp, but try switching from bobber on top or light slip sinker on bottom. 1 more thing try gamakatsu circle hooks in small sizes they GET-R-GILLED for me, good fishing!
I got about 10 gills counting down feather ,Marabou or rabbit fur 16th and 32nd oz. jigs tipped with crawler piece or mealworm to 6 ' at 8' -10'of water.Some were up a little higher than that . They were on wood structures.The cold water gills were not quite as plentiful as the Crappie but were mixed in with Yellow Perch and Bass as well and holding their own! All fish fought great on 4 and 6 # test.
Yeah, im thinking i should give jigs a try. Then again my livebait rig works so good, im just afraid to try something else. I use a 9' crappie pole with a abu garcia cardinal 101, topped with fireline smoke or crytal in 6# test and circle hooks. Still/drift fishing vertical just off the bottom or top of structure, im might give jigs a try someday! your tip is good to know by all means. thx!
Well Mark i feel for ya, but don't give up. Something is bound to slurp what ever your wigglin, I will stick with you until we find something that works. I believe there is a way around jack frost... So please any ? for me that will help you out, feel free to keep askin. Like all of us here we know a trick or too, take care and good fishing!