Zip Lures

[pikemania]

I was wondering if anybody is having success using zip lures through the ice. I have had limited success ice fishing but for me the lure has worked better on open water. Anybody have any techniques or tatics they use with the zip when fishing hard water.

[Guest]

They have their days. I have done very well with them on rivers under the ice. They are current friendly and flasher friendly.

For the most part they are an aggressive presentation style lure. They offer vibration, color, and flash that stimulate strikes in neutral to aggressive fish.

RIP-RIP-RIP...pause....RIP-RIP-RIP.....pause..and on and on...that is the basic method. I call it starting a chainsaw jigging. Fallow the Zip down on a semi taught line, most strikes are on the fall. If it stops before it hits the bottom or desired depth, set the hook!

Tipping them with a scent option may help yet it also interferes with the action. Keep the meat to a minimum and place it on the lower hook. Tipping is not necessary for aggressive walleye or pike. they are after the lure and hit them aggressively. I often stir the bottom and then jig them up higher in an aggressive matter. I have fished them as high as 4' for walleye and pike.

(Tips on Zips) If you fish an area where the daytime anglers drill tons of holes and move on. Then at dusk grab a Zip and hole-hop covering ground quickly. Five minutes tops at a hole without a fish. Covering ground is key at this time. You will pick up aggressive walleye on the move and on the hunt. This is a great pattern where perch are the top forage, especially at first ice.

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[This message has been edited by Backwater Eddy (edited 11-22-2003).]

[pikemania]

Thanks for the tip Eddy. I will try your tips and see if I can get better results with the zip

[willowcat]

When I use the ZIPs,cicadas,or sonars through the ice I like to remove the bottom treble and replace it with a stinger hook or dropper hook. I tip the dropper with a minnow head. The action I use is lift fast, about 10" to 12" then drop slow keeping a tight line. This has worked very well for me on walleye,perch,and panfish.

[pikemania]

That is an interesting idea willowcat. Sounds like it would save on your arm a little also. A combination of both presentations could bring in fish and the drop line could get those finicky biters. Thanks for the tip