size of minnows for simcoe lakers and whitefish

[redpearl99]

just wondering what size minnows I should be using for whitefish and lake trout while ice fishing at simcoe. I went for the first time this week but I thought my minnows might have been too big for whitefish... some where about 4-5 inch shinners

[misfish]

I dont use live bait. Jigs and body baits. Plastic and hard.

 

So on with your question.

 

Are you using a spreader for the whities? 4-5 inch shiners are good for lakers.

 

As for the spreader,use 2 inch shiners. Hook them in the tail. They will stay active. Trying to swim up.

[DRIFTER_016]

4-5 inch is not too big for lakers.

I have used dead baits to 20" for big lakers and have caught 20# fish on that sized bait.

As for whities 2-2 1/2" shiners as mentioned.

I use 3" frozen smelt (no live bait allowed here) and have even used them tipped on a jig and caught whities.

[wallacio]

^ yup. You can't go too big for Lakers! I use 4-5" shiners for Lakers routinely and Whitefish will hit them as well if they are aggressive. If not, then downsize as stated. Now cue up the next 20+ posts stating that you don't *need* minnows...

[misfish]

 

 

Now cue up the next 20+ posts stating that you don't *need* minnows...

 

 

 

I do miss the tip up days. Stick facing down and then the slow rise. Hand over hand retrieve.

Edited January 19, 2014 by Misfish

[BillM]

4-5inch emeralds are perfect for both lakers/whities.

[redpearl99]

what's a spreader

[Fisherman]

Like one of these: https://www.google.ca/search?q=ice+fishing+spreader&client=firefox-a&hs=78N&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=fflb&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=ZmDcUs7CA-y_sQTNjYG4Aw&ved=0CCsQsAQ&biw=955&bih=714

[camillj]

Spreader ................................................. sorry couldnt resist ... better gets me another coffee

Edited January 20, 2014 by aplumma
good joke bad place to tell it.

[davey buoy]

So stay with the 4-5" emerald shiners,how would you hook them and would you weigh them down with a weight a foot or so above them?.were talking deep water.sorry to side track

[Terry]

I would use a spreader, they are weighted and tail hook them

[davey buoy]

I would use a spreader, they are weighted and tail hook them

Thanks Terry,tail hooked sounds good.Would you say best on a tip up?,I was thinking jigging in the hut.They are pretty big shiners.I have both systems ready to go.Trying to keep the perch away for a couple outings .In the hut is that what you would use ?. Thanks.

[Terry]

if/when I use minnows a tip up with spreader is what I would use

 

then if there is room for a second line I would jig

 

if it is a 2 hook spreader you cam put a hook 5 ft above on the line and another minnow

[davey buoy]

if/when I use minnows a tip up with spreader is what I would use

 

then if there is room for a second line I would jig

 

if it is a 2 hook spreader you cam put a hook 5 ft above on the line and another minnow

Thanks ,will give it a try.

[misfish]

The ones in the first pic,of the link from FM,are the best IMO spreader you can buy. Hooks stable and facing up. Hook sets are deadly.

[davey buoy]

The ones in the first pic,of the link from FM,are the best IMO spreader you can buy. Hooks stable and facing up. Hook sets are deadly.

And I have two of them only 26 years young lol. They did well at that time.

[misfish]

Tom has a nice selection Dave.

[davey buoy]

Tom has a nice selection Dave.

I know he does,great guy.What time is he open on weekends?I need before 6 if I can.

[misfish]

Open at 6. Has coffee and sandwiches now. It was nice to come off the lake yesterday and stop in for a cup of brew and chat.

His ole man is a hoot.

Edited January 20, 2014 by Misfish

[davey buoy]

Open at 6. Has coffee and sandwiches now. It was nice to come off the lake yesterday and stop in for a cup of brew and chat.

His ole man is a hoot.

Tom senior and I had a good ole chat at the river a few mths ago.Same trade What were the odds //

[misfish]

 

 

if it is a 2 hook spreader you cam put a hook 5 ft above on the line and another minnow

 

Almost forgot about that bud.

 

A large 4-5 inch shiner,would lift the spreader making more action at times.

 

Traveling with minnows in a portable,is a pain though.

[davey buoy]

 

Almost forgot about that bud.

 

A large 4-5 inch shiner,would lift the spreader making more action at times.

 

Traveling with minnows in a portable,is a pain though.

That's where the tip ups come in.More of a lure /maybe tipped with a small minnow in the hut.Thanks guys

Edited January 20, 2014 by davey buoy

[Sinker]

I prefer a slip float to a tip up all day long.Just sayin...

 

s.

[Freshtrax]

if/when I use minnows a tip up with spreader is what I would use

 

then if there is room for a second line I would jig

 

if it is a 2 hook spreader you cam put a hook 5 ft above on the line and another minnow

 

 

Just watch that top hook when a big fish takes a last min. Run while hand lining.

[BillM]

I hate spreaders, think of what you do for deep fall bass fishing, might give you an idea to try under the ice.