carp/sucker/buffalo/bowfin fishing

[HandGunner]

I been walking around these ponds and in them theres lots of either they are carp or buffalo? suckers? and theres also bowfins. Well bass and pike are not open so Im thinking i can go fish for the rough fish to kill time and have fun since the size on them look big so it be fun to fish for heavy fish for once. I do not fish rough fish alot almost never so any tips on how to catch them and make them bite? I see vids of bowfins being caught with spinnerbaits and bass lures should i try that?

[StillwaterAaron]

Water temps are still cold for faster style fishing. For bowfin cut bait would be better right now. Plus a spinnerbait could get you a ticket. Carp use corn or crawlers on the bottom.

[JBMasterAngler]

The ol' reliable crawler is best. I've caught some big bowfin that way. I've also caught them with minnows under a bobber.

[HuskerBen]

I heartily endorse cutbait for bowfin. I have caught some monsters on chunks of sucker. Aaron is right about the spinnerbait - it is a rare CO who would believe that you are fishing for bowfin. It's just better if you don't. And besides, it's still pretty cold and they aren't functioning at full speed just yet. Slip them an easy meal, and hold on.

And with the other roughies, nothing beats a crawler for versatility. Just about anything will take a crawler, including bowfin.