Everything I need to know about Icefishing

[cluelessfisherman]

Ok folks, I need your help. This Nebraska transplant would like to get into icefishing a little more this year. I have finally admitted that I know nothing about hard water fishing. The extent of my knowledge is that I drill a hole in the ice and I put a minnow on a special little jig and then I set the pole down and watch the line. Thats about all I know.

Please tell me everything I need to know or should know about hard water. I need everything from the proper way to rig a tip-up to the best line for my poles to presentation, bait, winter phases - anything that could possibly help me catch a fish or two!
I'm serious when I say I know nothing - In my 6 trips to Red last year, I never caught more then 2 crappie a trip!

I have a power auger and a portable tent style shelter. I have an aqua vue and some ice jigs and poles, and some tip-ups. Nothing fancy.

Please let me know what I should have in in my tackle box and what I shouldn't. Keep in mind that I am a poor college student and can't afford much.

Thanks for your help - and try not to get too carried away making fun of this southerner!

Clueless - -

[Rick]

The first lesson is never drive on the ice. It should never be considered safe

The second lesson is, whenever you've disregarded lesson #1 and you hear the ice cracking on very cold days, run to shore as quickly as you can.

The third lesson is when you've followed lesson #2 almost any native Minnesotan will happily accept your ice fishing gear in exchange for going to get your vehicle for you so you can follow lesson #1.

Or Best of All

Join in the I.C.E. Series

or

Find a few natives to go out ice fishing with right here.

[This message has been edited by Rick (edited 11-13-2002).]

[Guest]

If I may ask, where do you live? I know myself and many others on this board would love to take someone out to learn a little more, as long as we don't have to hear about the Huskers! If we know where your at its a little easier and we can suggest some goods lakes to start with as well.

[cluelessfisherman]

Hey now Rick - I said don't get too carried away with the making fun of the southerner! lol Driving on the ice freaks me out - I don't think I'll ever get used to driving on ice knowing that there is some really cold water that I could plunge through at any moment.

I live between Bemidji and Blackduck. Lots of great lakes to fish if I know how...

Clueless - -

[Guest]

Where do you want to start?

[Scenic]

Clueless,

I will take you out as soon as we get some safe ice. You are surrounded by some of the greatest fishing there is. Give me a call and we will put something together for some time on the ice. I don’t know everything there is to know about this but have been known to fish once or twice thru the ice.

Either look me up in the Bemidji phone book or you can get the number from Rick by using the "contact us" button.

Jeff
Scenic Tackle

PS...yep that water be cold under that ice!!!!!!!!!!!

[This message has been edited by Jeff Beckwith (edited 11-14-2002).]

[cluelessfisherman]

Feel free to start somewhere - anywhere!

Ok I'll help you find a spot to start - How about what type of line do you usually use on your ice poles? Should I have different rigs for different fish? How about tip-ups - what line, how heavy - use wire leaders? How about hooks and size - single, double, treble, stinger? How about bait - live or cut?

Ok - start there and lets see where it goes - I don't care if you feel like you are talking to a 3 year old about ice fishing - because that is my mentality level when it comes to this.

Jeff, I think I'm going to have to take you up on that!
Also, no one needs to worry - I won't talk about the Huskers! I never really got into the whold college football craze down there. I have however, always been a Green Bay fan!! hee hee

Clueless - -

[Scenic]

Clueless,
Sounds good. Anyone that wants to learn this sport and at least has enough courage to come to a site like this and outright say they don’t know the first thing about it has to be ok. Like I said I do not know all there is to know but can get you started. This is really what a site like this is all about. Sharing and learning are a always a good thing.

Your first topic line. My choice for fishing thru the ice is Berkly XXX 6# test. I have been using this for a couple years now and have found that I like it for most of my fishing. It gives me the limited stretch that I like but yet allows ease in tying without a lot of problems with freeze up as assoiated with some “FireLine” type products.

Rods,

There are some VERY high quality rods on the market these days. Wrist Saver Rods are a good rod, Berkly has some quality stuff out there. The list could go on but what you need is a quality graphite rod that matches your fishing. You would not take an Ultra Lite rod whale fishing nor would you take a broom handle Blue Gill fishing. When choosing a rod try to find a rod that will just remain straight or slightly bent when you have your average lure is tied on. For me cork handles are the ultimate for sensitivity. Choose a reel that matches the rod.

Bobbers, Hands down go with the Ice Buster Bobbers! Best out there in my opinion.

