Alternative bait for tip ups

[perchking4ever]

Anyone have luck with nightcrawlers or any other bait besides minnows on tip ups for anything other than trout? I know they work well for trout, just trying to see if there is a cheaper, more convenient bait that will catch panfish, perch or walleye other than baitfish.

[62&done]

I rarely use tip ups any more but the little garden worms due a number on gills and perch on a jigging rod. As far as being inexpensive, either dig your worms after a fall rain and keep them or buy spikes.

[fishbone]

yup try little worms

[SirCranksalot]

the little worms are tougher than night crawlers

[Sylvanboat]

How about a 2-hook crappie rig on the bottom of the lake under a tipup with minnows???  I have this on my list to try this year for panfish.

[Brochet]

I've been using the 2-hook crappie rig w/ small minnows under tip-ups and catching perch, pike, and pickerel with them.  Based on catch rates, these fish seem to prefer them over a normal single hook rig w/ a minnow. 

[Seamonkey84]

I’ve only ever caught trout with worms on a tipup, but they work to tip lures or jigs while active jigging. For set line or tip ups, other than trout, I’ve only ever had luck with baitfish.

[Scupbaron]

you''ll get bullheads with night crawlers tight to bottom

[Hardwaternubie53]

Walleye like very lively bait, hence minnows. You might try spikes or worms while actively jigging. I never had any luck with it.