So, I went from cut bluegill to hotdogs, then to hotdogs soaked in garlic powder with 1/3 cup of pickle juice. Caught fish on each of these baits with no discernible difference in bite frequency. I've heard they eat anything.
So, yesterday I went and caught a dozen 3" bluegill. Took them home and cut them in half (after I put them to sleep with ice) and put them in a jar of pickle juice with a couple table spoons of my favorite rib rub! Let them soak over night.
Today, at 1300, I tossed one on my rig and threw it into about 8 feet of water about 10 yards from the bank and before I could rig another line, I had my supper! It was only about a 26 inch Channel, but it was evidently in the mood for barbecue!
I'm surprised. The rib rub has a lot of pepper in it. Maybe I should add jalepeno?
How big is the body of water? If it’s a small lake or pond they may be hurting for feed and therefore less picky. In a big lake or river system with a healthy baitfish population they can be much more particular. Where I fish you’ll catch %50 less cats on any baitfish that isn’t shad and are basically pissing in the wind using worms, punchbait, hotdogs or anything else.
I'd call it a middle sized man made lake, about 15 acres. But they aren't hurting for food. There are a "brazillian" 3" or larger bluegill in this body. The bluegill are so bad they stocked it with another 500 largemouth this summer. There's shad too. It's a great fishery. I've caught a number of quality channels this summer and a few dinks, not to mention largemouth from 8" to 21" all over the lake. Oddly, I've caught one large mouth on cut bait and one on hotdogs!
Down here near St. Louis, cut bait is used most often on the slower creeks, but in the river most use live bluegill that I've spoken too.
May have to get a package of hotdogs next time at the grocery. The pond I fish, the cats have shown no interest in 4" minnows.
Get the cheapest hot dogs you can find. Cut them into bait chunks, then microwave the chunks for a few seconds; it toughens them up quite a bit.
Caught one other day in 20 acre lake on a Pico Perch. If anyone remembers what that is. Lost another one.
Still got three of them KayWoodie. Back in the 50's and 60's they were dynamite on Lake Belton. powdr
I know a guy locally that slays channel cats in public lakes with just about any bait, with hot sauce. Hot dogs, shrimp, pepperoni, worms...just about anything, and after the bait is on the hook, he sauces it up.
I'd call it a middle sized man made lake, about 15 acres. But they aren't hurting for food. There are a "brazillian" 3" or larger bluegill in this body. The bluegill are so bad they stocked it with another 500 largemouth this summer. There's shad too. It's a great fishery. I've caught a number of quality channels this summer and a few dinks, not to mention largemouth from 8" to 21" all over the lake. Oddly, I've caught one large mouth on cut bait and one on hotdogs!
Down here near St. Louis, cut bait is used most often on the slower creeks, but in the river most use live bluegill that I've spoken too.
I’m not too far from you at all, if you need someone to help fillet and fry those guys give me a yell. Heck I would even offer to help eat them!
You're welcome to come and fish. With winter coming on, I'm not sure how good the cold water bite is going to be, but If I don't have to wear a parka, I'm game.
From one St. Charles resident to another - enjoy the fishing! Sounds like you found a good spot.
Sorry it took so long to get back to you. I was in Denver for a visit with kids. PM me if you'd like to wet a hook and I'll clue you in on the spot...
Would be great to catch up with a local fire member and if that involves some time around the water - also a bonus. Have a great Thanksgiving, everyone!