Mud Puppies as Pike Bait??

[esox slayer]

Here's one guys...I read somewhere once that pike LOVE mudpuppies.......

Comments??  I need to get my hands on one and use it as bait.....probably on a quik strike rig....

[iceintheveins]

Waterdogs are deadly used as bait on tip ups for pike. They are hard to find around here, but a lot of veteran anglers remember using them and catching lots of big pike on them in our lakes.

[billybono]

i wouldent want to use em in new york. i think this list is old and most of em have moved up a few rankings essox  http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/wildlife/endspec/etsclist.html


         billybono

[bwalleye]

Billybono, I don't think the mudpuppy aka waterdog is on that list. They are quite common, or did I miss something?

[esox slayer]

I'm not sure about using common waterdogs as bait but I've got one and I'm going to give it a try....if they're as tasty as they are ugly then the pike ought to love them.....

[billybono]

Billybono, I don't think the mudpuppy aka waterdog is on that list. They are quite common, or did I miss something?

i was looking at the salamanders....i assumed that a mud puppy was one of these....i am probably wrong though


              billybono

[Water Wolf]

Billybono you are correct a mudpuppy is a salamander, he just happens to have gills all his life, totally aquatic. 8)
I have had good luck for pike on rubber lures that look like salamanders or mudpuppies.
As for the real ones I am not sure you might want to check your regulations or ask a conservation officer on use of frogs, toads and salamanders. In my area both frogs, toads and salamanders are a protected species.

WW

[billybono]

Billybono you are correct a mudpuppy is a salamander, he just happens to have gills all his life, totally aquatic. 8)
I have had good luck for pike on rubber lures that look like salamanders or mudpuppies.
As for the real ones I am not sure you might want to check your regulations or ask a conservation officer on use of frogs, toads and salamanders. In my area both frogs, toads and salamanders are a protected species.

WW

im just not sure if the mudpups common ice fishing are one of the ones listed on that lest i linked too. there under special concern, but like said, that list is old and im sure they have been promoted


            billybono

[deadsmelthead]

I don't know where I read or when or if it's even true but I thought I read, heard or whatever that salamanders are toxic to fish at certain times of the year and I want to say its late winter early spring but then again I could have just imagined the whole thing anyway just throwing it out there and I'll have to try and remember where I remember this info from and if it's even true.