Having bought my first ice house and having done little ice fishing I have started another topic on where to place my new house on the pond. But in this topic I would like some guidance on how to fish walleye and other species through the ice. I'm looking for information on bait, lures, methods, depth ,rigs and anything else you feel would be helpful. I would appreciate any help given.
The new( to me) ice house has 4 rattle reels. I assume that you just bait the jig on these reels and lower them to within a foot or so of the bottom and then just wait for the rattle? Right?
I like jigging spoons tipped with a minnow over my flasher. I use jiggin spoons from Jr's. Check them out under the ice fishing tackle by clicking the banner.
I like to jig a jigging spoon with a minnow head. I usually start with an 1/8 oz spoon and try other sizes from there. Depths and locations will vary. Once the season starts, read the forums and listen for the podcast reports. I like to have a setline with a bobber and a plain red hook too.
__________________
Humana Insurance Representative-Brainerd and Mille Lacs Area
I like to jig a jigging spoon with a minnow head. I usually start with an 1/8 oz spoon and try other sizes from there. Depths and locations will vary. Once the season starts, read the forums and listen for the podcast reports. I like to have a setline with a bobber and a plain red hook too.
Thanks! The information shared by the people on this forum and Hunter's Point has been great in improving my summer fishing on Mille Lacs. I always check here before heading to the pond.
Could you clarify the term setline. I'm guessing that is what is on my rattle reels, just a line and a hook and you then add a bobber to yours? I also assume you tip the red hook with a minnow head?
By setline I meant a line that I'm not holding onto the rod, so similar to the rattle wheel setup. I use a full lively minnow. I would suggest using a bobber on your rattle wheels and making sure the rattles spin freely. I grew up spending my winters on Mille Lacs playing cards and waiting for a rattle wheel (buzzer) to go off, but know I'm usually only up there for the day so I fish harder. If you don't already have a flasher, I would recommend getting one. For jigging spoons, JRs spoons work well. I think chartreuse and perch patterns should be good this winter.
__________________
Humana Insurance Representative-Brainerd and Mille Lacs Area
I pretty much agree with what has already been said here. I also like dangling a small swedish pimple, silver plated with a head of a minnow or packed with maggots. I learned last year this presentation got some eaters onto the ice. I also use a lot of JR's spoons of all colors...perch being the main color used.
JR's website is very user friendly and you can find a wonderful assortment of spoons and jigs that are in my aresenal at all times when I am on the ice. If you are in the north metro, you could also swing into his store.
As Fife said, a flasher (Marcum, Vexilar, Humminbird) is pretty much a must have for ice fishing. Keep your eye on some auctions or sales onlilne...ebay, craig's list, etc. Sometimes you can get a bargin for a basic unit.
Right?