Tackle If I had to tell someone to buy a beginners tackle box it would have some of the basics in it. That box would contain an assortment of ice fishing jigs from size 10 - size 2, an assortment of 1/8-1/4 oz jigging spoons and an assortment of Angel Eye Jr. Spoons. Then some bobber stops, some assorted split shots and other stuff similar to what you have for summer fishing.

Jeff
Scenic Tackle

[cluelessfisherman]

Ok - either this was too broad of a topic or people are too busy laughing at me to reply!

Thanks Jeff for your help!

Ok time for the 2nd series of questions.

How about tip-ups? Anyone know how those should be rigged - how far off the bottom do you usually set the bait?
About bobber fishing - is that usually used for panfishing with waxies or do you use minnow/jig combos with bobbers also? I bought a few ice busters last year, but never used them.

Whats the best time of day for fishing - evenings, day time, night - and do light conditions matter under the ice? Also do fish usually relate to structure and dead weed beds or are they usually on a flat or in deep holes?

Also, what is the "pucker factor" I have been reading about in some of the ice fishing story threads?

Thanks!

Clueless - -

[This message has been edited by cluelessfisherman (edited 11-14-2002).]

[hawgTime]

clueless

One tip to find some of the answers to your specific questions is to try the search feature at the top of the page. The easiest way to learn is to hook-up with a veteran and using this forum is a good way to do that.

My suggestion for the top 3 things you need to get started ice fishing is:

1. Vexilar
2. Vexilar
3. Vexilar

oh, and if you have any money left over, you can buy a rod and some tackle too.

hawgTime

[rap]

i agree with hawgtime, you should get a vexilar if you want to catch some fish... sell that aqua view and buy an fl-8 or fl-18, these are especially useful with crappies because they are often times off the bottom and suspended... with an aqua vu u really can't see all the area in the water column and your probably missing fish... with a vexilar, a line on your screen is the jig that you can see the whole time, and it also shows every fish that comes beneath you as another line... u have to see someone use a flasher ice fishing if you haven't and you'll see why you should get one..

[This message has been edited by rap (edited 11-14-2002).]

[rap]

what is the main species your trying to catch? you can hook waxies or minnows to a tip up for panfish, but the waxies tend to die on me and don't offer any action to the fish, so i always use minnows on tip-ups except for special situations when the fish want a certain bait... plus minnows tend to catch bigger perch than waxies alot of the time... bobbers work great for all species of fish, especially next to a hole your jigging in... back to tipups- i fish perch and walleyes mainly and i have dacron line all the way around the spool for the main line but then i have 4 pound or 6 pound test monofilament for the last 3-4 feet that is tied onto the jig(i usually just use a jig or plain hook on tip ups). this allows you to have line to haul in hand over hand that won't tangle easy and if it does tangle, you can just make it a knot because the line is basically a strong string. as for light conditions, it depends on what lakes you fish and the clarity of the water, but for walleyes the prime times are dawn and dusk, they'll usually keep biting for a while into the dark.. perch will bite all day but i also find the first few hours of daylight and last couple of hours are the prime time... if your fishing walleyes during the day, head deep where the light will be reduced and you'll still catch a few...

[This message has been edited by rap (edited 11-14-2002).]

[rap]

u might want to go buy some ice fishing videos too... i have 3 from infisherman, called ice secrets 1 and 2 and ice tech... i usually watch them for enjoyment this time of the year before the ice comes, but they'll teach a beginner quite a bit and even alot of the experienced ice fisherman.. you can also go to a sporting goods store and get some magazines on ice fishing that come out this time of year...

[Seabass77]

Clueless,
Your right about your question, it’s a bit broad. Kind of like asking for a detailed history of the United States but hey, I thought I might be able to help a bit. Keep in mind, this is just my opinion, everyone has there own way of doing things and by know means do I consider myself an expert.

Fishing methods – This topic is so huge, I wouldn’t even know where to start. If I were you, I would get yourself a subscription to in-fisherman and pick up in-fisherman ice fishing secrets I. The video has pretty decent tips and is fun to watch on a Thursday night when you’re waiting for ice. You’re also on the right track by visiting this site. I have learned lots of things here. I would also be sure to check out the metro ice tour events if it’s do-able. Spend some time talking with folks at your local sporting goods shop too. They can often times be a great source of information. Smaller mom and pop type places like Joe’s in st. paul, thorne bros, vados, places such as these seem to have more experience anglers working there in my opinion.

