If Leeches Were Golf Clubs, The Pga Would Ban Them

[Professor Jim]

Fished from 4:00 - 7:00 today on a main lake point and caught roughly 20 walleye on an 1/8 oz jig and leech. They were in 8-9 feet of water and hitting like crazy, even with the sun out. One of the keepers looked like he took steroids or has a thyroid problem. It was the fattest walleye I've ever seen. Loads of fun.

Lakey's baitshop has leeches (thanks for the tip), but they're expensive at $5.75/doz. I'm used to paying $17.00/pound in MN for them. I think Lakey's needs competition.

[Predator1]

Nice day. How do you keep leaches and does Tranthams Bait in Springfield Sell them for less?

[Professor Jim]

They keep for at least a week in the fridge as long as you change the water every couple days. Be sure the water you put in is as cold as the water you take out. It turns out that Trantham's does have them and they're $4.00 which is a much better price than Lakey's $5.75.

[cwater]

Sounds like a nice day! If you don't mind me asking. Were you drifting or casting those leeches?

[Professor Jim]

Sounds like a nice day! If you don't mind me asking. Were you drifting or casting those leeches?

Casting them toward shore and bring them back very slowly along the bottom. You might also try a slip bobber once you locate the fish. You'll probably get more hook ups. I was too lazy to switch.

[straw hat]

I am not very experienced with walleye. During the fall (Oct. to mid-Dec.)I fish steep drop-offs a lot with slip bobbers for crappie at 25 to 35 ft. During those times I pick up an occasional walleye. Do you think that leaches would improve my walleye catch under those conditions or is it too late in the year for using them? I appreciate any advice you can give.

[rangerman]

Water temps have to be just about right to fish leeches if it isn't they will ball up on the hook. I didn't even know we could get leeches in Missouri without ordering them. I am used to buying and saving them after coming back from Lake Oahe South Dakota. The bass on our lakes down south absolutely go nuts over them as well. I have caught alot of BIG smallie and kentuckies on TR while fishing leeches for eyes. Usually on a split shot or on a plain hook and bottom bouncer.

[Professor Jim]

I didn't even know we could get leeches in Missouri without ordering them.

You can get them at Trantham's in Springfield or Lakey's on 215. They are more expensive down here than up north.

[Professor Jim]

I am not very experienced with walleye. During the fall (Oct. to mid-Dec.)I fish steep drop-offs a lot with slip bobbers for crappie at 25 to 35 ft. During those times I pick up an occasional walleye. Do you think that leaches would improve my walleye catch under those conditions or is it too late in the year for using them? I appreciate any advice you can give.

You can't get leeches past about mid to late July, so using them isn't an option. I'm just learning southern walleye fishing and can't help much with the fall. So far, Stockton is acting like a Canadian Shield lake as far as walleye fishing goes. However, water temps are warming rapidly and are already above maximum temps I find in Ely, MN during summer. So, I'm not sure how the rest of the year will play out for me. It's going to be lots of trial and error. I'll even post the errors as sometimes they are just as informative.

[rangerman]

Professor Jim,

Leadcore and lots of trolling are usually the ticket...BB and crawler harnesses as well.