Need help on how to fish leeches

[Don in Denver]

Okay. I admit it. I bought leeches once and when I tried to use them I couldn't figure out how to get them to unroll to put a hook through the sucker, plus I was completely freaked that they were going to "bite" me. Hated the feel of them! How do I get over this and how do you hold them to get them on the hook. Do you use them on jigheads, Lindy rigs, harnesses?I hate the look of them but if they'll catch me fish I'm willing to try again.

[Lund_Dude]

I use mine on jigs primarily. They do work well on bare hooks when used with slip bobbers or lindy rigs. If you keep them at a cool temperature similar to the lake, you will have less problem with them balling up. When my wife fishes them, she puts them on top of the bait container and uses that to "hold" the leech while she sticks it with a hook. Hope it helps!

[sib]

well, I was never shown how to do this, I just worked it out on my own, so I hope this is right.

I roll em on their backs and put my thumb just below the sucker, so the leach attches to my thumbnail. Once attached to the thumbnail they are easier to work with.


"go outside and play"
sib

[tailgunner]

I like to "splitshot Rig" my leeches, by using a light wire aberdeen hook, a small swivel about 2ft. up the line, a splitshot to take the rig down. Use a light wire # 4 or 6 hook for best action from the leech, a small swivel to eliminate line twist, and just enough shot to work the rig near the bottom. You can cast and retrieve this rig, or just let out line and drift it, holging the bail open to release line when you get a hit. Flurocarbon leadr from the swivel to the hook also helps, and use the lightest line you can get away with. This has been a very effective rig for me especially on those slow days. This same rig is good under a slip bobber.

[gilman911]

Gently roll them between your hand and your pant leg or a rag. Once this is done they lay straight and still until remoistened. You will be amazed at how easy they are to handle after this and as long as you are gentle they regain their full vitality once submerged.

[Dave in Mpls]

You need to get on their good side. Pucker up, and give them a big, fat, juicy kiss. They WILL cooperate!

Drying them with a rag works wonders if you are having trouble keeping ahold of them. Also, when fishing them on a rig, the hook wants to naturally lay point down, due to the center of gravity. Therefore, I hook them through the top when fishing them in this manner. If using them on a jig, hook them from underneath.

Regards

[Hawgeye]

If you hold them between your teeth, you can get a good grip on them!!:)

Actually, I like to Lindy rig with them. I use them more than any bait and believe it or not, I am alergic to them. My eyes swell up and itch like crazy if I get them near my eyes.

That being said, I hook them in the pointed end instead of the sucker end. Just place the hook through the tip within a 16th of an inch from the tip. They will usually unroll. The leeches commercially sold for fishing will not likely try to drink your blood unless you leave them attached for a long time. Get the Jumbos for walleye fishing, finger fish with them and when you feel that patented walleye thump, release the line and let them take it for 10 seconds or so. Tighten the line, feel the tension and set the hook!

Man, I got to get out fishing!

[FJH1]

Don't worry about them "biting" you. The leeches that are used for fishing are not the blood sucking type. Fishing leeches are generally called "ribbon" leeches and the blood sucking type are called "horse" leeches. Sure, they will suction down on you a tiny bit, but you'll probably hardly feel it. To get them off if they do suction down I slide them off rather than pull them. For hooking I just grab one, hold it so that the sucker is pointed up and hook through directly behind the sucker. I fish them on jigs as well as on bare hooks. If they ball up in your hand, once in the water they will "swim out".

Best Regards,

FJH

[Don in Denver]

Thanks for the help guys. Going to give 'em another try on Sunday.

[Sandman]

I like to tie or snell two hooks, putting the first hook just behind the sucker and the second about one-third back. Less chance to lose a fish and it seems not to bother the action. As said earlier they seem to uncurl when put in the water. Usually but those that curl back and reach for ones that immediately attach to my finger and seem lively. I put my leeches in a cooler on hot summer days to keep them fresh.

[lost sailor]

The first time I saw a guy fishing leeches was off a bridge over the Wolf River and he was catching 1 walleye after the other. I headed straight to the bait shot and bought a doz. jumbo's. Back at the bridge I could not get a single bite while this guy is getting one walleye after the other. When I asked him what his secret was he said "mmmphgh!!". "Pardon me but I couldn't understand a word you said" I replied. Finally he put his hand up to his mouth, spat out several leeches and said , "You've got to keep them warm if you expect to catch anything".

[MIke]

Don - Just hold the in your mouth under your tounge for a while. They straighten right out.

Sorry - I could't resist.

Mike

[FireTiger]

U worm dunkers crack me up,thanks