This is the BEST BAIT FOR BLUEGILLS. CATCH MORE BLUEGILLS

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

To purchase HOOKS, SINKERS, BOBBERS - amzn.to/3x5WHAz

[@AmazinFireMan]

Cool. Very cool, especially the advice on stayin away from leeches that cannot be rehabilitated!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Thanks Gordon, KPO.

[@ibdaffy]

As always, superb video Mr. Knetter. The children are angels and they already know how to fish! Excellent!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Thank you! We do have a lot of fun, KPO.

[@Makete100]

I hope we are going to be seeing more of your wife this coming fishing season. She is so funny and cute. She makes a great addition to your intelligence. Can't wait after enjoying all your hunting videos.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

She will be involved no doubt. Thanks for the comment, KPO.

[@hodagtrapper4167]

Shout out from Rhinelander, WI. Go Hodags! Nice video and the bluegills still love leeches around here!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

I noticed the screen name from your other comment. As you heard in the video I have some history with Rhinelander. First of all, I was born there, but moved to the U.P. shortly after. Both of my Grandpas retired from the paper mill in Rhinelander. One set of grandparents lived right across the road from the Moens lake access. So I fished Moens lake some as a kid. They also owned a camp on Flannery lake and I think I caught million 4 inch bluegills from the dock there. My other grandparents had a house on the Wisconsin River between the paper mill dam and Hodag park. So me and my dad would fish that area of the river every time we visited. Caught my first musky there. I also have an uncle that has a summer house on the river in that area too. Still visit once in a while. Thanks for the comment, KPO.

[@hodagtrapper4167]

@@KnettersPracticalOutdoors Thanks for the reply! My wife and I live west of Rhinelander on Hwy K next to the US Forest Service Research Station. Own a plumbing business. Fish Boom Lk often but my real love is the Willow Flowage. Keep up the great videos as they are a joy to watch! Chris

[@terrymiller111]

Bluegills love anything they can fit in their little damn mouths.

[@kharmsengine]

Man... there were so many leeches of all kinds when I was a kid spending the summer in a village in the USSR. NJ is full of swamps but for some reason I've never seen any leeches. One thing for sure, buying them is way beyond my means. The whole bait situation around my parts is just depressing, had to start a nightcrawler farm cause I got sick of going to stores just to see an empty fridge, Anyway that's enough rambling, I am now thoroughly addicted to your channel and I'm learning something new on each video. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Thanks for all the support!

[@scottdowns2934]

This was a great video. Never thought about all that. Can’t wait to try this over here in Mercer this spring. Thanks !

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Try them and let me know how they work out, KPO.

[@kyleigh2643]

Thanks for the tip about leeches! Never tried them for Bluegill before or for anything for that matter

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Try them and thanks for watching, KPO.

[@j.j.savalle4714]

Great video. You're spot on with leeches! A great bait.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

I love leeches, KPO.

[@jessemedinajr1485]

I've from you in your past videos and have had a blast thanks to your tips. 👍

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Thanks for checking in Jesse. Also thanks for watching, KPO.

[@jessemedinajr1485]

@@KnettersPracticalOutdoors My pleasure your channel has made me a better angler. Thanks KPO please keep the tips coming. Hopefully you put some content out for spring spawning season for panfish. Those are tasty and not to many other channels (hint hint)zone in on it. I'm pretty sure you will get many views.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

@@jessemedinajr1485 Noted! Thanks, KPO.

[@craigb9489]

Good info, thanks Dave!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You're welcome Craig, KPO.

[@richardkeith6822]

Enjoyed the video very much! I've never used a leech for bait but I'm planning on giving them a try! God bless you and stay safe!👍

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Thanks, you too!

[@mikemorton7135]

Great video, I’ve never used leaches. I’m interested in trying. Thank you for the video

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You’re welcome 😊

[@genepenninger879]

Good video and good idea, I'll put a Catalpa worm turned inside out on a hook anytime. I know they're seasonal they can be frozen. I raise them. Plus anything in the water comes running..

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Very cool

[@wniner8194]

No bluegills here but leeches are my go to bait for walleye. Thanks for another entertaining and informative video!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You are welcome, KPO.

[@tracyhaynes5404]

Assuming you're in north America bluegills or other sunfish species are in practically every state with maybe the exception of Alaska

[@wniner8194]

@@tracyhaynes5404 Saskatchewan is in North America. No bluegills here. Yellow perch yes bluegills no.

