Quote Originally Posted by Red Childress View Post
I quit using livebait (especially for muskies) about 15 years ago. Finding/catching/transporting/babysitting big bait was just too much work. The times I did go catch it with hook and line, the largest stuff I could get was 7-8". With stuff that small, it did not really matter if I was rigged with a quick-strike rig or circle hook because they would usually inhale it before I could set the hook. Around that time, new rubber baits were hitting the market and my catches actually went up. I was covering more water hunting active fish instead of hanging around an area waiting for a grab. My clients got more enjoyment out of 'running and gunning' plus it was safer for the fish.

For me, it is not worth the risk of the fish just to put one in the net. If I had access to 12-18" suckers, I may have a little different view.
I totally agree the quickstrike rigs ae not worth using on 6-8 inch chubs suckers and they are all so big its gawddy looking with smaller bait anyways. Im about where you are with this Red and giving up on the Live bait for now unless I find access to bigger suckers 8 inch plus atleast...Do you know any bait shops that actually carry suckers? I dont mind traveling as I can grab a few and store in my tank any advice greatly appreciated