? about cut bait

[simplefish]

I have a quick question: I have never cut baited, how do you go about cutting the bait up? I tried cutting a redhorse up into about 1 1/2 to 2 inch chunks, and didn't get a single hit after 5 hours of fishing yesterday. Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Dennis Steele]

Don't just assume that the bait wasn't working.I have fished much longer at times with out a bite!
Depending on where you were fishing in this state the channel cats are spawning.Its a tough bite when they are.

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Minnesota River Guided Fishing
"fishhead"
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www.mnriverguidedfishing.com

[korn_fish]

Depending on the size of the chub/sucker/mooneye etc, I will fillet one side off and then cut the fillet into 1 1/2" peices. The rest of the bait I will then cut into 1 1/2 - 2" peices as well.

Like Dennis mentioned, just using the bait doesn't mean they will be biting. Channels have been slow for me too. I have been catching more flatheads on the cut bait then channels right now.

Another thing is to keep the chunk or fillet on the hook a fresh peice of cut bait. I never go more than 15 minuts without putting a new peice on. Thats about the same time I fish a spot. So when I move, I start with a new peice of freshie.

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[This message has been edited by korn_fish (edited 06-23-2003).]

[juddfish]

Lots of Questions here!!! how long can you keep cutbait in the refridgerator for and still have it remain productive? what do u recommend keeping it in and do u add any water to keep it from drying out? Im new to using cut bait, just started it this week the first time i had a run after about 15minutes of fishing but missed it. no other runs in about an hour of fishing. how long do u wait to set the hook? I think that the channels are spawning in my area because the action is alot slower than a few weeks ago! picked up a couple smaller channels yesterday on crawlers but nothing huge. How long do catfish spawn for? One more thing, I am fishing in a river that flows into the minnesota, there is tons of channel catfish but i want to know if there would be any Flatheads in it. The river is pretty shallow, i would say where im fishing is only 6-7' deep and there are several areas taht are only a foot deep. would flatheads live here? I have caught a ton of channels in the last 2 years from 4-8lbs and they are a blast, im hooked on catfishing now i just want to catch one of them sumo Flatheads! the way them little ones fight i think the flathead would pull me into and drag me around the river! well thanks for the help in advance! its greatly appreciated! keep them poles bent

~juddfish

[Dirk W]

Its been my experience with feeder creeks that are fairly shallow and that produce lots of channel cats dont produce many flatheads. Except for the mouth of the feeder and a few hundred yards into the feeder which can be great flathead areas to check out. Others may have different thoughts on that though. As far as cut bait, it can stay in the fridge at least a few days and still be used as "fresh" cutbait. If it starts stinking just put it in a plastic butter container then ask your wife to butter your toast the next morning. She'll love you for it!! You can always freeze it. Frozen works well but doesnt hold up as well so you'll have to change it more often.

[EBass]

Dirk, LOL that was hilarious about the butter.

I only use fresh cut sucker. Sometimes I catch it, but more often I buy it. Gotta keep the economy rolling or I'm to lazy

I really want to use bullhead and go for dem flats, but I never caught a flathead.

Ok I had one on my rod, but my friend reeled it in. Is that considered my catch? Oh well it was only a couple pounds on Pool 2. Cool looking though.

[EBass]

On the Missy, Flats will only go to about Pool 2. Maybe some might go more north, but not many. More so the Minnesota and the Croix. The Rum doesn't have any Flats unless someone put them in there. The dam would stop them as there is no lock and I don't see them jumping over. Plus there's no lock at Coon Rapids dam. I never fished for cats on the Rum above the dam in Anoka. I'm sure channels are in there though. Probably some nice ones to as I never here anyone fishing for cats on the Rum. Only waldos and smallies.

I hope that helps.

Later,
EBass

[simplefish]

Thanks everyone, I have one more quick question, I live near where the rum and the missy meet, there is a dam a little ways up the rum. My question is how far up the rum can I find cats, will they go up the river at all? I was thinking the tailwaters of the dam might hold them if they do travel up the river. And if they do go up the river will it mostly be channels or can flats be caught up there? Thanks again for the help.