Suggestions for keeping bluegills from stealing bait?

Question

I love fishing for bluegills, and know they'll take anything. I fish maybe once a week and don't want to bother with live bait (don't want it in my fridge between fishing sessions).

I usually use corn,which works just fine, but they steal the bait. Can't seem to keep hotdogs on the hook at all. Seems like I spend all my time baiting the hook....

What bait do you suggest that works and stays on the hook for bluegills?

Answer 1

waxworms work well or if you're just getting your bait stolen, try with a smaller hook.

Answer 2

if they are going for corn then i would try artificial corn, the rubber type. it wont come of the hook unless they steal the hook too. do they have fake/floating corn in the states?

Answer 3

Minnows

Answer 4

"Power bait" has bait that is good for pan fish, its artificial so it keeps well.

Answer 5

gulp 2 inch sand worms they are fake and dont rip in half like real worms when u try and hook the fish if he doesnt have it all the way in his mouth

Answer 6

Hey fishmom, try using small jigs fished under a float. I know bluegills, crappie & bass love the little curlytailed grubs. Use a 1/32 - 1/16 oz. jighead. Use the smaller (1" long) grubs in white or yellow and you can have a blast catching fish and not have to worry about bait anymore. You can find these lures at most sporting goods stores, including walmart. Tight lines!

Answer 7

Try setting the hook sooner, or getting a small price of rubber tube and and bit the corn in their and kook the hook through the corn and the tube.

Answer 8

I use fake lures..white, or yellow or flouresent green....

No bobbers....casting into water, jerking bait..BITE!!

Little jigs....

Answer 9

i use bread make a dough ball make sure its good on the hook and use a small hook

Answer 10

I love to fish for any panfish on an ulralight and thats the best for a Bluegill. I would suggest using a smaller hook so when they do bite the bait they bite to hook and usually hook themselves.

Another thing to keep in mind is use light tackle (rule* Smaller tackle, Smaller fish.)  Also fish bottom (without a float to detect more bites).

Happy fishing and good luck.

Answer 11

Get a tiny hook, then you can just pull them up when the eat.  Done it, but I use bluegill for bait...lol...I caught myself a few Northern Pike and Muskie on bluegill.   SHHHHH, don't tell anyone.  Pike's good eaten'.