Live bait question

[Modest_Man]

I've been told that the 5 spot cichilds are one of the tucs favorite live baits. Up till now I've been using livebearers and small (2") talipia that I catch with a dip net.

Well, today I went out and caught about a dozen 5 spots, but they're pretty large. They range from 3" to about 6", with 4-5" being the average.

I've not used live bait this size for tucs, and was wondering if they'd be ok, and how I can catch smaller 5 spots. I used a size 18 hook and a wee bit of worm with 2lb test, but the big ones always got there first.

Right bait or not, I'll be out there most of the day tomorrow by the boat launch. No class, whoo!

[OO7:BASSINASSASSIN]

I do not use live bait, but the best way to find out, is to just try. Good luck! How is the water? Is it maxed out? Is it clean? Fishing usually gets a little tough when the water rises suddenly.

[leoric]

Is this the 5-spot cichlid that you're talking about?

[Modest_Man]

Yes, that's it. Hemichroms elongatus, I believe (DUH, look at the photo!). Also known as 5 star general and 5 spot cichlid.

[Modest_Man]

Well, took out the smallest 6 ranging from 3"-5". Caught 2 largemouth, one about a pound and one about 3lbs. Also caught a larger 2-3lb tuc, all right by the boat launch. So, the larger baits do work.

[skunked]

Congrats on catching not one, but two bass in one day, and near the boat ramp no less! I would be happy if I caught a single largemouth. Haven't caught one in years. If it wasn't for the internet and TV, I would have forgotten what they look like! Yeah, you'd be surprised at the size of the baits that you can use, especially for largemouths because they have, well, um LARGE MOUTHS.