Baits, Lures, and Spinners

When pumpkinseeds are at their spawning nests, they will take almost any lure or bait providing the size is small enough for their small mouths. Larger baits may be attacked by a voracious adult but are not as effective.

There are several tricks to taking pumpkinseed when they move off the spawning nests and begin to search for food. Contrary to popular opinion, they can be selective in their feeding habits. In fact, many anglers fish pumpkinseed to sharpen their skills for trout or bass.

The spin fisherman must learn to vary his retrieve from fast to slow. The spinner must be one which will revolve on a slowly moving line. Number one or two spinners are the correct size. Very often the treble hook used on these small spinners may be too large for the fish to take comfortably. Change it to a single straight-shanked hook. A combination of spinner and small section of worm almost always takes fish.

They may also be caught readily by still-fishing with worms, grasshoppers, and other small natural baits on number eight to ten hooks.

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