2016 US Midwest

[MuskieBait]

(05-30-2016 10:41 AM)Deadfisher Wrote:  26 new species in one trip is incredible! I usually don't catch the usual 26 per year.
Do you carry your field guide with you and identify the fish at water's edge, or wait until the end of the day?
What type of baits do you use when fishing micros?

Yeah, Michael had a Peterson's Field Guide with him.

Personally, when I go on one of these species hunting trips, I have an idea of what species to expect at each location, so I already know what features to look for in the species I wanted to catch. If there are any species caught that were unexpected, I try to take good pictures of all the features, and ID them later using multiple online resources available.

I also have a network of friends who can also help discussing ID with me.

Our typical bait for micros are small bits (or flake) of nightcrawler. You just need enough to fit on the bend of a hook. For the #26 hooks or tanago hooks that we were using, our bait is usually between 1/16" to 1/32" in size, especially if we wish to catch the smaller species of Darter.