Casting or dead Bait?

[Guest]

Im pretty new to spring northern fishing and I was wondering whats overall better to use for northern fishing, casting or dead bait and does anyone know the size limits for northers?
warroadfisherman

[This message has been edited by warroadfisherman (edited 05-04-2002).]

[g man46]

I guess I never have tried dead bait, but last year we went to Lake of the Woods in the first part of June, and fished for muskies. There were 2 boats of three guys each and we all pretty much casted spoons or bucktails. Each boat caught around 25 northerns each day, plus I caught a 45" and 46" muskie, and the other boat caught a 36" and a 49"er. Like I said, I've never used dead bait, but last year casting sure seemed to do the trick. Hope it helps.

[Guest]

Thanks for the tips. I'll be keeping that in mind next time I go out. Do you know the size regulations for northerns? Thanks again for the reply. Happy fishing!!

warroadfisherman

[Sabaskong]

warroadfisherman, on LOTW northern pike have a limit of 3, all fish 30" to 40" must be released, season is open year round.

[Guest]

Also, only one of those 3 fish can be over 40", the other two have to be under 30".

Mark

[David Swenson]

Dead bait fishing is a productive method for pike fishing all year round. Dead bait can produce some real lunkers, especially early in the year. I typically fish dead bait with a quick strike rig and a medium bobber or bottom fish. Both methods work well. Early in the year fish points and islands around the entrance or in the shallow muddy bays.

Another productive method is plastic baits in the spring (I use a Sluggo). These baits work well in shallow muddy bottom bays before the weed growth begins. Big pike seek the warm water early in the year in these bays. Using a 12" leader and a sluggo I cast toward the shoreline twitching the bait on my retrieve.

The most important thing I found about early season big pike is slower is typically the best way to present your bait.

Good Luck!

David Swenson
http://muskieguide.homestead.com/

[This message has been edited by David Swenson (edited 05-06-2002).]

[AaronM]

I got my name changed from warroadfisherman but thank you all for the replys. My family never really fished with me much so I've had to really teach myself but slowly I'm learning new things and expanding my horizon on different techniques through this site and friends. Thanks all for helping me learn something new.

fishingfrenzy

[g man46]

David,
Have you ever tried dead bait as a throw back lure to a muskie that you have got to rise? We've used topwater and bulldogs as throw-backs, but I've always thought if you could get a minnow to hover in one spot after you know where there is a muskie you'd be more apt to catch her. What are your thoughts on that?

[David Swenson]

G Man46,

No, I have never used deadbeat or any live bait for muskies. I do not believe dead bait would be effective for muskies due to their predatory nature of eating live prey. A live sucker tossed out after a follow may be very effective. But, you would have to keep a rod rigged all the time with a live sucker which creates all kinds of problems.

The bull dwag has been a good throw back lure for some. I have used a sluggo on occasion with limited success. Both these baits are worked with a jerking motion which brings me to my best throw back lure, the Jerk Bait (i.e. suick, bobbie, reef hawg, etc.).

David Swenson
http://muskieguide.homestead.com/