Minnow Fishing Equipment ?

[ripnlips]

Gonna try minnows at ClearLake for the first time, what type of Eq do you guys recommend. Baitcast or spinning? line size? hook? Thanks ahead of time for the help!

[Turkeyman]

I have always done it with spinning equipment, I usually use 8 lb flourocarbon size 1 mosquito hook. I normally use a 1/8th oz mojo weight pegged with rubber strands and a slip bobber that you can adjust with a bobber stopper. Sunny brighter days are usally best as the fish get into the shade of the docks better. As for line you could also use a light lb test braid and for weight you could use a split shot. If there is no action after 15 to 20 minutes move. Jig the minnow around to create some flash. Try to get the minnow as close to the poles as possible, if the minnow immediatley swims away from the pole that is a good sign, throw it right back in there. Wait until the fish is swimming away from you before setting the hook, watch the bobber, surprisingly you won't get that many fish that aren't hooked in the mouth.

[Cooch]

I've always used a baitcaster up there when fishing Jumbo Minnows. Depending on the time of year though, the tactics change.

From October thru February and sometimes into March(Depends on water temps and bass movement) We use a plain ole splitshot rig with an Octopus or circle hook. This git's the bait to the bottom, we use enough of a leader so that the minner can freely move around as much as 3 feet off the bottom. Excellent option when yer fishing various depths, flats, ledges or deep rockpiles.

In the spring time, when fish are moving shallow and congregating near spawning grounds, the bobber rig is the ticket. There's a lot of ways you can rig this, I would suggest if ya ain't done it before up there, where ever ya stop ta git yer minners, have the guy show ya how it's done and the proper stuff ta buy. Bob over at Limit Out will certainly take the time ta show ya, and clue ya in to great areas to fish depending on the time of year yer there.

Another option is ta git ahold of my good friend Ben Williams at FishDogOutdoors, http://www.fishdogoutdoors.com/about.htm he's an expert at minnow fishing at Clearlake, and runs trips up there during peak periods when not guiding folks on the hunt!

[clearlakeoutdoors]

Come by and see us and we will steer you in the right direction.I usally rig two rods with bobbers and two with spilt shot rigs and change around in different areas.#1 mosquito hook works great.8-12 pound test is fine. If you use a baitcaster just dont use to stiff a rod or you will jerk it right out of their mouth.I did a four hour trip on sunday in the middle of the day and they caught fish shallow and down to 20 feet.All of my guide rods have 20 # braid with a floro leader.
Dave

[jazzwannabe]

I have always done it with spinning equipment, I usually use 8 lb flourocarbon size 1 mosquito hook. I normally use a 1/8th oz mojo weight pegged with rubber strands and a slip bobber that you can adjust with a bobber stopper. Sunny brighter days are usally best as the fish get into the shade of the docks better. As for line you could also use a light lb test braid and for weight you could use a split shot. If there is no action after 15 to 20 minutes move. Jig the minnow around to create some flash. Try to get the minnow as close to the poles as possible, if the minnow immediatley swims away from the pole that is a good sign, throw it right back in there. Wait until the fish is swimming away from you before setting the hook, watch the bobber, surprisingly you won't get that many fish that aren't hooked in the mouth.

How do you rig up a slip bobber, and what's the advantage? I've never used that setup.

[Turkeyman]

I have always done it with spinning equipment, I usually use 8 lb flourocarbon size 1 mosquito hook. I normally use a 1/8th oz mojo weight pegged with rubber strands and a slip bobber that you can adjust with a bobber stopper. Sunny brighter days are usally best as the fish get into the shade of the docks better. As for line you could also use a light lb test braid and for weight you could use a split shot. If there is no action after 15 to 20 minutes move. Jig the minnow around to create some flash. Try to get the minnow as close to the poles as possible, if the minnow immediatley swims away from the pole that is a good sign, throw it right back in there. Wait until the fish is swimming away from you before setting the hook, watch the bobber, surprisingly you won't get that many fish that aren't hooked in the mouth.

How do you rig up a slip bobber, and what's the advantage? I've never used that setup.

A slip bobber's main advantage is that you can adjust the depth of the bait as needed to match the conditions. The last time I was at Clear Lake the fish were aout about 10-15 ft. and then by the late afternoon they had moved up to 3-5 ft. A slip bobber starts with a stopper above the bobber to adjust to the depth, the bobber slides up the line to the stopper.

[onemocast]

I didnt read everyones post so I hope Im not repeating any info. I use spinning outfits with 8 to 12 lb test, if the sun is out, I use split shots ( just enough to get the shiner down) and a size 1 or 2 finnesse hook, nose hook the shiner, and I fish docks. when you get bit, DONT LAY WOOD, a sweep is all that is needed, when the clouds come i use a slip bobber, same hook, same hook set. I HOPE THIS HELPS. ps, been tough the past two times Ive been in January.

[onemocast]

also, if you are going to buy shiners, Bob at limit out tackle usually has plenty.