I have fished ML for over ten years. When bobber fishing, I have always hooked my leech just past the sucker. Last week I took a group on a launch. The captain had us hook our leeches at opposite end, 1/4 " in. Now I'm confused. We did catch fish that night, but I have also caught hundreds using the way I was first taught. Thoughts? Does it matter?
well........I'm with ya on just behing the sucker! But!.....I will also hook the leech right in the middle of the body sometimes while bobber fishing. Just make sure to do it just under the skin of the leech
I have fished ML for over ten years. When bobber fishing, I have always hooked my leech just past the sucker. Last week I took a group on a launch. The captain had us hook our leeches at opposite end, 1/4 " in. Now I'm confused. We did catch fish that night, but I have also caught hundreds using the way I was first taught. Thoughts? Does it matter?
First the disclaimer, The more I fish the more I know that I don't know jack!
Ok here goes, Ive read a couple of places that hooking the leech through the sucker end gets a more natural movement from the leech and hooking through the neck or pointed end is a more secure way to keep the leech on the hook and less likely that it will be stripped off. The skin at the neck is suppose to be very tough.
I have fished ML for over ten years. When bobber fishing, I have always hooked my leech just past the sucker. Last week I took a group on a launch. The captain had us hook our leeches at opposite end, 1/4 " in. Now I'm confused. We did catch fish that night, but I have also caught hundreds using the way I was first taught. Thoughts? Does it matter?
First the disclaimer, The more I fish the more I know that I don't know jack!
Ok here goes, Ive read a couple of places that hooking the leech through the sucker end gets a more natural movement from the leech and hooking through the neck or pointed end is a more secure way to keep the leech on the hook and less likely that it will be stripped off. The skin at the neck is suppose to be very tough.
That is also what I have read.I have also read to hook them in the middle when bobber fishing so the action from the waves makes then flop on both ends.In my boat I have had a couple people hook in the middle and a couple hook in the sucker.The ones hooked in the middle have always caught more fish.I have tried this a few times and always the same result.Not saying it is the only way to go but it works for me so I stick with it.
Whatever makes 'em bite. The more freedom of movement they they have, the better the bite. Keep them live, though. Don't be afraid to put a fresh one on regularly.
I have a slight variation to the sucker hooking. I've always put the hook in through the sucker into the body and out the back. I've never tried the through the middle technique or between the ears but I'll be sure to give them a try this weekend.
I agree with Jon's comment. If my current leech is not drawing any bite, I change to a new leech fairly often. In many cases this seems to draw a bite.
Have fun and let's go fishin' Keep a fresh leech in the water!
If there is 2 of you fishing have one hook through the sucker and the other one hook through the neck. that way the fish will tell you what they want. If the hooked throuigh the sucker catches more than that is what they want.
-- Edited by jbob on Friday 8th of July 2011 11:15:25 AM
Your leech anatomy diagram and explanation will likely be nominated for the Mille Lacs Lake Leech Nobel Peace Award. It just does not better than that one! No wonder you are a licensed captain. Holy Sh*t!
Hooking them around the sucker keeps 'em on better- the more hook point showing the better. I don't think the fish care as long as they're squirming and swimming into the fish's mouth.
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I don't always fish Mille Lacs, but when I do, I prefer muskies.
(I hook mine right between the ears)
