Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2018 - 8
The small mouths of Bluegills and other sunfishes lead anglers
to use small lures and bait in the winter. When you're fishing
for Bluegills, use ice flies and small hooks.
school of small sunfish, a nice Fathead Minnow on a small
hook will keep most of the unwanted fish away, leaving
only large Bluegills a chance to get on the hook. Similarly,
larger minnows can be great for targeting trophy crappies
that run 14 inches and longer.
A goldenrod gall grub is a great bait option in the winter when
you've run out of bait. Look for these grubs inside galls in fields and
meadows. Cut galls in half to find the small, white grub.
Emergency bait options
On more than one occasion, I've been on the water and
the fishing has been so fast that I've run out of bait. The fish
are still present, and I'd like to keep fishing. However, the
fish won't hit without a tasty morsel on the end of the line.
Find some goldenrod grubs. Goldenrod grubs are the larvae
of small insects called goldenrod gall flies. These grubs
create a large ball, or "gall" on the stalk of a goldenrod plant.
Look for these galls in fields and meadows. When cut open,
you will find a small grub that will work perfectly for bait.
Another option is to throw a pack of artificial grubs in your
ice fishing equipment. While not as enticing as natural live
bait, artificial grubs still get bites. There are many varieties
available, with plenty of ice fishing specific baits. Worms are
another good option.
8
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * January/February 2018
Keeping bait alive
Keeping minnows and other bait alive is easy and
effective, as long as you pay close attention to details. First,
all bait should be kept chilled. This includes all minnows
and larvae. Waxworms and spikes kept in your refrigerator
will last for many weeks. Minnows should be kept in a
shaded spot where the temperature stays above freezing
but is as cold as possible. Temperatures between 35- and
45-degrees F are ideal. If available, aeration will extend the
lifespan of minnows for an extended time. Frequent water
changes every couple of days will also extend your bait's
usefulness. To avoid transporting aquatic invasive species,
never release your bait alive.
www.gonefishingpa.com
http://www.gonefishingpa.com
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