Cheq Bay Mid-Feb.

[magic_minnow]

Hey all! I have a sleeper rental with Jim HUdson in Feb. Just wondering what I can expect to catch at that time? Can anyone point me in the right direction in terms of gear? What # line, popular jigs, bait? DO the standard fare lures work (Buckshot w/ minnow head, plastics, teardrop jigs w/ spikes)? Or am i way in over my head Thanks for any info, i'm setting up my gear already!

[Jim Hudson]

Hope others chime in here too, but, just FYI - in my sleeper, we have a tackle box stocked with some of the best baits out here. Plus, all rod and reels spooled in there for use. The sleeper is an all inclusive deal..

But, overall, here are some tips for gear:

Line - if your into mono, 6 to 8lb - I like Trilene XL.. Braid, I like 10lb Berkley Fireline or now the equivilant in NanoFil. All line, I do terminate to a small barrel swivel and then put a leader of Fluorocarbon on, 6 to 8lb test. Then just a cross lock snap. Also to change lures quickly and help curb line twist.

Baits - Buckshots, Macho Minnows and Forage Minnows all work great.. I like to carry 1/16 to 3/8 for most of my trips under 60FOW, which is usually the case in the bay proper. Also, pimples and kastmasters are good baits as well. Golds, Silvers and Perch colors are my fav most of the time. Also, Chubby Darters, Jigging Shads, and the alike in the swimming baits are also very good out here. With that, carry a few standard jigs and like size 10 to 8 hook panfish jigs and you will be set.

For livebait, Lake Shiners are usually the best. But, do not overlook crappie minnows and golden shiners!!

[magic_minnow]

Jim:

I KNEW you;d chime in, i jsut felt bad for sending you those zillion emails! I have most of those jig offerings but will be picking up a few more. WHere can I pikc up bait when I come there? The wife is super pumped as well and we just bought her some new boots! Now i'm hoping i get a new flasher fro xmas! Hows teh ice shaping up?