crawlers on the pond

[lutzy]

Anyone ever rig with crawlers early in the season on the pond? I want to try because I can get them for nothing in the back yard as opposed to paying for leaches. I have only ever used them later in the summer with spinners. Hate to do it then not know if I’m not getting any action because the one ones I’m marking are just not feeding or because of the crawlers.

[Holy Mackerel]

I have done well using crawlers around opener and I will have some in my boat. I would start with a 2 hook harness with a few beads going slow. I don't think I would pull blades for a while.

[lutzy]

No, I wouldn't pull blades yet. If I do try them it would be on a lyndy rig same as I would with leaches. Just don't know if anyone else has had lots of luck with them this time of year.

[Legend_89]

We always have crawlers with on opener and we seem to do rather well. When the waters cold or if your missin bites tear the crawler in half. I agree it might be a bit early for pullin blades, but if nothin else seems to get them to bite, give it a try.

[Finlander]

Crawlers are my go to bait on a harness with gold blades! I bring leeches, but do way better on crawlwer/blades! I also use Northland Wistler jigs 1/4 -1/2ounce with gold blades and a treble stinger hook in the rear of the crawler! Caught my personel best walleye (28-1/4") in ML on that jig!

[Topwater Scott]

Ever try the Slow Death rig out there? I have just picked up some of these hooks and am excited to give it a try next weekend.

[Legend_89]

Whats a Slow Death rig?

[KJMinion]

A Slow Death rig is a crawler harness hook that is bent that and causes the worm to twist like a corkscrew as it goes through the water when trolling.

Never used one before but I think the idea is to give a little action to the crawler as you pull it along trolling.

[Topwater Scott]

Check out this video about the slow death rig

[fish hawk kris]

Crawlers........why not! After fishing with Mr..Walleye a few years back my confidence in crawlers jumped. On Mille Lacs i was Jumbo leech only for years, it was definetely a confidence bait! But now am using crawlers on a single hook on all the big lakes with good success. And DO NOT forget about the half crawler trick (i prefer the head end) Gary taught me that one. Duh!

Regarding the slow death hooks, i just bought some myself! I think they have been out for a fewyears

[lutzy]

I have tried the slow death without a lot of success. Also the problem with them at this time of year is you have to move a lot faster than I normally would in order to get the crawler to spin correctly.

[lutzy]

Crawlers........why not! After fishing with Mr..Walleye a few years back my confidence in crawlers jumped. On Mille Lacs i was Jumbo leech only for years, it was definetely a confidence bait! But now am using crawlers on a single hook on all the big lakes with good success. And DO NOT forget about the half crawler trick (i prefer the head end) Gary taught me that one. Duh!

So do you fish them the same way you fish the leaches? Slow and just of the bottom. I usually follow Tony Roach's suggestions with leaches. He is usually at anywhere from .4-.8 mph, more often at the lower end of that.

[fish hawk kris]

Yeah lutzy sounds about perfect. I almost always backtroll with a sock, I use an older carbed 4 stroke and have a tough time getting below .7mph. And don't forget your worm blower, i puff em on the bottom side of the band towards the tail.

And contrary to all the drifters (whiners) out there, sorry guys, I love to go into and perpidicular to the wind. It can make all the difference in the world.

P.S. I am always respectful of others, until they encroach me after we start boating fish. I try to avoid the crowds, but it does make a good day better when your boat is outcatching the others by a wide margin.

Have fun, be safe!