CATCH MORE FISH THROUGH THE ICE

When an angler goes fishing, whether it be in open water or through the ice, it is generally a good idea to have a game plan. Walleyes respond better to some baits and are more likely to be found in certain areas. The same thing is true with all species of fish. For the best chance for success, you need to decide what specie of fish you will be after, then tailor when, where, and how you will fish for that specie of fish.

However, there are a few concepts that will apply to all species of fish in either open water or iced-over water. Let's talk about some of the things you can do while ice-fishing that will increase your chances for success regardless of what specie of fish you're chasing.

Whether you're after perch, walleyes, crappies, pike, or anything else, you must be fishing where the fish are. You need to go find the fish; you can't wait for them to come to where you are. You need to decide on the area to be fished, then you need to make some holes. Many of the most successful ice-anglers punch a bunch of holes and keep moving until the fish are found. A StrikeMaster Lazer Mag Xpress is a great tool for drilling holes quickly and easily and for finding the fish faster. 

Now that the holes are in the ice, we need to find one to start at. It works well to start at one depth and work either deeper or shallower. Sit at a hole for a little while, keeping a close eye on your sonar unit if you have one. If you see fish, see if you can make them bite. Many experienced ice-anglers will sit on a hole a little longer if they know there are fish in the area.

If you aren't seeing any life on the sonar (the Zercom LCF 40 that many anglers use does a great job of revealing fish) move either a little shallower or deeper. Again, keep a close eye on the sonar for fish activity. If there is none after a few minutes, continue in the direction you were headed, either shallower or deeper. Try another hole for a few minutes. If nothing happens, try moving in the other direction, shallower or deeper. 

If you find a hole that shows life, but the fish don't seem to want what you're giving them, show them something else. If you're using a jigging spoon, try putting a different action on the spoon. If that doesn't work, try a different color. Still no action: Go to a smaller spoon. When all else fails, a straight hook/splitshot/minnow might do the trick.

Mobility and versatility are the keys to catching fish in either open water or through the ice. On the ice, mobility has been made much easier with the portable shelters available to us now. The Ranger XLTwin from Frabill is a great example of a portable shelter that provides comfort as well as easy mobility. 

If you want to be a more successful ice-angler, keep these ideas in mind and watch your catches go up. 

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