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Moonpath
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Over the years I have essentially stopped using live bait. Not because it is ineffective, but because new lures work almost as well without the hassle. Plus, live bait is not allowed in the Q. When I have taken live bait to the boundary waters in the past it was very effective. My preference was leeches. They are easy to keep alive. I have taken minnows but quite a hassle. So, I am wondering how many still take one or more types of live bait with them, rather than relying on artificials or gulp type bait.
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Moonpath
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I also agree that leeches work very well for both SM and walleye, and the fishing can be relaxing, even from shore.
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lundojam
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I use live bait.
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AmarilloJim
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I've never used live bait in the Q or the BW in 50 years.
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Speckled
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I still use either salted minnows or leeches for walleye, but other than than, it's all artificials.
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Moonpath
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This is also what I generally do now, although bait does usually work well, often better than artificials. Gulp may be an exception.
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pastorjsackett
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We bring leeches in. I don't think it's a huge hassle. My son rarely uses them anymore however and it seems like he catches as much or more than I.
The make more confident. Maybe it's all psychological?
We don't bobber fish much. Mostly just jigging.
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bombinbrian
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Always take leeches.
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Dreamer
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I absolutely know I would catch more fish, especially walleye, if I brought leeches. But I have never wanted the hassle, and I do catch plenty of fish. I'm very content with artificials...
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portagerunner
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Usually bring leeches with for walleye depending on length of trip in days and travel distance.
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TuscaroraBorealis
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Occasionally- depends on several circumstances.
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timatkn
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I’ve gone away from it. Not against it…just too much hassle for what I get out of it.
I miss a leech under a bobber while at camp though.
T
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analyzer
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bottomtothetap: "I use leeches. Jig and a leech under a slip boober is my favorite way to fish. Very casual and easy going (which is a lot reason I go to the BWCA) and, for me, quite effective for wallies and smallies. I never go to Quetico so that doesn't factor in. "
This.
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Lawnchair107
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Minnows or leeches, depending on season. If the bite is on, it doesn’t really matter, but when it’s not- live bait certainly helps.
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bottomtothetap
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I use leeches. Jig and a leech under a slip boober is my favorite way to fish. Very casual and easy going (which is a lot reason I go to the BWCA) and, for me, quite effective for wallies and smallies. I never go to Quetico so that doesn't factor in.
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Moonpath
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bottomtothetap: "I use leeches. Jig and a leech under a slip boober is my favorite way to fish. Very casual and easy going (which is a lot reason I go to the BWCA) and, for me, quite effective for wallies and smallies. I never go to Quetico so that doesn't factor in. "
I like your monicker
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egknuti
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I’ve always used artificial bait on my trips. Carrying live bait is just another thing to take care of, especially on a two week trip. If I’m day tripping into the BW, I will most likely bring live bait.
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walllee
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Absolutely
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thegildedgopher
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I’m definitely not opposed to it and still do it, if selectively. My own history tells me I kill more fish using live bait so I really only use it when I’m actively seeking a meal of walleye.
Obviously, we all know artificials work really well and live bait is not necessary to catch fish. But there are certain tactics or types of fishing — slip bobber and rigging for example — where it’s not the same without meat. I LOVE fishing a slip float at night so I’ll always bring some live bait and plan a meal or 2 of walleye. Leeches are nice but for maximum durability, heartiness, versatility, overall ease — it is hard to beat the mighty nite crawler. Cut to required size. So easy to keep too.
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Gadfly
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If live bait is legal I'm using it. I set up a system in the garage to keep minnows alive year round. Now I'm trying to figure out how to raise them in the pond.
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Cedarboy
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Yes
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scat
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I bring crawlers to put on spinner rigs and troll. Always lose leeches on a trip, they always escape by the 2nd day. This May bringing minnows for a Homer Lake EP trip, mostly base camping I think with few portages so should work. I like jig & minnow fishing.
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NEIowapaddler
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I don't use live bait. It's too much hassle for me, and I catch enough fish without it.
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Smackem33
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Let's see this system!
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MichiganMan
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Most of my trips are to Quetico so no bait there. But when in the BWCA, a leech or crawler below a bobber off the campsite while chilling around the fire? Nothing more fun than looking up and having to say "Dude- where's my bobber"? because a hungry fish has taken interest.
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JD
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I've brought live bait on just one trip, to Crooked, as I thought it would be a sin to head to what some might consider a walleye heaven without some leeches. Turns out, despite using the leeches at many opportunities, I caught almost twice as many fish on artificials. I'm sure if we specifically tried jigging while anchored in a honey hole I could've produced more, but while casting from camp and on the water, and while trolling, there was no contest. I also found the average size to be larger on artificials. I caught a bunch of dinks on the leeches.
I happily leave the bait at home now.
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Savage Voyageur
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Leeches and night crawlers always go on my trips.
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bottomtothetap
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Moonpath: "bottomtothetap: "I use leeches. Jig and a leech under a slip boober is my favorite way to fish. Very casual and easy going (which is a lot reason I go to the BWCA) and, for me, quite effective for wallies and smallies. I never go to Quetico so that doesn't factor in. "
I like your monicker"
Many people assume it has something to do with beer. While that would be fun, sorry to disappoint those folks.
I'm in the water treatment industry and make applications any where from the well in the ground through the faucet--so, from the "bottom to the tap". At least that's what I've been doing for almost 40 years now--I retire next month!
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Moonpath
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mutz: "Always take crawlers and leaches, easy to transport and keep alive. We also take salted minnows but I guess they can’t be considered live bait."
I had a friend who would buy a few dozen minnows live, and then would put them in a solution of water and borax. He would then freeze this. The minnows would stay relatively fresh and he said the borax could be used to clean his hands. This would last a couple of days. He swore the borax minnows worked great.
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mutz
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Always take crawlers and leaches, easy to transport and keep alive. We also take salted minnows but I guess they can’t be considered live bait.
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