cotton Posted July 28, 2005 Report Share Posted July 28, 2005 just looking at all the swimbait choices, I noticed a curious lack of detailed shiners...since huge bass, stocked trout, and California all go together, its not surprising at all the detailed trout baits. But Castaic makes or made shad baits (both threadfin and gizzard), and sunfish in two sizes and a small crappie. Mr. Matt makes tru to life sunfishes in 4 species and bass in 4 species. Its just strange to me that shiners (now I'm talking detailed look alike baits, not just trouts colored differently) weren't ever done. Are shiners just not a very good bait in California? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattlures Posted July 28, 2005 Report Share Posted July 28, 2005 I think the biggest reason is you can buy and use live shiners. Trout, bluegill, and baby bass are illegal and will get you a hefty ticket. Huddleston makes a hitch/shiner color. Its about $42 after shipping . It is a very good bait. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cotton Posted July 28, 2005 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2005 we can use bluegill here as long as they're caught on hook and line. I see your point about live bait, my problem is 1. catching shiners big enough and 2. being able to control them. I like the hitch colors, and the gold ayu's; those trout baits, while being very lifelike, don't imitate a shiner as well as I'd like...they're a little wider. I don't know if that makes any difference to a bass on this side of the Mississippi, but they see alot of shiners and no trout. I think I'm going to pursue a shiner bait that will "match the hatch" a little better, as it were. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...