cut bait

[Grant Pearson]

in the past, when using cut bait, I've just cut the suckers in half and had some decent luck on it. My question is, is that the best way to use cut bait, or is there a better way of using cut bait? I know some people will fillet suckers and use the fillets. is that a better way of using cut bait, or am I on the right track?

[Flaco651]

Its a preference thing. I like to cut suckers into chunks. Both methods work good though.

[Shack]

I have had good luck with cutting 7"-8" sucker in three parts. The head, tail and the middle body section. I place the middle body section on first and then hook head on threw the lips and back out the scull. The head helps keep middle body chunk on hook and helps with little fish pecking the body off of hook. I also feel the head releases juices longer, because of the brain matter. This is how I use all cut and it seems to work with channels great. The last two flats I have caught this year were on this system as well. PLus I feel the eyes of the head act as a little flickering lure for cats to see or sense! The eyes are key, I feel!

[fish4cats]

I have filet suckers and I have cut them into chunks. I have to say that I prefer cutting them in chunks. There seems to be less spinning of the bait in the current this way. I start by cutting thru right behind the head and then cut the rest of the sucker into about 1" chunks. Now if I am fishing cats under a float, then I filet them. The fact being that there is more hook exposed this way, float fishing sometimes requires longer hooks sets.

[hanson]

I prefer chunks.

I cut the head off, then cut approximately 1" thick steaks back towards the tail. Depending on how big the sucker is, thats a lot of cutbait!

Some guys hate the head, I love the head. Before I hook the head, I squish it down really good to get the juices ooozing! Mmmmmm!!! Then I pop my circle hook through the eye sockets. (hope you've eaten already!)

In flathead country, when I think they are eating cutbait more so than live bait, I'll use a chunk of sucker 3-4" long. Whack the head off, whack the tail off, and use whats in the middle! Hang on!

[River Runner Z]

i like to cut them into head mid section and tail. sometimes two mid section if the sucker is big enough