Emerald outlook?

[Justretired]

May I ask how big do you make these pieces and what shape and how do you hook them on the hook?

[Mark]

May I ask how big do you make these pieces and what shape and how do you hook them on the hook?

I will slit the belly as if to remove the entrails in about a 2 to 3 inch long cut. Then cut up toward the gill at one end and up toward the back dorsal fin, then cut across so I'll end up with a strip about 2 inches long and a good 1/2 inch across. Repeat on the other side. I use the thin Aberdeen Hooks. Simply "thread' the bait 2 or 3 times on the hook in a sort of "S" pattern. Some only hook it once and let it "trail". Other parts can be used as well, the eyes are a good attractant along with strips cut from the rest of the fish. I think the belly meat is used first because it's easiest to get to. You will notice that the bait will stay on the hook a lot longer than minnows. I've caught 5 or 6 fish before changing it, not because it fell off but because a lot of it was eaten away! If you want, look back to the discussions posted here last September-October. It'll take some digging but there were a lot of people writing in.

[pimplepounder]

Dittos, with what Mark and Fishing Addition said. The belly meat seems to be the right thickness and the skin and scales are tough. Just cut them the length and shape of a nice shiner, eye balls are great tipped on jigging raps and pimple too. That is my go to on hard water for sure.