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08/15/2011 05:37PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Heading up to bwca for first time Aug 26 just wondering if I should still be using leeches for walleye/smallies or is it time for crawlers/minnows?
 
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08/15/2011 05:59PM  
leeches will work fine water temps are still warm.
 
08/17/2011 11:01AM  
I know a bait trapper so I can get minnow/worms for free but leeches I would have to buy from a baitstore this time of year so are leeches that much better than crawlers now? or instead of crawlers just go with gulp leeches?
 
walleye_hunter
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08/17/2011 11:25AM  
PikeLover- There is no doubt that leeches are a fantastic walleye bait but it can be hard to get your hands on big lively leeches this time of year. However, big lively nightcrawlers are some of the best walleye bait there is. When Bill Binkelman wrote "Nightcrawler Secrets" he was reluctant to share his tips for keeping and conditioning nightcrawlers, cause they are that good. I keep nightcrawlers in my basement all summer. I have some now that look like small snakes. Before a fishing trip I only take the biggest and best with me. Before fishing with them condition them by placing them between ice and newspaper or letting them take a swim in a container of ice water. A properly conditioned crawler will almost jump out of your hand and go from a good bait, to a great bait. This may seem like a lot of monkey business but to consistently catch nice sized walleyes it takes a little luck and a lot of attention to detail.
 
08/17/2011 12:05PM  
Thanks for the tips walleye_hunter I was hoping for an answere like that.
 
08/17/2011 01:06PM  
Walley Magnet
What is going on with the crawler after they are "conditioned"? I have used these by accident when crawlers slip into the bottom of the beer/ice/bait cooler and are left swimming around down there. Why do the blow up and getso energized? How long does it last after they enter the lake?
 
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