Fatheads - what to look for?

[Getanet]

I can't find the thread, but a while back guys were discussing fatheads and what to look for with them. It was something about either using - or not using - the ones with the black heads.

I thought with the Opener this weekend it was worth revisiting (particularly with gas prices guys might be trying to save a few bucks on bait). Does anyone know if there is a particular "type" of fathead walleyes prefer?

[PerchJerker]

Don't use the ones with the dark black heads. The lighter color fatheads are better.

[Getanet]

I knew it was one of the two. Thanks!

[photocycle]

Interesting, i must have missed out on the previous conversation... what's the reasoning behind this?

[eyebjim]

I read that several years ago so I put it to the test several times and found no benefit from not using the black headed ones. If anything I think they work better. Just my 0.02.

[anchor man]

I think the only thing to consider is that one looks like a dark bait while being jigged or rigged and the other is lighter in color and might give off a bit more flash. I've caught fish on both.

[Jim Almquist]

I always thought that the black ones were males but I could be wrong. I think it might be something to do with scent but that is my guess and have no facts to back it up

[Ed Carlson]

The males get darker heads during spawn, with tiny knods on there heads. This will pass in time. Although the mortality is high on them due this period due to stress.

But if anything I believe fish target them even more, as they stand out in the school, or apear weakened and easy prey.

I wouldn't worry about it too much as a fisherman, concerned with bait. Unless your trapping your own fatheads...then resist crowding them when they are in the dark stage as they will die off quicker.

[Dusty]

Why do people prefer shiners? Because shiners are a natural forage for walleye. So I think you will have better luck using the light colored or female fathead minnows. personally I never use the black headed fatheads.

[Jim Almquist]

Why do people prefer shiners? Because shiners are a natural forage for walleye. So I think you will have better luck using the light colored or female fathead minnows. personally I never use the black headed fatheads.

For me personally I just seem to get more bites with shiners vs fatheads. I usually jig so you would think it would not make all that much difference but my first choice on most lakes is a shiner. It might be more flash or smell that the fish pick up.

[Acemac]

shiners always die....

[Sutty]

You will notice that when the males get all dark looking the females are full of eggs. I have experimented and not found that one works better than the other.

[My_Key]

shiners always die....

Never stopped me from hooking one(dead) to a jig or on a spinner. If it's going under a float, then I require them to be alive.

[scott b]

I've also experimented and found that the females out produce the males. I fish allot of clear water though. Black heads might be good in deep or muddy water, but I'll never find out because I don't fish them.

[Nydds]

I'm a diehard jig and fathead shore angler on the Mississippi every Spring and Fall. My 35+ years of experience has the lighter females with the puffy bellies as my bait of choice. I pay extra at times to sort so as not to get the black heads if that tells you how much i believe it. As far as shiners, i don't buy the hype. Been to many big jig/shiner lakes(Winnie) and smoked them with fatheads. My 2cents

[Getanet]

Thanks for the responses everyone. From the looks of it, we should contact the guys at Myth Busters and see if there's anything to the light colored vs. black headed fathead debate.

Hopefully the fish are biting so well for everyone this weekend it doesn't matter what bait you're using. But to start I'll probably try the light colored ones.

Good luck to everyone heading out this weekend!

[curtistodd]

The dark headed ones are the best. We fight over them in the boat! They stay on the hook much better and the theory is they more resemble a baby bullhead. And walleyes love baby bullheads. And backwater eddy supports them! Thats a darn good sign that they work.