However, crawlers work well on deeper structures such as humps and rock bars, sand bars, and after dark when water is 65 to 80 degrees. Nightcrawlers have their place, but it isn’t around panfish-infested weed beds in July. Leeches become number one by May and produce well through summer to October. They’re the choice from opening day when water is 40 to 50 degrees until the temperature reaches 60 to 64 degrees. For example, minnows are typically cold-water bait. With that said, there are some rules of thumb. Check the temperature in the late afternoon for the most accurate reading. Water is far colder one or two feet off the bottom where the bait is than on the surface, which warms as the day progresses. The surface temperature can be misleading. Always have at least two kinds of baits in the boat to be safe. I’ve had guide trips when minnows worked in the early morning to have walleyes switch their preference to leeches by mid-day after the water temperature rose a few degrees. Water can be cold in the morning and warmer at noon, especially in spring. The decision actually rests more on water temperature, and that can change from day to day or even hour to hour. Contrary to popular thought, choosing a minnow, leech, or worm isn’t based solely on the season. I’m often asked how I decide what live bait to use. If the bait is dead or sick-looking, you’ll spend all day staring at bobbers. As a result, taking care of bait and hooking it properly is critical. The most perfect rig will be worthless if your minnow, leech, or nightcrawler doesn’t look attractive. Slip bobber rigging is simply a live bait delivery system.
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