Minnows vs Leeches and Why?

[HookedonBigV]

I understand the "whatever the fish tell me to use" but is there a rule of thumb (or fin) to go by?

I'm usually a leech guy, partially because they are easier to care for and the rest is because I've had success. I have not experimented enough with minnows and would like to hear some opinions.

I'm a week away from heading up and I already can't think of much else than fishing. Not that thats a bad thing!

[tackleguy]

hey man, dont spend to much time thinking about which bait. just remember the spots and the rest will take care of it self.we've always caught fish this week in june.
ill be on my cell this weekend .give a call.

[lindy rig]

Well, you're right about letting the fish tell you what they want, but...

I think the reason a lot of guys don't use leeches early in the season is because the water is so cold. It sometimes makes the leeches ball up and not want to work very well. In this situation, minnows give a better presentation. Just a thought.

[Cliff Wagenbach]

LIndyrig hit the nail on the head for the reason for using minnows over crawlers!
Cliff

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Cliff's Guide Service
CliffsGuideService-LakeVermilion.com
Lake Vermilion
Phone: (218) 753-2005

[pugguy55422]

Part of the reason the leeches ball up in cold water is that they're no aclimated to the temperature. I use a leech tamer mesh bag and throw it in my livewell the leaches will work for you when they're aclimated.

[slick814]

Lindy rig is the reason I prefer minnows early in the season. THey work great on a live rig spinner later in the year when the water warms up, and seems like the fish just go after them more when it's warmer.

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Fishin' is life
The rest is just details

[fish4ed]

My 2 cents (probably not worth half that):

I generally use minnows in sub-50 degree water, start with crawlers 50-55, then leeches over 55. Those are my preferences, not the fish. When I haven't fished a lake for a while, or am on new water, I'll usually have an assortment of critters in the boat with me for company.

[tjwierz2]

Several years now I have tried minnows/leeches early in the year. Through Memorial Day, minnows are always better for me...leeches aren't even close. The first week in June is when the switch to leeches seems to be best. Then to crawlers in July and August.

[Thomas]

zero fish on leach over the last weekend. caught all the eyes on minnows.

[MT Net]

Minnows early in the year, then leeches. Late june into july, I'll start using crawlers. Mostly on a lindy rig, or spinner/bottom bouncer setup. leeches or rainbows on a slip bobber.

Then I'll switch to the casting out 12" long, quarer a pound bits for the big fish.

[caribou01]

First 2 weeks of June leeches have always done the job for us. I'm sure minnowswould work fine though if thats what you liked.

[Dave B]

Both. I prefer minnows, because the fish seem to hammer them and hold onto them longer-so my hooking percentage is much better with minnows. However, w/ a slip bobber or lindy when they just arent hitting minnow-leeches are the 1st thing I try.

There are also a lot of times when we are on a good bite and minnows are out fishing leeches 2:1, but leeches are getting all the big fish.

We keep the leeches ice cold in storage, no problems with them balling up.