[@tracyhaynes5404]

@@wniner8194 you're not missing anything then. The taste of them is practically the same as walleye and yellow perch. It's that slightly salty, almost sweet, but not overly fishy or oily. I bet you get some big perch up there. I'm an hour south of Lake Michigan and my biggest perch ever caught was under a half pound and maybe 9 inches long, under a quarter kilo and 25 cm if you're not familiar with imperial measurements

[@wniner8194]

@@tracyhaynes5404 great something to look forward to. Maybe I can head south or east and try some! When it comes to fishing and eating I would like to try one of everything! Regards

[@russellsherwood2315]

I never thought about leeches, thank you for the tips

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You are so welcome!

[@herbertd.fischer2789]

Great informative video Thank you I've never tried leaches

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You should!

[@onlydansx]

What i've been using is plastics actually. The bobby garland baby shad 1 1/2 inch on a really small jighead. like 1/32. and then i use a rocket bobber. I get instant bites on some slabs.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

very cool

[@paulnokio1199]

Tough to beat the action of a properly hooked leach. Another fun fact about Aberdeen's is that they are designed to rust out in a short period of time meaning throat hooked gills you can just cut the line instead of damaging small fish by doing surgery. Good video and Solid presentation. We should fish this summer

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Thanks for adding that in Paul, KPO.

[@RetiredRick]

awsum video ,thanks love bluegill fishing

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@catfishstalkeroutdoorswith530]

Thanks for the video!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You are welcome, KPO.

[@jasonhinson3812]

Grass hoppers work great!!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You got that right!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Also good for brook trout.

[@N5LRZ]

RE pulling the deer--should have remembered that before you pulled the trigger when you were miles in the woods without your 4 wheeler

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

It's all good.

[@kurtstewart4638]

Thanks for video but in iowa where am I gonna get leeches let alone find a bait shop

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

20 years ago or so I was fishing a lot more than I do now. Like over 200 days a year. I used to order leeches on-line by the pound. They keep real easy in the refrigerator. Just change out the water once a week and they last a long time. Something to consider if you really want to try leeches. Thanks for watching, KPO.

[@RaymondBCrisp]

To be fair, the best bait is the one they are biting at the time. I've had them bite on crickets, and ignore literally everything else. Then I've had them only want worms, and the crickets just drown on the hooks, uneaten. I've found they really like Mr. Twister grubs too, which are somewhat like leeches in appearance. Moral of the story, fish can be fickle eaters! Edit: After watching The African Queen as a kid, and seeing all those leeches stuck to Bogey after he got the boat off the sandbar, I don't think I could bring myself to touch one!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You are right, many baits work. Thanks for adding in.

[@RaymondBCrisp]

@@KnettersPracticalOutdoors Thanks for putting up cool fishing vids! Nice to watch when I can't get out to wet a line.

[@roberthodge2771]

DO NOT take them to any body of water that does Not have them as a native population !

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

cool

[@izolarobinson6088]

I'm going to the bait shop today and get some just to see for myself if it works or not wish me luck.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

They work and good luck!

[@K31swiss]

Wasp larvae is the best I’ve found. Procuring it can be a little precarious.

[@markmason6869]

Never a shortage of wasps around SE Oklahoma 👍

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

I bet those do work great.

[@johnhutchinson5398]

I take some dog food and put it in a five gallon bucket and keep it damp really good and check it every day till the flies lay their eggs and when the magets get grown I pour it on a screen and wash all the dog food off and clean them and add some dry corn meal to get them kinda dry. Blue gill will tear these up on a number six hook. Never failed on filling my ice chest up with some big gills.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

That's a good idea!

[@davegiambrone7974]

I'll stick 2 crickets n night crawlers

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

That'll catch a bunch of bluegills too, KPO.

[@tomnelson5476]

I've always had good luck with leaches.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Yes sir!

[@bryanjones14]

If I had a nickel for every time I've heard " it's hard to get wiggle out of something that small " pfffft

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

No you didn't go there LOL!

[@Enginewhine]

leaches always a good call..my grandfather handed down to me 55 years ago the awesome bluegill bait, white crickets, cant be beat..we walk through cow pastures and flip over dried cow pies and collect the crickets...WHITE works best, promise.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

I don't doubt that.

[@benr4643]

I have caught my biggest panfish on leeches so I'm a believer.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

They work don't they, KPO.

[@dennisprah223]

Leeches are good, and pretty much easily obtainable, BUT if you can get a hold of hellgrammites, or wigglers, I think you might be surprised.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

I don't doubt that at all, KPO.

