Too early for leeches???

[RacerX]

A fisherman I talked to said he was jigging last weekend with leeches and caught some walleys (Fox Chain/River). I thought it was too early for leeches. I read a tip somewhere though where it said that "out of season" leeches might work at times because everyone else is using minnows and crawlers so fish tend to bite on leeches because they are not regularly seen this early in spring.
Any comments to that would be appreciated.

[Roger Mayer]

Hi RacerX (I like the band by the same name!!!!)

I use leeches early in the season also. I know they curl up on the hook but they seem to work for me.

Roger Mayer.

[cisco]

It's never too early for leeches (if you can get them). Sure, they roll up as you bait up, but they stretch out in the water.

If ya got em, use em.

[Stezostedion vitreum man]

RacerX

Many fishermen maintain that the early bite is best on minnows and as the water warms up the bite is more consistant on leeches or crawlers. However, I have seen all of them work early in the season. Sometime early season walleyes will prefer minnows one day, the next leeches or crawlers. This preference may change from area to area within the same lake. That's why, when using live bait, it is advisable to have all three on you when you go fishing.

When available, leeches are a good all weather, all season bait. Hope this helps. Good fishing.

Remember to keep your eyes open and your feet dry.

S.v.m

[RacerX]

Thanks for the info on leeches, I'll try and get some on my next trip. Good luck to all.

P.S. Roger, what type of music does the band RacerX play?

[walleyejig2000]

I'd like to know where he got 'hold of leeches this time of year? Or did he salvage some from last year?

[ristorappper]

I pulled a northern through the ice in march that coughed up a leech. Maybe never too early!!

[Ristorapper]

Oh! and one other bait of choice. I was fishing one mid-summer day several years back when I hooked and brought in a walleye about 15 inches in length. A very odd looking critter at that with a big bulge at the front and back of its stomach area. Hey a free crankbait I thought. Hurry and cut it open to see what type of bait these guys are INHALING> On our river of course we have a river boat that goes up and down the Missouri River here; They cater food and had noticed earlier the riverboat had gone by about half an hour before I hooked this guy. To cut to the chase I found a Chicken leg bone in the belly of the walleye. Have not had the chance to put the trebles on it yet but you may want to give this one a try too.