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Very tough trapping season. High waters due to rain didn't help at all. Our cages are ok from what i can tell but the traps are a different story. Most likely washed down the river so we will need to do a search operation once the water recedes. Water was pretty high and fast yesterday so best to stay off it.
I usually buy one then I cut a chunk like Jiggin showed me then fish with that (jigging) most of the day with that...if I change lures I cut a new chunk. Can the lakers be turned off by cut bait that is not fresh fresh? I have yet to catch one by jigging but do get them on tipups with smelt or shiners.I usually keep the dead sucker outside frozen and use that the next time...Should I be using more fresh cut sucker during the day and get another live one next outing? I am new to jigging cut sucker bait...
Mowbizz, I like to use fresh sucker meat each day i fish for lakers. I fillet the whole sucker and not cut chunks off when needed. That way if i loose a piece or need a fresh piece or change lures, they are cut up and ready for my wife and I. I try to use the entire sucker for either cut bait or chum, the eggs, grind up the carcass sometimes, any pieces of meat i dont cut out as part of the fillet. I dont use the guts. If I dont grind up the carcass i chuck it out onto the ice for the eagle, osprey or other birds to pick at. Keep the cut bait at cold temp but not freezing. Typically on the floor of a bob house on a cutting board works. I DONT let it freeze (becomes mushy) and if fishing outside and cold, i will keep the pieces in a baggie and keep that inside my jacket to prevent freezing. Always cover the tip or point of your hook with the meat. The next day i put on a piece from yesterdays sucker in order to get my line down quickly which buys me time to fillet another sucker for fresh meat, then switch over to a fresh piece. I use yesterdays sucker meat for chum or feeding the birds. Works for cusk fishing and cusk lines as well. Try to get the biggest sucker you can (afford) as the meat will be thicker. The little ones have skinny meat on them and not much of it. I suppose if using a small jig the smaller suckers might work but i typically use a 1oz buck tail or kastmaster, something that gives a good thump on bottom and kicks up some dust. Also don't forget to descale the sucker before filleting it. You know how to cut up the pieces.Im sure if you keep at it, you'll land a laker this season and once you do, it's all over for the lakers.
Once again Jiggin, thank you for the detailed, process you have developed over years of laker fishing!I and I’m sure everyone benefits from your experience! My goal will be to jig up a Laker this year...so much fun watching them on the Marcum too! Hope it’s a good, old fashioned cold winter!
Like Jiggin said once you get the hang of it, it is really easy. I don't use bucktails but instead smaller panfish type jigs. They work great too. Can't go wrong with either though.
I've also had success with using anise oil to scent my jigs. Make sure to get the very very potent stuff and only use one or two drops at a time. Also, its freezing point is above that of water, so you'll want to keep it in your pocket.
11/16/2017We just got in and have transferred our suckers to our boxes. Cages brought home too. Removed Motor and Battery from boat and looking forward to wrapping the boat this weekend and being done with sucker trapping. Another milestone toward the season Jiggin! Sorry your sucker trapping sucked...Time to move onto other projects.