What to do when?

[REX1]

You keep finding little ones?

So you go out fishing and have found tons of little perch or walleye. Catch a ton and doesnt seem to be any larger ones in the bunch. Go deeper? Shallower? What do you guys think.

Thanks

[SalmonSlayer]

My Grandpa told me this when I was little and whenever I deviate I end up kicking myself, "Never leave fish to find fish." If I'm catching small ones, I'll switch to a larger lure/bait or try to get deeper in the water column. Sunday I was having a tough time getting past the 6" crappies to the 10 and 11's that were 6-8 feet deeper...that said, I'm easily amused and am happy as long as they're stretching the line...so take it for what it's worth.

[Chris Barlage]

I think the "dont look for fish when you are catching" hold true. As long as you are catching the ones/size you are looking for. To answer your question I think that it is always a good idea to start shallow and work you way deeper. Early ice I try to hook up with the fish where I left them in the fall. Also looking at the dnr's lake reports to see what they have found in the lake helps so you know if you have a chance at the size you seek. Drill, drill, and drill some more. If you look you will find.

[simple1]

I am more likely to move the earlier I am into the Ice season. Also, I will try switching tactics in the same spot and see if that works. Sometimes moving has produced and sometimes not. Its a mixed bag.

[Rippinlip]

If that is all I can find is small ones, I may shift around a bit to see if the bigger ones might be relating to other areas.

If I am fishing deep, I will try to get closer to or on top of the break and visa versa.

When it comes to some panfish they will stack in an area like a christmas tree where the little agressive ones will be towards the top and the bigger and lazier fish will be towards the bottom, then its a matter of what was already posted go bigger with your presentations and get through the smaller ones.

Also by going bigger the less chance the smaller ones will attack the bait.

[SDS]

If the small fish are feeding the larger fish should be in the area fedding as well. It might be a couple of days in that exact location before the fish you are seeking swims through. If I felt confident in that location I would fish that same spot but set up a tip up either shallower or deeper or both if you have another person and see what happens.

[Stick in Mud]

I don't know if my experience is any help, but I'll post it anyways.

I fish on Mille Lacs almost every weekend in the winter, and we always fish shallow on the rocks during low light periods. These places are LOADED with dinky perch all day...and it can be annoying fishing there before the fish come in. But then you see the flasher screen go empty, and you know with certainty there's a fish in the area. I love seeing little fish....for what I do, it's the best bet to finding the bigger ones.

I don't know if this will work for you, but maybe if you wait until "prime time," the big fish will swim through chasing the fish that are bothering you on.

[reinhard1]

the shallow rock areas are prime during low light hours. my wife and i stayed in a rented house out of Lybacks one year and they put us in 12 feet of water. they told us that during the day we would get perch but just when the sun sets to be ready for a rush of walleys. they could not have been more accurate. we had four lines down and for about a half hour we could not keep up with four so we just had two down. then just as fast as the action started it ended in about an hour completly. we ended up keeping none, but had a lot of fun. all were over the slot at the time. weeded out some perch and had some for a couple of meals during the day. good luck.

[Chaws]

In the winter everything is starting to school together so the big ones should be in the area too. I've always gone by the montra of if you're catching a lot of little fish and no big fish yet, use a BIGGER BAIT! That'll keep the little ones off long enough for the big ones to come take a look.

[Jim Uran]

Switch tactics and size of bait and presentation!

If that still doesn't produce, them yes, move...

If you aren't satisfied catching the little guys go hunt for the big guys, they'll be in the same area.

[Crappiechopper]

Switch tactics and size of bait and presentation!

If that still doesn't produce, them yes, move...

If you aren't satisfied catching the little guys go hunt for the big guys, they'll be in the same area.

+1 But be prepared to catch fewer fish.