Bro Bugs?

[Iceman Cometh]

just bought some bro bugs for the first time, they seem awful big for bluegill. Do you guys usually use a size 10 jig then downsize to a 12 when the bite gets tough? Can't believe I have to ask that question, ice fished for years, but I must be getting old, I can't remember what size jigs to buy, so I could use yer fellers help. thanks.

[Swift]

My start point is a #14 (4mm Wolfram, no sinkers needed) on 'gills'. Most times when I hit the ice I'll hear that they're there, just not biting. These people are using #10s, or so, with at minimum of a waxie or clump of spikes. The fish are there, just not into a big meal at the moment. But like us when we're not hungry, we'll munch between meals. During the usual dawn and dusk feeding flurry they'll hit most anything in any size they come across, easy pickings. When it stops they've become either really specific, due to a hatch/movement of some creature or more neutral and they'll eat something small if put in their face but won't really pursue it any distance. How often do you get false hits? Usually they're from a decent fish sucking on your sinker with a big juicy live waxie only inches away, and it can go on like that for hours. Present baits small, if they're hungry they'll hit it, if in a more neutral mood there's a decent chance they'll at least give it a taste and just simply stare at that big meal 

[doubletreble]

I always start with #14...and they never seem to fail me. I use #14 gill getters though, haven't tried the bro bug yet. I feel like #10 are too big and I dont get as many fish.

[richstick]

#10 is pretty big for gills.  Might be good for crappie in situations.  Gills - start at 12, go smaller...

[Iceman Cometh]

thanks for info--I'll go with the 14's and 12's--the bro bug and bro bloodworms look huge, hope I didn't buy something I can't use. I bought the jammingjigs bonus pack a few years ago and have lost all the horizontal jigs. I'll get me some gill pills. any suggestions on a heavy horizontal jig I can fish outdoors and hold my line straight in the wind?

[ryno]

thanks for info--I'll go with the 14's and 12's--the bro bug and bro bloodworms look huge, hope I didn't buy something I can't use. I bought the jammingjigs bonus pack a few years ago and have lost all the horizontal jigs. I'll get me some gill pills. any suggestions on a heavy horizontal jig I can fish outdoors and hold my line straight in the wind?

Any tungsten jig will be a good choice.  Im partial to Fiskas epoxy jigs, primarily in the 4mm and 5mm size.  I typically start with the 5mm to see if can find active feeders...if they are finicky down size to the 4mm or possibably even the 3mm.  The only problem i have with the 3mm size is the hook is pretty small and larger gills dont always get good hook placement.

[dylan8351]

I have caught more trout on northland jigs than panfish!

[SoftSpot_716]

ive had sucess on 10 12 and 14 mud bugs from northland for gills and perch and have also had great success using thier bloodworm for crappies after dark in a size 10 and 12

[jiggincrazy]

The mud bugs work great for gills and perch.

[gillcommander]

4mm Fiskas...seem to be the right size and more often than not you're able to weed the smaller ones out since its slightly bigger for their taste. Best luck tipped with a waxie sometimes a plastic wedgie. ALWAYS GLOW!

[Iceman Cometh]

thanks for the info--went to the new bass pro in peoria,il. and got the fiskas, but I was in such a hurry I forgot to get the glow!!!! oh well, between the surgery I have to have and the lack of ice here in central il. doesn't look like I'd be fishing this year anyway.

[eyefishermandt]

good choice on the fiskas, you can just leave that other stuff at home if you have them, also get some micro nuggie plastics for the fiskas then you dont need any bait, this is the way to go!!!!!!! i recommend white, red, and black!!!! good luck great fishin    D.T.

[hobobob]

It's one of my go to. size 12 for most situation. size 14 for finesse days.  Good hook, heavy weight ( not tungsten heavy ). What's not to like?