Why? Cause they fall into the same family as Red Tails. They are "SPENDY"!!!!! Since they cost a lot, they must catch fish! Right?
I've fished them before, with great success, but unless I was fishing a big-money tourney, I wouldn't purchase them. To be fair in every angle, I would put them up against a good creek chub to really see if there is a difference.
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There's lots of ideas out there floating around about why walleyes, particularly larger walleyes, seem to give willowcats so much attention. A few of the more popular are...
1) willowcats are walleye egg eaters and walleye are programmed to kill them on sight.
2) willowcats give off an irresistable scent (a good willowcat literally oozes mucus off its body) that walleyes find irresistable.
3) willowcats are very durable and fight, thrash and kick on a hook long after other minnow species have given up the ghost. Particularly in warm water.
4) they're a minnow species native to the rivers where we fish and the walleyes are accustomed to feeding on them.
5) they're a large profile bait that appeals to larger walleyes.
For my money, take bits and pieces of all of the possibilities above, and you'll have at least a reason or two for why willowcats have such a following on the big river. Nobody will ever know for sure why they work as well as they do. But they are an incredible bait. They're not magic, they don't work all the time in all circumstances, but there are days where they sure seem to be the best thing going.
-------------------- James Holst - In-Depth Outdoors TV Host IDA Guides Guide Service
Ph. 507-271-0362
I've never used willows...but I can comment on the price. From my understanding they aren't like a regular minnow where a person can put out a trap and have a few dozen or so minnows the next day.
Using waders and scooping through decaying vegetation is not my idea of having a good time. Personally, if everyone had to get willow cats from me...they would be $50. a doz.
Brian, don't know what your time is really worth, but pitch the waders and shuck down to your birthday suit when you wade for the willow cats. That moss sliding along your parts will give you that warm/fuzzy you've been looking for and if you're in the right area, you'll come out with a lot of leeches attached that you can sell also.
Quote: Brian, don't know what your time is really worth, but pitch the waders and shuck down to your birthday suit when you wade for the willow cats. That moss sliding along your parts will give you that warm/fuzzy you've been looking for and if you're in the right area, you'll come out with a lot of leeches attached that you can sell also.
Great......Now in my mind I see an up-right variety of angler fish wading thru a quagmire, wearimg glasses and a devlish smile.
-------------------- Plastics: making better fishermen without bait! Good Fishing Guys!
CT
Willowcats?Why?
