Icing some winter cats?

[TrapMan13]

Hey everyone! Well its getting to be about that time of year again... Can't wait... But I do have a few questions... I am not a begining "Ice Fisherman", I've been Ice Fishing for around 6 years now and I fish just about every day of the season... BUT I am looking at targeting some Catfish under the ice. (something I have never done before.) So I have a few questions...

- What is a good place in Minnesota to target cats under the ice?

- What type of rod and reel... Rod weight, size, length

- What type of line... Super or Not, #?

- What type of Bait? - Bobberfishing or Jigging?

- Any other helpful tips or comments are welcome!

Thanks a lot! Fish hard and Fish often, Good Luck!

- Chad

[Roughfisher]

Go to the horseshoe chain, fish chicken liver on any dang rod with eight pound test or better. Use a bobber or fish it right on the bottom. Doesn't matter much. Have a blast!

NOTE: My secret bait is fresh squid from the Oriental Grocery Store. Don't tell anybody, but it also works on Lake Trout.

[Mr. Pike1]

I second the horse shoe. It is loaded with cats and in you can easily have a 50 fish day if the bite is on.

I use my walleye rig with 4lb fireline and a the jigging spoon of your choice. Sometimes if light biters you will need to downsize to smaller presentation.

Concerning the bait. I would suggest cut biat (sucker minnows cut up) other options are chicken pieces, liver, smelt/cisco or other smoked fish from the grocer or as a last resort the head of a fat head.

Good luck and enjoy. Also be careful as the chain is a river system an there areas of moving water.

[Captain B.R.K]

Trapman13- I went digging for ya man and found this Cool Cats 2005 link for you to surf around with.

Some great information for you with rod, lure, bait, location information! That should keep you plenty busy.

I know I got a chance to ice a few cats last year and what a blast! Definately something worthwhile doing after the walleye/pike season is finished.

[TrapMan13]

Thanks everyone for the tips... and thanks cap. for the HSOforum!... Wouldn't mind finding a partner or two or 10 if anyones intersted in ever going after some nice cats?

Thanks again

Chad