What’s your preference for perch/panfish?

[gubby]

As I flip through all these sports catalogs (Bass Pro, etc) looking to increase my ice fishing tackle, I see more and more artificial bait or dead bait for sale. (Waxworms, spikes, mousies etc.) I have always used live bait for my perch and panfish jigs. But looking at the price and quantity of bait your getting for artificial or dead bait I’m thinking of giving them a try. What’s your thoughts? Live bait, artificial or dead. 

[meandcuznalfy]

I use a bit of live and artificial baits.

[DR.SPECKLER]

I started using plastics a few years ago and somedays they out produce live bait.i like little atom micro nuggies and wedgies.

[Iceassin]

Always live.

[bart]

I prefer live bait, but have had some luck with plastics(Maki). With the covid virus and all I decided too get more plastics. I bought some fish attractant to enhance artificials and plastics also, we'll see?

[joey]

I always make sure I have a bait puck with mousies or spikes.

I usually start with a couple grubs tipped on the artificial.

Eventually I either fully transition to full artificial or stick with that combo. (That specific day will lead down the correct path)

More often than not its the combo that works and that targets the bigger fish.

Maki plastics are fine, but my top two are from Northland Impulse. Their mayfly and bloodworm are show stoppers for me and are usually combined on one jig. I've had many days where I found the perfect artificial presentation, got lazy and altered it slightly and fishing came to a standstill.

So, if I was to ever get stranded on a frozen island, I would choose plastics over live bait any day.

[maddogg]

Here is a good place to get some live bait.

https://www.bestbait.com/product/waxworms/
http://www.crittergrub.com/shop/

[FingerLaker607]

Plastics/artificial are another good tool for toolbox, and often produce as well as live...but there's definitely times when they will only commit to live bait. It depends on your objective. Sometimes it's more satisfying to catch fish with artificial, but if I was relying on my catch to feed me family, live bait every time

[Iceassin]

I prefer live bait - most of the time spikes - they seem to live longer for me from week to week than the rest of the live bait.

Keep your spikes in the crisper drawer of your fridge. They will last for MONTHS. I buy a 1000 each season. Put them in an airtight container. Then take what I need for the trip in a smaller container.

[sodussut]

only fish for perch with mousies, spikes or fat head minnow.

[hardwater diehard]

Waxies and spikes ...along with various plastics on hand ..Glup waxies and maggots round out my arsenal ..and minow heads and tails too ..got to give them what they want .. and that can change from lake to lake ..and time of day .Most important ...have a plan ...have confidence in that plan and switch if need be ...matching the hatch is best especially if they a burping up the hatch .

[BeenPerchin315]

Most always live. Haven’t had much luck with the fakes.

[bootstrap]

no bait here just a bare jig or spoon with an eye.

[Adironzach]

I always try to have both on me as the fish sometimes only want one or the other, however i predominately use plastics. My favorite panfish plastics ive found have been from Scott Ross. Based out of Hudson Falls, NY but he will ship too. Can find him on facebook as well as some of the local baitshops around the area.

[Tipupguy]

Always crush the crappie on a small slender spoon tipped with minnow head or spikes

[trapper2000]

use what ever works for you .....panfish in my area seem to like meat

[62&done]

nothing beats meat  whether it's minnows, spikes , even garden worms if you can keep them from freezing     I've tried all kinds of plastics and they will all work on the right day. If you want something that won't let you down use meat. what type is whatever the fish want on that day. just be prepared to try different things

[grubberfishhunter]

I would have to agree with the wise trapper. use whatever works. pigeonholing yourself into one type of bait is setting yourself up for failure. Don't be afraid to approach fellow anglers and ask what they have had success with...(have an assortment of baits and try them all) As for rules of thumb for perch/panfish I like a rod that has really good bite detection as panfish can be light biters, and use the lightest line you can usually 2lb test. As for number one bait/lure combo for me probably a tungsten jig loaded up with spikes that are not stabbed, but correctly hooked through the butt end so they stay alive release the oil and squirm.

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