Equipment/tackle – While I would agree with hawgtime that a vexilar is my most important tool in my ice fishing arsenal, If I were you I might start out with a bucket, a rod and reel, a small assortment of hooks and jigs, and go kick open some holes at the lake closest too you, see if you like it. If you like it, there are lots of things to spend your money on. Here are a few things that I wouldn’t want to be without if I had to start over again with my ice fishing assortment.

1 – panfish jigging rod, something that’s lite enough to give you’re the freedom to use 2 or 3 pound test line but also something that’s not to flimsy so you will be able to successfully set the hook. I picked up a nice yad at gander last night for 14.97.

2 – Small assortment of jigs and hooks, rick offers tackle city panfish jigs here which give you a nice assortment of colors, shapes, and vertical/horizontal presentations. I also like a few heavier jigs for deeper water like the genz worm and pounders made by system tackle.

3 - As hawgtime said, vexilar, vexilar, vexilar. Without a flasher you are fishing blind, however, I also caught some nice fish in college when I didn’t have the money for that kind of thing. You can always pick up the old fashion depth finder (hunk of lead with clamp) from your local tackle shop for about a buck.

4 – Warm clothes. Catching fish is great but if you can’t feel your feet or fingers, you’re still going to be miserable. I would recommend the investment in quality boots and mittens/gloves before you venture out. “Pair a choppers?”

5 – Bait. Wax worms or eurolarve during the day and crappie minnows at night. Wax worms are also productive at night but for me, nothings better than a small crappie minnow at night on tonka.

There is so much to say, I could write for hours. I hope this helps a bit and remember, this is just one mans opinion.

Good luck!!!!

[Guest]

OKAY; one specific question you have asked hasn't been answered yet. Frankly I'm a little surprized since of all the questions you asked, this one is the most fun to answer.

PUCKER FACTOR
This is a rating used to depict the amount of mental or psychological discomfort one feels when on the surface of the ice. (HINT; the thinner the ice, the higher the pucker factor) If you think of which part of you're anatomy feels like it's puckering when you're REALLY frightened, you'll understand why fishermen use the term "pucker factor" when thy're on questionable ice.

[This message has been edited by GEM EYE GUY (edited 11-14-2002).]

[Crawlerman]

No driving on the Ice? hmm... unless you own an ATV or snowmobile that makes it very hard to get to a spot on a larger lake... Unless your only toting a one man "clam" type house or sled and a lightweight hand auger it makes it non-practical to cover any large distance. I agree... I would NEVER drive on ice early or late in the season (before the 2nd week of Jan or after Feb.) and never near an inlet or outlet. I give myself atleast an extra 6" past the recomended 12 (so 18... altough I'd be uncomfortable on anything less than 24 with a truck..) And I allways follow "roads" left by others. Doors unlocked; seatbelts unfastend and speeds not to exceed 15 mph.

[Rick]

Just to be clear Crawlerman,
the no driving lesson was a joke, it was all a joke.

Honest

[Guest]

Clueless, send me an email if you ever want to hit the ice for a day. I pretty much get around the entire state when it comes to the hard water. I would be happy to take you out and show you how I do it- Good/Bad or Otherwise.

As you said, this is a very broad topic and seeing is so much better then reading. The offer is always open. Scott Steil

[Crawlerman]

oh... heh

[Jim W]

Clueless,

First, If I were you, I would take both Jeff Beckwith and ScottS up on their invitiations!!!

Second, in my years of icefishing, I would have to say I wasted a lot of time being cold and not enjoying the time spent on the ice.

I enjoy open air ice fishing even when it is bitter cold, but if I am cold, I won't have the patience to give it a real go!

So take some time and purchase some good boots etc. To me, the most important and hardest things to keep warm, feet and hands. Once your feet go, you might as well go home!

Good luck and I expect to see you in July wishing for ice!

Jim W

[Guest]

Thanks for the info guys I too am just learning the art of ice fishing. I used to ice fish about ten years ago. But w/ age comes responsibilities and gets in the way of fun. Can anyone tell me anything about fishing Leech lake. I would like to go up 12/01 but don't know where to rent a fish shack. Any info on this lake would greatly be appreciated. Thanks and look forward to learning how to fish through the ice.

[pikehunter]

I agree with all the information your getting from some of the best ice fishing minds around.
If ice fishing is something you do even semi-often, I would definitely invest in a Vexilar. I fished without one for years and finally broke and bought one last fall. All I can think about now is all the fish I could have caught with it for all those years.
Also, I would recommend buying a couple of those In-fisherman videos and maybe even the books. There's good how-to stuff in the books.
And remember ... always wear your life vest until at least January 17!!!

