Thread: Maggots Catch Red Ear

I decided to try out the maggots I grew. I put my first line in at 11:20. I left at 2:40. I caught 31 fish, 29 readear, one little baby bass, and one black crappie (I have a watch the keeps track of my catches or I would surely have lost count). Most were small (this is not a lake that has many big readear), but quite a few were not. I fished with a cane pole using 2# line and small spade-end hooks. The spade-end hooks are very fine, so fine they can't have an eye. They work great with the maggots. The readear loved the maggots. I had a line with red worms that didn't get a bite, and I later changed it to wax worms, but still nothing. With the maggots I usually got hit as soon as I put the line in, and if not, just a little twich was all it took to get a bite. I am totally sold on maggots for pan fish, and they're free and easy to grow. I put three or four on the hook through the skin just behind their head. They are so tough you can catch several fish without putting on new bait. Amazing.

Originally Posted by slab-in-the-box

I'm always up for trying new baits. Where can I learn to grow my own maggots? I've got to get on this gravy train. lol

Put some fish heads or a trash fish in a plastic shopping bag.
Bury it in soft soil for 2-4 days. you'll have maggots.
Once you have a crop place them in a jar with cornmeal so they will get bigger.
As with all live baits they have to be kept cool.