Lessons Learned This Season

[aaron otto]

Spent a lot of time so far this winter trying to become a better angler. Among the lessons learned on this site, from fellow anglers, and time spent on the ice I've tried to boil it down to a few key focus items which can raise my chances to put fish on the ice. By no means has this newb figured much of anything out. However, in a meager attempt to share a few things worthy, hopefully I can convince a couple others who have picked up a few tactics that have worked well to share too.

1. Have a pre-game plan

a. Map out the Lake

b. Mark target areas on the Lake Map to attack

2. Execute the plan

a. Drill holes in grid - I have been drilling around 25-50, but as of last week looks like I will drill less. Saw the real deal drill holes last weekend: seems less is more here.

b. Don't spend more than a few minutes on holes with fish in them if they're not eating.

c. Move, Move, and Move

3. Plastics are as simple as the confidence to use them.

4. Fish are simple, we make it complicated. Follow the food source. I will be honest, and have a long ways to figure this one out. But trust the guy who told me this was important. Going to follow it through.

5. Lake Map Software is critical.

6. Don't pay attention to Moon Phase, pressure swings, or weather. "JUST FISH".

Good Luck - hopefully this helps someone with their learning curve.

[Lusid]

I would like to add one note when I was out over the last weekend.

Change up your presentation if they are not biting.

We had 3 people fishing in total and I caught the most fish by downsizing my hook the smallest possible hook that I owned. This helped result triggers and ended up catching a ton more fish.

[Charlie Mason]

solid advice, if the bite is tough, downsizing is often the key. Could be because of a front that rolled in, or too much fishing pressure, either way you can always catch fish with a smaller jig presentation

[ski_otter]

Sometimes upsizing bait works also. Had fish that wouldn't touch micros and went to 3" spoons and the big crappies got aggressive

[Slabasaurus]

1. Have a pre-game plan

a. Map out the Lake

b. Mark target areas on the Lake Map to attack

2. Execute the plan

a. Drill holes in grid - I have been drilling around 25-50, but as of last week looks like I will drill less. Saw the real deal drill holes last weekend: seems less is more here.

b. Don't spend more than a few minutes on holes with fish in them if they're not eating.

c. Move, Move, and Move

3. Plastics are as simple as the confidence to use them.

4. Fish are simple, we make it complicated. Follow the food source. I will be honest, and have a long ways to figure this one out. But trust the guy who told me this was important. Going to follow it through.

5. Lake Map Software is critical.

6. Don't pay attention to Moon Phase, pressure swings, or weather. "JUST FISH".

Sounds/looks like you've had a fun seson so far... and to think that we still have some of my favorite time left! (Big fan of the late ice panfish)

Your recommendations are solid for anyone who is looking to start up... I will add an * to number 6 though.

I always note the weather almanac when I fish and keep a journal, although I can't remember ever using the pressure or moon phase as an excuse to not fish! I keep records of it, and then look at them periodically.

2C. Move Move Move is RIGHT!!! Took me a half a season to figure that out.

I've taken this ice season off in favor of honing my flyties... starting to tie some artistic salmon flies for various reasons. This is gonna get ugly. That said... I'm going out for the first time this season at the centerville contest saturday, so if anyone else is out there, say hey!

I'll be fishing a little but most likely you'll find me around the Bouya booth.

[Northlander]

I learned you never know when this could be your last trip ever. Be safe and enjoy it all.

[aaron otto]

Sobering Northlander.

True words for us all to think on. Would be a thing to add to the list- how can we take steps now to prevent going through?

Who has the floating suit?

[Jim Uran]

I have the Striker Suit, it is a sobering thought, Some people may think it's an unnecessary thing, but these floatation suits really do keep my mind at ease, safety is KEY!

[Crappyfisherman]

I have a floating suit and picks.Mostly walk out but you never know.

If and when I get a atv will also have a boat cushion with 50 ft. of rope wrapped around it and tied to the atv. Learned that trick from a guide on the Angle up at LOW.

[aaron otto]

Good idea on the rope tied to an anchor. LIke it.

[Garett Svir1582813971]

Great advice Aaron Otto! It sounds like you are really finding your way as a hardwater angler. You are absolutely right too panfish just think in terms of food and cover. I spent countless hours watching bluegills on the camera this winter. One key point we found was bass and pike would often take over mid depth flats and this forces panfish to roam and suspend over basin areas or go very shallow. You can't catch them until you find them.

[amateurfishing]

thx for the info AO

as this being my 3rd season on the ice, i continue to learn a lot. first year was need for decent equipment (auger, fish finder), 2nd year was learning to read maps and finding some better tackle (actually finding fish & decent rods, especially sensitive spring bobber type). this year i have found fish better by being moble & learning to look in the right places and fortunate enuff to catch a couple slabs in Jan. now i have my power noodles and have to learn to adjust more from agressive rattin flyer minnow tipped crappie catchin to finicky finessing plastics & waxies. I am sure i will get there (hopefully b4 season ends this year) but i have been having a blast learning my lake and even gaining confidence for my next trip. Needless to say trading my troller & upgrading to my HB 597 has been a monumental upgrade in "reading" the fish as well.

[aaron otto]

This site has a lot to do with the learning curve. Three trips left for the ice year. Fighting the hunger for Turkey Season right now. It's so close I can taste it. Can't believe the winter is coming to a close. Went by so fast. Going to hit my 50 days on the water (hard water) goal this weekend. Will start another post about best lessons learned one per person or something post.

Great site, pretty happy I found this place. So far met a couple really good doods here.