If this ever got off the ground I would be willing to work for bait and tackle!

I took the gloves out because there was no reachable water, and I didn’t want to stink the rest of the day.

Briank:
I made a few clicking sounds at the mouse, and it turned around for the camera. I couldn’t believe the little guy.

I went out on Calhoun/Cedar/Isles yesterday, and didn’t catch anything. As soon as I catch something I will be sure to add photos

Hey guys,

I took your advice, and hit the river with new gear in hand! I went down to Hidden Falls, and played up and down the shore, using the bottom rig suggested, baited with night crawlers, and three inch minnows. I also tried the crawlers on 3/4oz jig heads of a few different colors. I tried for a couple hours, but even though I could see fish jumping around me, I didn’t even get a nibble.

I got a larger spinner, a buzz bait, and a skitter popper today as well, so I think I may try those out tomorrow, but for the moment I am disheartened.

I would say your post pretty much sums it up. Thank you very much.

Do you have any recommendations for a good bait shop as close to Minneapolis as possible?

Great tips everyone! I think my plan of attack will be getting a bottom rig going, and searching out some suckers/bullheads.

How much is a guide for one day? I might be able to swing it once.

Is the goal of the slip sinker to allow my bait to float naturally, while keeping the line close to me? Also, when fishing by this method should I cast for mid-stream or stick to the edges? Then finally, is there an effective way of catching suckers/bullheads, so I can avoid a trip to a bait shop?

Thank you for the advice, and for tolerating all the questions.

I have heard of cut bait, but I am unsure of what exactly it is. I know some people like whole, or parts of bullhead for bait. Could you use small gills as cut bait or is that not how it works?

First of all, thank you to everyone for the great advice. It’s refreshing to see a community that is willing to help others.

I have tried river fishing a little bit. I have been to hidden falls park in St. Paul a few times, and found that just before sundown I can always catch a few carp with a night crawler on a plain hook. Other than the few carp, I haven’t had any luck on the river, with the exception of a random small mouth.

To give you guys an idea of what I’m working with I wanted to detail my gear. I have a 6’6″ Shimano FD4000 spinning combo, with 20# Power Pro strung on. As far as lures go, I have a few spoons, from really small up to 3/4oz, a dressed spinner size 4, a smaller X-rap and a rattling-suspending Rapala shad. I also have a small variety of soft baits, a popper, and a pumpkin seed Scumfrog.

I hope this information can help with advice.