Suckers are a type of freshwater fish. You will find suckers in many rivers, lakes, and streams throughout North America. Plus can be fun and challenging fish to catch for both novice and experienced anglers. In this article, we’ll discuss some tips and techniques to use fishing for suckers.
Use the Right Bait
Suckers are bottom-feeders, so using bait that sinks to the bottom is crucial. Nightcrawlers, corn, and doughball are all good bait options. Research shows suckers do see color. Color may help bring a sucker to your bait. Add a bright plastic bead above the hook, a small one is fine.
- Redworms or nightcrawlers
- Bread, doughballs, or other grain-based baits
- Cheese, Velveeta, or another soft formable cheese
- Small pieces of hot dogs or Slim Jims
- Insects; grasshoppers, maggots, and mealworms
- Small minnows or crayfish.
Suckers do feed on many other baits. Suckers will feed on insects, cheese, bread, and other grain-based baits. Some people use pieces of hot dogs or Slim Jims.
Use the Right Tackle
When it comes to tackle, a simple setup is all you need. A basic spinning rod and reel with a 6-10 lb test line are sufficient. You’ll need a sinker to help your bait sink to and hold on to the bottom also. A size 6-10 hook works well as suckers tend to have small mouths.
A medium or medium light rod is strong enough. The majority of suckers are under 18 inches. If you hook a larger one, it will be a lot of fun on this tackle.
Find the Right Spot
You will find suckers in a variety of habitats. This includes slow-moving rivers, streams, and lakes. Look for areas with rocky or sandy bottoms, as suckers prefer these types of substrates. They can be found in areas with deeper water also.
In spring, suckers will spawn and form large schools. The schools will form near the mouths of streams and areas with sandy bottoms with weed growth. At this time of the year, streams may be full of suckers.
After the spawn, suckers seek thick cover, rocky shorelines, and undercuts along the streams or river banks. Small suckers are prey for larger gamefish. Suckers are often in areas with or near carp.
Be Patient Fishing for Suckers
Suckers can be finicky eaters, so it’s important to be patient when fishing for suckers. Set your bait and wait for the sucker to take it. Avoid constantly reeling in and casting, as this can scare off the fish. Check the bait at 25 to 40-minute intervals. A sucker tends to hit sooner than this time if feeding.
Suckers have powerful suction abilities. Do not allow the fish hit too long. They will swallow the hook. As a result, they can be difficult to unhook, so using pliers or a hook remover tool can be helpful. In some instances, you need to cut the line and leave the hook. A fish will expel and hook in a short time.
Suckers can also be caught for use as bait for larger game fish, such as catfish, northern pike, and muskies. Using a small hook and a piece of worm or dough bait can be effective in catching suckers for this purpose.
The techniques work for catching large chubs also. Chubs make excellent bait for larger predators. Chubs and suckers are common in many waterways. These fish are typical prey for predators. As a result, they make very good bait.
Conclusion
In conclusion, catching suckers can be a fun and rewarding experience for anglers of all levels. By using the right bait and tackle and finding the right spot. Then being patient, and handling the fish carefully. You can successfully catch suckers in your local waters.