Suggestions for cold weather fishing

[Farley]

Well the cold front is comming and we have a trip to Mille Lacs for this Saturday to Sunday. I know that generally a cold front slows down the bite. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what kind of presentations to go with in sub-zero weather. I'm thinking dead stick, hook and minnow combination. Jigging will probably be worthless. What do you guys think? Also who makes those rod holders that your rod balances on so when a fish bites, the rod tips down? I saw them on the IceLeaders LOW early ice video.

[Finlander]

A underwater camera with an attatched speargun!

[Bob Horn]

I would down size my offers. Smaller and less movement. Let the fish tell you what they want. Good Luck

[Farley]

I guess that answers my next question, which is: should I go with a whole minnow on a hook or a Go-Devil with just the head? Has anyone anywhere been catchin fish on just the jigging spoon and a minnow head without jigging? I've heard one or two stories second hand of this technique this year, but have yet to see it. Just let the jig sit there because once you move it the fish is gone. But I guess I'll just have to see once we start fishing, what works and what doesnt. I just think it will be hard to tell what works since the bite may be slow anyway.

[Bob Horn]

If you are having fish come in but take off if you move you lure than you will know what the fish want and that`s no movement. You may get away with a slight jiggle and lift and pause. You just have to let the fish tell you.

[Big Johnson]

The pout don't usually care about cold fronts!!!

[upnorth]

Quote:

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Has anyone anywhere been catchin fish on just the jigging spoon and a minnow head without jigging? I've heard one or two stories second hand of this technique this year, but have yet to see it.

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I had a day out on Vermilion just like that just a minnow head on a jigging spoon and let it sit jig it a couple of times and then let it sit for 3 - 4 minutes. If you jigged it while they where there looking at it they would leave, kinda strange but it put fish on the ice

[Gadgetman]

Left my rod in the rod holder, with jigging spoon and minnow head attached while I went out and started my wheeler and picked up my tip up. When I came back in my rod was bent over and there was a 30" walleye attached! Needless to say I will never take my jig line up when packing up for the nite. That was new years day eve, in the lightning and thunder storm

[Farley]

Thanks for the advice guys, it's much appreciated.

Nice catch Gadgetman, now that is a good fish house story if I've ever heard one.

[DRH1175]

Farley,

I think I am heading out as well on Saturday. Where you fishing? I was up there last weekend and did quite well. What were your plans? It sounds like the front is hitting Thursday so maybe by Saturday the fish will cooperate a bit.

[Farley]

Going up Saturday morning maybee with the portable but heard it might be windy so that will be a "game time decision". We are renting a house from Macs Twin Bay, I dont know where they put their houses, I heard Hennipin Island? They havent gotten back to me on that yet. Should be a good time either way. Going up with a couple of guys who have never been ice fishing and a bunch that dont do it often. It's for a bachelor party so was hoping it wasnt too windy or cold to get up there early and do some serious fishing in the portable first. We'll see. Where were you planning on fishin?

[TRITC]

Farley,

The rod holder that I believe you are mentioning is either the Lazy Jigger, that you can purchase from this HSOforum, or the Rock N Reel, made by T-Bone. I personally have a Rock N Reel and love it. No need for bobbers on my deadstick anymore. Plus if a pike or something large does grab my bait and take off while I'm "unavailable" the rod won't get pulled down the hole. The Rock N Reel use to be available on this site but I don't see it. The only advantage I see between the two rod holders is that the Rock N Reel folds flat for easier transport.

I had called FM to order my Rock N Reel, that was two years ago. I also have T-Bone's e-mail if interested.

Later,

TRITC

PS. Rick, sorry if I'm breaking any board rules with this post.

[Lost]

The only suggestion I have is this: stay warm and don't let the propane touch bare skin. I'm still recovering from that.

I want one of them Rock & Reels... could you send me the info?

[email protected]

[Farley]

It was the lazy jigger that I was refering to. I've heard about the rockin reels too, can you get them at Sportsmans warehouse? (I usually dont shop there but I have gift certificate to spend).

[so haaad]

You may have to fish deeper during cold snaps.

[TRITC]

Lost,

You have mail.

Farley,

Not so sure you could find the Rock N Reel at Sportsman's. The guy that makes them is just a local fisherman that came up with a cool product.

TRITC

[pikerliker]

Farley I got my lazy jigger at Gander Mountain in Mankato. I also saw some at Scheels.

~piker