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SaTP · Joined: 26 Jun 2012 Posts: 46 Location: Rocky Hill

I am mainly a live bait fisherman so I was just wondering what you guys think the best live bait is for Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass? Thanks for any help.

SeaDog1 · Joined: 21 Dec 2009 Posts: 2629

Hi,

Minnows or Golden shiners ! Thumbs Up

SaTP · Joined: 26 Jun 2012 Posts: 46 Location: Rocky Hill

I have tried minnows and have had some luck but never seem to be able to keep them alive while underthe bobber.

SAP284 · Joined: 07 Jun 2011 Posts: 655 Location: Central, CT

The shiners will stay alive for a while. If you hook it through the back with a treble hook you should be good Very Happy

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Steve

SaTP · Joined: 26 Jun 2012 Posts: 46 Location: Rocky Hill

How would you hook a shiner with a treble hook? I have only used baitholder hooks when using shiners.

SAP284 · Joined: 07 Jun 2011 Posts: 655 Location: Central, CT

Somewhat hard to explain without a picture. Tie the line directly to the treble, then take 1 of the three hooks and hook it through the back near its top fin area. Couple feet up, depending on the depth of the water throw a nice big bobber. Once something hits it, the bobber will go under and stay under. We use it for Pike fishing but it works for anything for the most part. My buddy Dan has caught crappie and catfish on it so technically it will work for bass or any predator in the water. Hope that helps.
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Steve

SaTP · Joined: 26 Jun 2012 Posts: 46 Location: Rocky Hill

That does help I will try that next time bass fishing.

pikePERSUADER1 · Joined: 07 Dec 2010 Posts: 521

If I was to target bass specifically I would use a size 2 gamagatsu octopus hook through the lips or back of a shiner, and then either live-line it with no weight, bobber, or anything(i would do that more from a boat) OR from land i would put it 1-4 ft. deep under a medium sized bobber in between weeds or near woody cover! Hope that helps you catch a big one! - Dan Cool

damage inc · Joined: 12 Feb 2011 Posts: 267 Location: New Fairfield

Alwives! Sawbellies are like crack for all fish! Every time I go fishing for trout with sawbellies I always catch a monster bass!
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Oh man... you got Onzo'd!

couragedog · Joined: 02 Mar 2012 Posts: 10

mummy chubs! they stay alive and kickin forever. I usually short line them on a bobber. they try real hard to take cover and all that fighting gets attention.

mikey5string · Joined: 09 May 2012 Posts: 179 Location: West Haven

I dont fish with live bait but if I did I would use small bluegill or pumpkinseeds....

You can cull other species because Bass are usually the only ones with a mouth large enough to suck down a sunfish.

Why not try some artificial baits? IMO its more fun, challenging & rewarding to catch fish using artificial baits as you have to fool the fish.

It might actually be easier to catch more bass as well. You can cover more water and bass will pretty readily hit a variety of baits.

Try starting out with senkos. Its a small step up from live bait and they catch a lot of fish!
; )

ReservoirDog · Joined: 14 May 2012 Posts: 47

Shiners under a slip bobber and please dont use treble hooks if you plan on releasing the fish most of the time when you live bait fishing your not setting the hook on the initial strike and gut hooks are eminent. Use circle hooks and hope it gets the side of the lip.