12-19-2014, 03:08 PM
I use cut bait frequently. Here are a few tricks I've found handy:
1) Use a "rugged" cut bait. I prefer chub for Strawberry and Scofield. I use sucker (carp) meat as an alternative. I don't use store-bought minnows as the meat is usually too fragile for lots of casting and bottom bouncing.
2) When possible, I will spend some time to catch local bait fish and use "fresh" meat instead of frozen. In my experience it's 50-100% more effective to use fresh meat instead of frozen.
3) For trout I use 1" x 1/2" strips for my jigs. I will hook them with the meat going on the hook first, skin side out. I hook the meat about 1/4" into the long side so most of it is dragging by the action of the jig tail (curly, tube, or swim).
Cut bait is not hard to use at all and it is not expensive. Get some and try it!
[signature]
1) Use a "rugged" cut bait. I prefer chub for Strawberry and Scofield. I use sucker (carp) meat as an alternative. I don't use store-bought minnows as the meat is usually too fragile for lots of casting and bottom bouncing.
2) When possible, I will spend some time to catch local bait fish and use "fresh" meat instead of frozen. In my experience it's 50-100% more effective to use fresh meat instead of frozen.
3) For trout I use 1" x 1/2" strips for my jigs. I will hook them with the meat going on the hook first, skin side out. I hook the meat about 1/4" into the long side so most of it is dragging by the action of the jig tail (curly, tube, or swim).
Cut bait is not hard to use at all and it is not expensive. Get some and try it!
[signature]