Fishing Tips: How To Catch Sauger

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Sauger
Moderate, up to 10 lbs.
Medium rods and jigs or live bait.
Low to moderate.
Moderate, less known than Walleye
Specific rivers and lakes.
Uncommon

More photos of Sauger.

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Sauger, a close relative of the Walleye, are prized for their challenging catch and excellent taste. These fish are primarily found in river systems and large lakes, preferring sandy or rocky bottoms with moderate currents. Sauger are known for their light sensitivity and tend to feed more actively during overcast days, dawn, and dusk.

Techniques such as vertical jigging, trolling with crankbaits, and drifting with live bait are highly effective for catching Sauger.

Baits For Catching Sauger:
Berkley Gulp! Minnow
Berkley Gulp! Minnow

Soft plastic baits come in many shapes and sizes, imitating worms, grubs, and other small aquatic ...

Soft plastic baits come in many shapes and sizes, imitating worms, grubs, and other small aquatic creatures. The Berkley Gulp! Minnow is favored by anglers for its lifelike scent and movement, making it particularly effective for walleye. Soft plastics can be rigged in numerous ways, including Texas rig, Carolina rig, or on a jighead, allowing them to be fished in various environments and conditions. Their lifelike texture and movement make them appealing to fish.

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Mepps Aglia
Mepps Aglia

Inline spinners are compact lures with a spinning blade attached directly to the lure's body....

Inline spinners are compact lures with a spinning blade attached directly to the lure's body. The Mepps Aglia is renowned for its consistent flash and vibration, attracting fish from a distance. Inline spinners are particularly effective in streams and rivers but can also be used in lakes and ponds. Their simplicity and effectiveness make them a staple in many tackle boxes.

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Minnows
Minnows

Minnows are small freshwater fish used extensively as live bait due to their natural appeal to a v...

Minnows are small freshwater fish used extensively as live bait due to their natural appeal to a variety of game fish. They are typically hooked through the lips or behind the dorsal fin, allowing them to swim naturally and attract predators. Their lively movements and natural scent make them irresistible to many species, including bass, trout, and crappie.

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Nightcrawlers
Nightcrawlers

Nightcrawlers, a type of earthworm, are highly effective live bait due to their natural scent and ...

Nightcrawlers, a type of earthworm, are highly effective live bait due to their natural scent and movement. They are commonly used for a wide range of fish species. When hooked correctly, they wriggle enticingly in the water, drawing the attention of nearby fish. Nightcrawlers can be used in various fishing environments, from freshwater lakes to rivers.

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Rapala Shad Rap
Rapala Shad Rap

The Rapala Shad Rap is designed to dive to specific depths, making it ideal for targeting fish at ...

The Rapala Shad Rap is designed to dive to specific depths, making it ideal for targeting fish at different levels in the water column. It creates a wobbling action that mimics injured baitfish, triggering predatory strikes from species like walleye, bass, and pike. Available in various sizes, colors, and patterns, the Rapala Shad Rap is a versatile lure that can be used in many fishing environments.

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More Thoughts on Baits: Choosing the right bait for Sauger involves considering the water conditions and what natural prey is present in the environment. Jigs and live bait can be particularly effective in colder water temperatures, while crankbaits work well when Sauger are active and hunting in deeper waters.

Gear To Use For Catching Sauger:

Gear Type Specifications Purpose
Rod/Reel Medium-light to medium action rod with a spinning or baitcasting reel. Suitable for the precise jigging techniques often used for Sauger.
Line 6-10 lb test monofilament or braided line. Provides sensitivity and strength for detecting bites and battling Sauger.
Hook Size 4-8 hooks, depending on the bait size. Appropriate for the size of baits used and the Sauger’s mouth.
Weights Necessary to keep baits near the bottom. Helps in maintaining the right depth, especially in current.

More Thoughts on Gear:

Using the right gear is crucial, especially when employing techniques like vertical jigging, which requires sensitivity to feel the bite and strength to set the hook firmly. The setup should also handle the abrasive nature of the environments Sauger often inhabit, such as areas with heavy cover or rocky bottoms.

Best Time Of Year To Catch / Weather Conditions:
The best times to catch Sauger are in late fall, winter, and early spring. During these colder months, Sauger tend to move into deeper river channels or lake structures, making them more predictable and easier to target.

Most Active Feeding Times: Sauger are most active during low-light conditions such as early morning and late evening, and they can also be more active during overcast days. This is due to their sensitivity to light, which influences their feeding behavior.

How To Identify If You Caught Sauger: Sauger typically have a more elongated body compared to their cousin, the Walleye. They are characterized by a series of dark saddle-like markings across their back and a lack of the distinctive white tip on the lower lobe of the tail fin that is seen in Walleye. Sauger also have smaller eyes and a more dorsal fin rays. For more detailed identification or to confirm your catch, you can consult local fishing guides or use resources like the Catchpedia Fish Identifier.