Waxies/Spikes/Fake Maggots

[big game hunter]

do you prefer to use wakies/spikes/fake maggots when jigging with a plain hook or jig

[brittlab]

I find myself using spikes more than waxies

[Luckydog]

Spikes do tend to last longer than waxies (they can take a hit and stay on the hook) but it seems like the crappie can't resist a nice fat waxie that's been slightly squeezed to make it juicy.

[lostfisher1]

WAXIES ARE THE BEST, YOU CAN'T BEAT THEM!!!

[jig-jig THUMP]

I find that the spikes last a lot longer in the fridge between trips.  Have ordered a bunch in December and had them last through February before.  The waxies, stored in my cool basement, don't seem to last as long.

jjT

[burndoubt]

I ever go out without waxies. Almost any fish species around here will hit them. I am going to try spikes this year, I just need to order some.

[SkeeterJeff]

I have used spikes, waxies, and mousies.  For some reason I can't keep the spikes alive very long.  Always transfer 'em to a bait puck, but after 24 hours, some are brown and dead, and after two or three days all of 'em are dead.  Tried keeping them at between 50 & 60 degrees, 40 - 45 in the fridge, but no luck.  Any advice?  This keeps me from buying some in bulk.

Jeff

[Indiana_Lou]

Skeeter. I think spikes/maggots need to be kept closer to freezing/40*. Wax worms are more around the 50* temp. I usually keep my maggots in a second refrigerator in the basement. They tend to last pretty long.  Lou

[Van_Cleaver]

I like spikes because they are durable, but as Lou stated they need to be pretty cold, I think I remember 38 being about optimal. They will last quite a while in the fridge. Wax worms are a great all around bait as well but need to be 50-60 give or take. I always seem to have trouble keeping them for too long, and it helps to pick out the dead ones. Mousies are good too, and the last time I had some, lasted really well in the fridge. They are a bit harder to find around here, though. That dangling little tail gives you a bit more attraction action IMO.

[princecraft]

I have used spikes, waxies, and mousies.  For some reason I can't keep the spikes alive very long.  Always transfer 'em to a bait puck, but after 24 hours, some are brown and dead, and after two or three days all of 'em are dead.  Tried keeping them at between 50 & 60 degrees, 40 - 45 in the fridge, but no luck.  Any advice?  This keeps me from buying some in bulk.

Jeff

I think you are keeping your spikes in a environment that is to warm.  I keep mine at a temp of approx. 32 degrees.

[dkfry]

The last few seasons I have been buying 2k spikes in december and still have some left in april. I change the wood shavings often, pull out any dead ones and keep them in a ziploc bag. I keep them in the fridge towards the middle. You want to keep them cold 34-36 degrees F.