How much bait to bring?

[devio]

Heading up for opening weekend for the first time, I was told that the bait shop in Kipawa can run out of leeches when it is busy, so I was planning on buying some on the way up. There will be three of us fishing for 2.5 days. Probably using a mixture of leeches and worms. Thinking about 4 doz of each. What do you guys think?

Thanks

[Jay Thomas]

Water temperatures below 50 degrees F can impact how well leeches work as bait. Sometimes cold water temperatures cause leeches to curl right around the hook instead of stretching out behind the hook. Perhaps fishermen with experience fishing the opener will chime in.

As for crawlers, three guys could burn through 4 dozen crawlers during one great night bite. I'd be taking at least 100 crawlers (last thing you want to do is run out of bait).

Jay

[RHYBAK]

I haven't called yet but Leeches may not even be available yet.

If you do go to Kipawa bait, I would call and reserve. That way you don't have to stop at every baitshop on route looking for some  1-819-627-3595

If you're local ( Ontario or Quebec) you can always keep your left over leeches and use them on other fishing trips.
I bring my leftovers home and use them at the cottage.

[devio]

Thanks again Jay, I will have to dedicate any fish I catch to you, you have been an immense help.I didn't even realize about leeches not being very effective in the cold water. And thanks for the numbers tip as well.

Great idea RHYBAK, I remember going up to Nippissing a few years ago and a lot of places were out along HWY 11.  Are leeches normally not available in May?

I have never fished with leeches, so I apologize for my lack of leech knowledge.

Thanks