Deadsticking perch with maggots

[mt.redneck]

I can't use live minnows In most of the lakes I fish and the main forage base is insect life anyways. I want to find a better way to deadstick for perch then just with a bobber rig cause its not very effective for me at all, they just peck at the bait. I heard from a guy on here that a small treble hook works really well and that they tend to hook themselves a lot of times but wanted to get other ideas cause I think they woukd swallow the treble pretty well a lot of the times but I dunno. I won't get another chance to try out ideas before a tournament coming up and we have to keep the perch alive for weigh in so I don't want them hooked deeply if I can avoid it with a deadstick. Thanks for the advice

[fishermantim]

Worms (I prefer dillies, which are small crawlers) when jigging.
break 'em in half, and jig away.

Usually takes a few fish to tear it off the hook, so you can catch a few before having to re-bait the hook.

Added plus is that worms are a multi-species bait, so other fish will take the offering if they are hungry enough.

I jig for sunfish and perch, and have gotten crappie, bass, pickerel, trout and even a catfish.

I have used wax worms before, and they are productive, but get torn off the hook pretty easily.
I can see maggots being quite similar.

[hardwater diehard]

Bobber could be the problem causing some resistance... ...trying a spring bobber may be a solution w/o a float . I use a lot of tip downs w/success...gives a lot of play w/o resistance. . Are you using a dead stick next to you ..or are you spreading them out ..like tip ups?

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/grayden-outdoor-portable-multi-flex-rod-holders?a=488394

I use the above in my shelter ...allows for some movement for those light bitters .

You could also use a scented Gulp bait threaded on a hook..then your maggots .

[fishermantim]

Could also use those strike indicator bells that clip onto the rod.
I use them when dead sticking multiple rods.
The only drawback is that they may not sound off if you are getting very light bites, but if a fish does a "chew and screw" you will hear it.

[mt.redneck]

Bobber could be the problem causing some resistance... ...trying a spring bobber may be a solution w/o a float . I use a lot of tip downs w/success...gives a lot of play w/o resistance. . Are you using a dead stick next to you ..or are you spreading them out ..like tip ups?

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/grayden-outdoor-portable-multi-flex-rod-holders?a=488394

I use the above in my shelter ...allows for some movement for those light bitters .

You could also use a scented Gulp bait threaded on a hook..then your maggots .

They are in a rod holder right next to me. I have jaw jackers if I'm spreading them out

[hardwater diehard]

They are in a rod holder right next to me. I have jaw jackers if I'm spreading them out

Those foam type bobbers might be the ticket ...less resistance

[mt.redneck]

Those foam type bobbers might be the ticket ...less resistance

That's what I'm currently using had have them trimmed so they are barley sticking above the water, very little resistance. Normally I love the foam Bobbers but for perch most days it doesn't seem to work well

[hardwater diehard]

That's what I'm currently using had have them trimmed so they are barley sticking above the water, very little resistance. Normally I love the foam Bobbers but for perch most days it doesn't seem to work well

If your in Perch/Crappie waters cant beat a tip down....a red tru-turn style hook ...lil split shot...I add a string style bobber stop for remembering depth ...I use minnows but maggies or waxies will work. Could work in a Flip over or hub.

http://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/sure-strike-tip-down/0000000060989