Deadstick setup

[jk_minn]

I just picked up a TB 32" Deadstick last night. I am new to deadsticking so looking for any advice before heading up to LOTW this weekend.

Just wondering how everyone sets up their deadstick...which rod holder do you prefer? I have a "dangler" right now, will that work or too much vertical movement?

Which jigs work best for deadsticking?

When detecting a bite, do you set the hook immediately or open the bail and let run for a bit? I have heard both methods work.

Thanks!

[Scott O.]

For deadsticking rods, it will depend on what species you are targeting. If I'm going after perch, for instance, I usually use two deadsticks, one with a small minnow, the other loaded with red spikes. The usual lures I use are a Northland buckshot spoon with the dropper line or a Halis. I would also recommend trying the new Clam Blade Jig with the minnow. If fishing for 'eyes, I'd still use the buckshot dropper or the Blade Jig with a bigger minnow on it. All I use for rod holders are the cheaper red ones for like $3 or $4. They work just fine. Instead of the leaving the bail open, I tend to use loosen the drag a bit so the fish can take some line without it being so loose you can't set the hook. I usually let the fish catch himself unless it's just nipping at the bait. Then I'll try to set the hook on it.

[minky]

A simple gold or pink jig with a med size minnow has always worked for me on LOW. I like the idea of loosening the drag and letting the fish hook themselves.

[fishwater]

I like the rod rockers sold by todays tackle for deadsticking. Out of all my ice equipment, they have put more finicky fish on the ice for me than anything. I've seen time and time again where folks will be getting outfished 100% due to their lack of a good rod rocker rod holder. I have a bunch of the old style that don't have the third leg for setting on the lip of a 5gal bucket, that is my only complaint.

I usually set the hook as soon as my tip drops, but I'll eventually let them run with it a bit after I miss a few.

[buzbunni]

The Dangler is just another version of the Rod Rocker. I have both, and they both work well for deadsticking.

Most times when I'm deadsticking all I use is a minnow on a plain hook (may add a bead above the hook for extra visibility) with a split shot about 8-12" above the hook.

That's it.

These type of rod holders will (should) prevent the rod from going down the hole if the fish hits the minnow and pegs your rod to the hole before you can get to it. Never-the-less, I generally set the drag a tad lighter than normal as a precaution.

On occasion I will also use a venom float on a deadstick (Definitely need a float if you are deadsticking for Northern Pike with a larger sucker minnow). When I do this I sometimes leave the bail open, or leave some extra line out. Don't leave the bail open on windy days though, as the wind can blow the line off of the spool in quick fashion. Circle hooks work well when deadsticking. If you aren't paying close attention, and the fish has had the line for awhile, a circle hook will prevent deep hooking and increase the mortality of the fish should you decide to release it. Remember not to perform a "hard" hook set when using a circle hook. A Slow steady pull is how you "set" the hook when using this type of hook.

Good luck!

[wanderlust]

what he said. plain red hook (glow preferred) or gem-n-eye.

[buzbunni]

a circle hook will prevent deep hooking and increase the mortality of the fish

Sorry. What I meant to say was that circle hooks will decrease possible mortality issues on released fish.

[hawkeye43]

I have a bunch of the old style that don't have the third leg for setting on the lip of a 5gal bucket, that is my only complaint.

I took a 2x8, cut it about 12" long, then drill 2 holes at one end of the board for the rod holder to fit into. That way you can sit it on the floor and a fish can't pull the rod off it or tip it over. I keep 6 of them in the big house for everyone to use.

[skippie]

I have been using the jigs from Thorne Bros. They light up as placed in water. Just hook the minnow behind the dorsel fin but with the point of the hook facing up from back to front. The minnow tries to swim away and is pulled back be the weight of the jig. And the jig is positioned to hook them in the lip. (Thanks Douge Strange)

[amateurfishing]

Great advice, I had one for first time last season and was catching northerns on ant jig with waxies