[@davidrobinson7209]

Leeches are excellent bait but i have plenty of hellgramites in the rivers and streams around my place but I used both

[@peoriaos6627]

My ex-wife was a leech. I wish I saw this sooner.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Sorry to hear that. Well just catch a bunch of gills and live your best life.

[@bonniewoods5602]

I really hate to disagree with you but I have found live crickets outfish leeches 5 to 1.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Bonnie, if that is what you have experienced I would never try to change your mind. I will admit I haven't used crickets in any kind of comparison with leeches so I cannot sight any hard data to back up my claim. Thanks for the input. I may have to use crickets more, KPO.

[@johnnyballgame7339]

Agreed...crickets hands down.

[@judyperkins6784]

Where can I buy leeches from?

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Judy, if they aren't at the local bait shop there are some on-line options, KPO.

[@alexfelice4676]

Didn't know this was The Red Green Show

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

I get that sometimes. Thanks for watching, KPO.

[@aj-ig6mg]

Woolly Bugger on a fly rod puts everything to shame for blue gill.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

And it's more fun too right?

[@JoelBrothers]

The best bait for bluegills is Red Wiggler worms, hand-down.

[@richardpeterson3753]

depends on the water.sometimes in areas that people are constantly feeding ducks,bread and dough can be highly effective.if you think about it,constant food source is introduced,they get pretty used to it and often follow the dumb ducks for the left overs lol.

[@JoelBrothers]

@@richardpeterson3753 Yeah. What they are used to works the best, but overall, worms have always worked best for me as the most consistent bait. Actually, they bite nightcrawlers even better, but they can also get them off the hook easier, so I use red wigglers most of the time. It is a lot harder for them to steal the bait. Another great bait is live crickets, but be prepared to lose a lot of them because bluegill can slurp them off the hook just a shade faster than instantly.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

It is tough to beat a worm, KPO.

[@bcdwalleye6242]

Great practical tip!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Thank you very much, KPO.

[@timothymacdonald7946]

What brand of boat is that you are fishing from with family members?

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Crestliner Fishawk 16.5

[@bradbrockhaus633]

"down" to Rhinelander? Where is home base? Love the video

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Upper Michigan, thanks for watching, KPO.

[@btwarner2124]

Fish fry video next? Nice Gill's

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Sometime this summer we will.

[@btwarner2124]

@@KnettersPracticalOutdoors great video.

[@joe1071]

Catching some slabs!

[@michaelduncan2151]

A piece of bacon cut length wise part meat part fat ... Works pretty good...as well...!!! I was "nicknamed"...Perch Killer by a Damn Good Bass Fisherman....!!! When I was 6 we used to catch a number 3 wash tub almost half full of Bluegills/Bream ....!!!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

I have heard that bacon works good.

[@peggyparrow2059]

Like your video you dont waste my time you cut to the chase

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Peggy, thanks for the feedback. I hope this helps you catch a few more gills, KPO.

[@rider660r]

I don't buy live leeches and I don't think anywhere here sells them,but they did when I was a kid.I don't use any live bait but worms that I use just to tip all my jigs,lures,etc. for scent. I make my own artificial leeches and once the material I use is waterlogged the action of it is the closest thing you can get to live ones with the minimalist amount of movement from your rod or float.Fish go nuts over them. When I'm fishing the last thing I want to catch are bass though,they're not really worth a thing,not even to eat.They're nuisance as they'll bite anything that moves whether they're hungry or not and thus not even a challenge.Behind Bluegill they're the easiest thing to catch but at least Gills are good eating although I prefer eating Rock Bass out of most any freshwater fish.

[@jeffbrund]

We do not have leeches in San Diego so I’m clueless…..but do the waters out there all have leeches or are you potentially infesting them? Just curious.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Leeches are common by me, KPO.

[@jeffbrund]

@@KnettersPracticalOutdoors Oh got it…..kinda gross lil dudes lol. Thanks for the info.

[@davidfredenburg8283]

I'VE KNOWN ABOUT LEACHES SENCE I WAS A KID👍 I HAD 2 OLDER BROTHERS! THEY WERE MARRIED, THEN GOT DIVORCED 👍🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣✌️😎

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Nice, KPO.

[@662eck]

I have never seen them in the Southern Bait shops. Can I get them?

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

They can be ordered online but check your states regulations first.

[@ericmarks6322]

You think so........have you ever tried a used menthol cigarette filter? I've caught bigger and more bluegill on them than any other bait. Try it sometime.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

In the lakes I fish, the bluegills prefer unfiltered Camels, they are hardcore. LOL! Seriously I will keep that in mind, very interesting. Thanks.