[Guest]

Clueless,

Lots of great info from the experts here! May I also suggest a hand held GPS and lake structure maps? When you locate a great spot on any lake and you want to come back to it, usually for the early a.m. bite when it's still dark the GPS is KEY--no guess work, just drill and start fishing. Well worth to $100-$150 investment.

Also, setting up at least 1/2 hour before prime time on a good spot. I try to stay away from the crowds--this can improve your catch rate, unless you like the group fishing scenario, which many do.

When targeting "Eyes" don't be afraid to hang a live Shiner under a slip bobber on your "Dead Rod" and use a Nils Master Jigging Shad or Rapala Jigging Minnow with a shiner tail on the middle treble hook to attract any size Walleye--if one comes into your "cone" and won't bite right away, drop a smaller jigging soon like a Glow Devil (with a minnow head on the treble) and give a few shakes, this smaller presentation may be the key.

Good Luck!

------------------
Chells

[Guest]

Clueless,
Well, I'm not an ice fisher of the area. But I may be able to help you out in an area that I see is lacking from the replys you've received. This little topic is to fish cheaply. I've been ice fishing for about 18 years in Pennsylvania and have learned to fish well enough with out dumping money into a Velixar. However, I say that loosely since I have now fished with one for a season, I have a hard time remembering how I did this without one. That aside...

My first suggestion is to go out with someone with experience. It is safer and a lot more fun than sitting on a bucket by yourself. I see that Rick and Scott have already offered their expertise. Take them up on it. You'll learn more on the ice with them than in the forum.

Second helpful hint to fishing without any sonar. Find a map of the lake that you are fishing. Some state parks have maps of the lakes and any structures that we put into the lake for habitat enrichment. (however maybe that is just a PA thing) Another option is to download a map from topo servers like TerraServer or I know MSN has a simmilar program. You'll be able to find where the deep spots are and the flats, and even old riverbed that have been flooded over. I've done this several times and have had success locating fish.

Tackle:
Very important! I suggest having some Tear Drops when fishing for Pan fish (bluegills, crappie, and perch). I usually put a little waxie on it (Yellow, Green, or chartruse (sp?)). I typically have most success on those, however, I ordered the Glow Devils and am anxiously waiting to try those out on Crappie and Perch.
Tip-ups: Tricky and maybe someone else a little closer to home is better for this, but I use the classic cross style tip-up. The flags are nice and high in the air and they are relatively cheap. I use a braided line so as to not get tangled when pulling line out of the hole. I also use a two-holed plastic button to mark depth. This is handy cause that way if you were fishing a certain depth you can go right back to it with out any problem. The second bonus of the button is to see if and how much line was taken. False flags are a hazard of windy days. I use a treble hook tied directly to the line rather that some sort of swivel. I bait a 3 inch shinner as a multi-purpose baitfish just behind the dorsal fin. Again there are many other techniques to bait a fish but that is my preference as the general. A bonus would be to put a leader on the braided then attached to your rig. About 3-4 ft of monofilament leader at about 6lb test I find works best for bass. Pike will go right through the stuff with out even thinking about it.

A small hand auger is definitely useful (in PA we are rarely drilling through more than 8 inches of ice). Although in your neck of the woods Power augers are more normal. I always knew there was a reason for the internal combustion engine... to get you to the ice and then through the ice.

The next thing is probably the most important. Clothes... Good, warm, dry clothes. If your cold... you're miserable. If your wet (from sweat)... you get cold and are miserable. If you have so many clothes on that you can't move, you will eventually get cold and be miserable.

Maybe that will help. Maybe not. Or maybe everyone else on this forum think that us PA'ers don't know how to fish. All of which is possible. I have a hard time imagining enough ice to drive on with a car or truck. I've seen snowmobiles and ATV's other than that....

Oh and one more thing. A 5-gal bucket to put everything in. Very handy.

Still waiting for ice here
McFly

[hawgTime]

Hey Matchman and others in the Mpls metro

If you want to learn a few things--and have fun doing it--check out the Metro Lakes Tour on the Metro Area Lakes and Rivers forum. We did this last year and I had a lot of fun while learning a bunch about the lakes in the area. Hope to see ya there.

http://fishingminnesota.com/cgi-bin/forums/forumdisplay.cgi?action=topics&forum=Metro+Area+Lakes+and+Rivers&number=5

hawgTime