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  1. #1
    Member
    Join Date
    May 2009
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    ma
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    719

    Targeting smallies

    For those that target smallies through the ice, whats your go to bait of choice? I gravitate to blade baits and cubby darters but am looking to expand my horizons. I have had virtually no luck with a jigging rap but that may be a confidence thing. Any suggestions?

  2. Member Fish Boy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Location
    Okauchee, Wisconsin
    Posts
    5,558
    #2
    I've been doing very well with 4mm Fiskas tipped with Beaver tail and also as you mentioned a chubby darter with a piece of beaver tail on the front hook.

  3. Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    MN
    Posts
    3,711
    #3
    I’ve had good luck with the Rippin Raps. To me they really like something falling slowly from about halfway up the water column. And, if you happen to have a camera...use it. Often, for me at least, they wait til the bait hits the bottom and pin it in the mud. You won't feel it til you lift the bait if they haven't rejected it. I think, if you're in an area that has a lot of fish around...a slow falling jig and craw(like 1/8thoz) would work just fine. They really seem to like following stuff to the bottom.