[@SlashinRound]

Where I come from worms and crawlers are free.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Leeches can be too if you catch them yourself. But many pay money for all their bait.

[@rockyesan7029]

My favorite bait are cricket and shrimp only for bluegills and catfish.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

I bet those do work good.

[@jameskelley841]

in my opinion i think slimjims work good. you get some out of your cabnet put it on a hook and get some big eater bluegill.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

I have never heard of Slim Jims being used. I may have to try it! Thanks for adding in, KPO.

[@drewandcharlie7583]

Red worms. Dont listen to this guy. Leeches work for large bluegill, but for panfish in general, crickets wax worms and red worms

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

"Don't listen to this guy?" Isn't that a little harsh? We live in a society! LOL! I know all those things you mentioned are great for bluegills too. Thanks for adding in.

[@davidbass7593]

Crickets work well too

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

I bet they do!

[@Tide12NC]

English red worms 💯

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

I don't doubt it.

[@anthonyking2540]

Several worms on a hook no lead weight or bobber, zebco 33

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

That set up has caught a billion gillion gills.

[@survivortechharold6575]

we all don't have access to leeches. try small salamanders

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Small salamanders are easier to get than leeches where you live! That seems crazy to me, KPO.

[@reasonisgood]

You claim in your video that certain leaches are (your words, not mine) are 'rogue and rebellious' and it's best to just move on.... Have you done anything to rehabilitate those leaches so they were more willing bait? When it comes to catching blue gills for dinner it's important to remember that all leach lives matter....LOVE YOUR VIDEOS bro!! Keep it up!! I find myself on your channel when I'm stressed and wishing I had more time away to enjoy the outdoors.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

LOL! Thanks so much for that comment!

[@robertwoodman7588]

I'll stick to worms, my best live bait

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Can't go wrong there either.

[@charleywalker2982]

👍

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

thanks

[@pistolpetepeterson]

You made some good points but you didnt make 1 that should be obvious. Worms are terrestrial, Leeches are aquatic. so while you are just drowning worms the leeches are at home. I have never used leeches. I'm just getting back into fishing after a medical issue has taken me out of work. and my personal go to bait has been nightcrawlers cut to about an inch or so long. not only does it get them wiggling good but the black brown color would probably remind a fish of a leech.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Great point. You really can't go wrong with crawlers either. Hope your health is improving, KPO.

[@RoosterCogburn2112]

Salmon eggs

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

interesting!

[@joepeters716]

Bread.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

I used it as a kid!

[@joepeters716]

@@KnettersPracticalOutdoors haha I still use it. Works every time.

[@michaellake5269]

Waxworms.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Also, true

[@fishgrubspinners6762]

Nice, your killing Camaros sales.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Nah, Ronnie has leeches too, KPO.

[@Baronbackpacker]

I've killed em on cheap raw bacon👍

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

I've heard bacon works.

[@nathanielpenn1794]

Too much talk. Just the facts Sir

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Noted Nate.

[@scott-o3345]

I refuse to accept that leeches can't be rehabilitated. No leech left behind, is my campaign promise to all of you.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

LOL! Thanks for the comment, KPO.

[@pawcrawlowens8730]

Keep em all

[@Cuspidor-spit-n-more]

I don’t know where you are but I was raised in and area in Florida where leaches were everywhere in the lakes. Most people would not you or catch them because they suck your blood and are awful hard to get off. I now live in Texas and I’ve never seen anyone with them. I wish they were I’d like to try it. I noticed you were throwing them back, you don’t eat them, they are game fish ever where I’ve been and are the best tasting fish there is, in my opinion. Let me know what state you are in.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

I'm in Michigan. We do actually keep bluegills sometimes and yes I agree they are excellent! The thumb nail for this video is actually my boat's livewell with several hours of fish cleaning in it.

[@Cuspidor-spit-n-more]

@@KnettersPracticalOutdoors with what I saw it would be nice to have a fish cleaner. There’s one, don’t remember it’s name now but with the obvious success you’re having, I think It would be worth buying one. You just drop a few in and about five minutes later you take them out and do the rest and it’s on to the fryer. I live in Irving texas and live on a lake, there’s about 242, 000 people living in the city and I’d say 93/98% don’t even know it’s here, which is great. It’s totally owned by we who live on it’s shoreline and no one can use it only by invitation, it has a legal requirement to electric motors only up to a certain size. I haven’t been out on for maybe three years, shame on me. tT reason I ask what state you live in I wanted to see if I came could take me on some of those lakes, guess that’s off, to far to drive, anyway from one fisherman to another keep chunking there’s always one out there somewhere.