I use the same baits I use for bluegills: small jigs, flies, and grub-type live bait (maggots, wax worms and meal worms.)
As you say, they tend to be more bottom-oriented than bluegills.
Friends, I live in Texas and have never targeted the redear. I’d like to catch some, but am not sure where to begin, especially this time of year lol. What size hook and bait do you guys typically use? I’ve heard red worms work well and they prefer the bottom over similar fish such as bluegill.
How do you guys find them and put em in the boat? Appreciate your time.
Best,
Slab Apprentice
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God Bless YouKetchn LIKED above post
I use the same baits I use for bluegills: small jigs, flies, and grub-type live bait (maggots, wax worms and meal worms.)
As you say, they tend to be more bottom-oriented than bluegills.
Seems Richard Gene liked light weight squirrel tail jigs tipped with a piece of crawler. Cast out and retrieve slowly along the bottom.
I use a #6 truturn hook for brim and Shell Crackers. Bait depends on where I am fishing. I have used wigglers on the StJohns River with good results. I have been using grass shrimp lately at my local lakes.
skeetbum LIKED above post
I use a very small squirrel-tail jig, or plain jig head, to hook a wiggler, like a 1/28-1/32 oz with #6 or #8 hook, fished slow on the bottom. I get almost no gut-hooking this way, and catch just as many as using a plain hook. No additional weight needed.
When I don't have worms (or don't feel like driving to the bait store) I use the same small squirrel tail jig, or a small jig head with a Renosky Keystone minnow, or a Mr Twister micro claw plastic. Deadly on bedding fish.
"Alive without breath, as cold as death; never thirsty, ever drinking, all in mail never clinking."
Thanks to all for your inputs so far!
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Target 8'-12' foot of calm water. With sand bottoms and wood near by. Muscles if you have em. Keep the presentation close to the bottom.
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I’ll take your word for it Ketchn. I’ve only caught one in a private pond around here. Why is it they aren’t in the lakes around these parts? Thanks!
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