Anyone use sardines for bait?

[hotsky]

I got a bag of frozen sardines at a grocery store thinking of using them as bait. They are about 5" so thought they're perfrct size for pike ice fishing and under a float after ice out. Anyone had luck using them?

Edited February 8, 2013 by Gray_Wolf

[Burtess]

Use them all the time for ice fishing pike. They are pretty soft when dethawed so it is helpful to use a quick strike rig to make sure they don't rip a piece off. Pike will hit amazingly large baits. Routinely catch 20-24" pike on 7 to 8" sardines.

 

I want to try a big mackerel and see what happens.....

 

Burt

[moxie]

Use them as bait???? Take them out of the bag, put them in a bowl, sprinkle some salt on them and toss. Fire up the Q and while they're on there have the Mrs(if applicable) uncork a bottle of white wine and break out some olives, Asiago cheese and crusty bread. Enjoy.