Help for a first time sauger trip!

[Moon~Shaun]

I have never been sauger fishing and thinking about going this weekend. Now I have no idea wait to use as of bait, I have read live minnows, blade baits and cranks but other than that I am clueless. Juts want to hit the bait and leave the boat at home. What do you all suggest as far as bait and technique if there is one ha ha. I would appreciate any tips.
Thanks, Moon

[peter]

Haven't been in a number of years but here is what I used to do at McAlpine Dam in Louisville and in front of the spill way at Wold Creek Dam. Mainly fished from a boat. Spinning rod, 6-8 lb line to minimize current drift,
crappie hook with a 8" leader and minnow then barrel swivel then barrel sinker quarter to half oz depending on current.--- or you can just use a quarter oz jig tipped with a minnow or plastic grub. Minnows work best for me as hookups are easier.
Let your rig down to bottom and crank up 6". When you feel a hit open your bail and let the fish run with the bait for 8-15 seconds whatever is working that day--then sweep your rod up. You can also use a 1-2 inch spoon. Weight depending on what it takes to keep your line straight down. In current a 1 oz lead spoon works well.
I would fish in 30' of water a lot at McAlpine and that was the deepest in the area.

If you don't get bites within 5 minutes move a little.

Fishing from the bank I guess the jig would be best to reduce hang ups. Just try to swim it hear the bottom. The best thing to do is watch the people around you and ask the the ones catching fish questions.

[Moon~Shaun]

Thanks Peter I am going to head to ky river by highbridge and give it a try thanks for the tips

[smljaw]

Try 3" white or chartruce grubs as well. 1/4 oz jighead is usually heavy enough up in the KY River current unless it's really rolling... I hear the KY River is pretty muddy right now. I'd check that out before you go. Good luck!

[peter]

There is also a recent post on here with some winter sauger tips

http://www.fishin.com/forums2/showthread.php?t=84870

I posted this from my iPhone while lounging on couch.
The board is pretty easy to use on the iPhone. Actually it is an iPad touch-iPhone without the phone-connects to internet through wireles router (wifi)