Thread: Do bigger minnows catch bigger fish?

For the rare times when I really get into 'em and would like to try to catch a trophy, will trying bigger minnows make a difference? Just thought I'd get you guys opinions' on the subject. Thanks.

Originally Posted by brad reedy

For the rare times when I really get into 'em and would like to try to catch a trophy, will trying bigger minnows make a difference? Just thought I'd get you guys opinions' on the subject. Thanks.

I've tried them a few times with no difference. When I used to fish the Suffolk lakes I would get a half dozen of the really big ones. The only thing I ever caught on them was a raccoon perch that was so small it couldn't swallow the minnow.

I Too, have pondered that question and here is what my feeble mind came up with:
I know for a fact that a big slab will hit a small minnow but I don't have any proof that a dink will hit a big minnow. So.... I only buy small minnows.
(They are cheaper too!):D

what about other "live" baits? Like worms or meal worms,grubs. I do know that in the warmer weather a lot of folks down my way swear by crickets. I have been meaning to try them as they sell them at Cohoon along with minnows.?????

Originally Posted by tahoe 50

what about other "live" baits? Like worms or meal worms,grubs. I do know that in the warmer weather a lot of folks down my way swear by crickets. I have been meaning to try them as they sell them at Cohoon along with minnows.?????

I'm sure a lot of times I don't know what I'm doing but I'm always ready to try something new. For instance, last year when we went to the lake for a week I took an assortment of baits I got from Grubco. I didn't get a bite on any of them. Then another time I ran across and old fellow fishing from the bank and had a nice string of crappie. All caught on crickets. Maybe you got to fish them differently?

just in case you get some and wanto to keep them alive, i use one of the home made wire cages i made my self and used to feed them bean sprouts from the asia market - but the site says they eat potatoes.

http://www.ehow.com/how_3443_keep-crickets-alive.html

yes generally speakin larger minnows catch larger crappie... i use mediums most of the time in stead of small "crappie ' minnows. know a lot of titeliners that do the same. it cuts out a lot of the dinks!!

if you think about it ,when we tip a jig with a minnow all we are doing is making the jig bigger,so why not just use big minnows,but i have caught big crappies on small jigs like 1/64 1/2 inch long so the best thing to do is try both at the same time and see what works the best.

I myself haven't noticed much difference. I have had quite a few days when I
caught say 10 crappie and the 4 largest were caught on dead minnows versus lively ones, I mean sometimes the crispy floor of the boat from weeks ago variety that I put on as a whim.
Jeff

I'm with squirrel hunter,small minnows will catch slab crappie
and my opinion they are better for tipping a jig.


Billy