Any suggestions for tackle to use waxworms and mealworms?
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Any suggestions for tackle to use waxworms and mealworms?
When I use them, it's usually with a #6 hook, but sometimes (rarely) with a #4. Generally, I'm also using a very small bobber ... and a splitshot sinker that's just big enough to "almost" pull the bobber under (holding the midline of the bobber below the surface of the water). But, that usually isn't necessary, as the larger fish won't hesitate to pull a larger bobber under ... it's the smaller, bait stealing critters that "bounce" a bobber :pQuote:
Originally Posted by FIN
You might try a "cricket hook" (long shanked) too ;)
I've even been known to use "just" the hook ... no sinker or float ... but, only for very shallow presentations, and when there's little chance of any really small fish being around. Pitching a waxie or mealie impaled on a hook, right into a nesting site or area of surface feeding fish, makes for some exciting fishing. That slowly descending bait is irresistable, and the "bite" can be seen easily ... as the slack line is pulled away.
... cp :cool:
Do you thread the mealworms on the entire hood or just hook the head or the tail and let the rest of the mealworm dangle off the hook? I have got some mealworms that I am trying to raise but have not tried any of them yet, waiting for the spawn. Thanks
if I'm fishing shallow, 7 foot or less, I use a clip on bobber and a 80 oz. jig. Tip the jig. The jig slowly falls and the bobber doesn't stand up until the fish bites. Deadly on gills.
For 'Gills use a #6 or #8 hook (Or small spoon) tipped with a waxie ....or a 1/64th to 1/80th jig. Fish them under the smallest float possible. Use split shot to balance the presentation.
Normally I thread them on. In warm water applications, when the fish are quite active, this seems to work better. During cold water applications, when the fish are less active to neutral in mood, the wriggling of the worm adds a bit of enticement ... so hooking them thru the head, tail, or middle might be better.Quote:
Originally Posted by g31448
I also thread them on, so that the smaller fish can't just grab a head/tail section and yank the bug off the hook. This is especially helpful, if I'm fishing "tightline" (w/o a bobber), or using a #6 hook. If using a much smaller hook, it probably doesn't apply as much ... but, I just don't use (have) those kind of hooks.
If you're freelining them (no sinker/float) ... hooking them thru the tail end, head end, or even thru the middle, might not be much of an issue. With no resistance (slack line) they're going to suck the bug into their mouths on their way back to their holding spot, anyway ... hook and all. Which reminds me ... if you're going to be using these small hooks (#4 and smaller) and live bait ... you will need a good hook remover of some kind. I use SS curved blade surgical forceps ... but, there are some plastic thingys, that should work OK (and not cost much, either). They're usually advertised as "Hook Disgorgers" or "Hook Removers" ... and sell for around $1.00
You "might" even find something similar to the forceps, or a reasonable facimile, at a local Dollar Store, Dollar Tree, or Big Lots. The plastic thingys can probably be found at Wal-Mart, K-Mart, or similar stores (with a fishing equipment isle/dept).
... cp :cool:
Many thanks for the " how to hook mealworms " question. Bluegill and crackers just started to spawn yesterday and the fun begins. Caught some 10 and 11 inch shellcrackers yesterday. I ran out of worms and had about a dozen mealworms leftover and started to use them. Crackers did bite the mealworms but not as quickly as the earthworms. I threaded the mealworms on the hook and could catch multiple fish like this. The smaller fish tended to swallow the hook more than the big fish. Water temp was 75 and fishing close to the bank with ultralight, worms, no weight and really small float. I started out tightline with drop shot and caught more fish using bobber and no weight.
Thanks to all for the input. Really good info. Fishing is just starting to get good in central MS.:D Time to get serious.
FIn
Thill makes an excellent hook remover. You can only get one on-line or in the catalog. They are cheap and work great. Don't float tho so don't drop it.
Like to tip a black 1/32 oz jig with a waxie 12-18 inches under a quill type bobber when fishing 1-10 ft of water!!! Watch for any movement at all with the bobber (don't wait for it to be pulled under) then set the hook and the fight is on!!! Deadly technique for panfish of all species!!!
A porcupine quill with 1 BB split shot and a #8 carlisle cricket hook is tttttooooooooo tempting for a redear or bluegill to resist. I use 8# test and a cricket. DEADLY!!!! 1 other thing I dip the quill in white vinyl jig paint then after it is dry I dip it in hot pink paint. Stands out like a sore thumb:D:D:D I can smell them fillets cookin now!!!!