Live Bait Set Up?

[gobblergetter]

I normally fish artifical bait. What size split shot and hook do you think I should use fishing minnows and/or crickets for bass? I'll be bank fishing in 8-12-15 ft water. There have been some 9-11 lb bass caught out of the pond I'll be fishing on minnows. I've caught some 5-6 lbers myself so I know there are big fish there. I just don't know what rig to set up with. I want to stay away from pan's although I'm sure they would be fun. Is there anyway to rig up that would favor bass over pan's?

[Redlined]

If you're worried about panfish bothering you, just up the size of the bait to where they'll leave it alone. I'd try a 4-6" chub or bluegill hooked through the back on a slip bobber about 3-5' deep. Use a hook big enough to get the job done, I'd say 5/0 would work. A big bass will eat a whole lot larger fish than a lot of folks think. I've caught farm pond bass in the 4lb. range with hand sized bluegills sticking out of their throats. On that same note, I've caught bass at the lake that have coughed up shad at boatside that would make you wonder how they ever ate them in the first place.................