Derek Johnston – Early Ice on Mille Lacs Lake

  • rippinpigs
    Apple Valley, MN
    Posts: 399
    November 5, 2003 at 7:54 am #1429586

    Hey Derek- what are your favorite areas to target for first ice? Shallow rocks? Leftover weed beds?

    derek_johnston
    On the water- Minnesota
    Posts: 5022
    November 5, 2003 at 8:16 am #1429587

    The shallow rocks that hold Perch in the fall will be hot at first ice. I’ve never fished the weeds at first ice but if there are still Perch there, Walleyes will be there too.

    scottsteil
    Central MN
    Posts: 3817
    November 5, 2003 at 8:23 am #1429588

    I don’t want to speak for Derek, but I kind of know him.LOL

    We like to target shallow gravel areas near the first primary shoreline break, shallow rock edges and old weed beds. Pretty much all good fall trolling areas.

    LOL, I guess Derek and I were typing at the same time

    Big E
    Saint Paul, MN area
    Posts: 159
    November 5, 2003 at 10:56 pm #1429589

    Derek- good stuff. I was looking to confirm something. In the article you mentioned using superlines with a sensitive rod. But I thought you also mentioned in a post on a similar topic that you stayed away from using superlines, except when fishing deeper water. Which way do you prefer (superlines vs. mono or fluorocarbon)? Thanks.

    derek_johnston
    On the water- Minnesota
    Posts: 5022
    November 6, 2003 at 7:55 am #1429590

    Hello Big E. For crappies and bluegills I use P-line Floroice which is a flourocarbon coated mono. It’s not a true FC line so it doesnt have the negitive characteristics that FC has. There are times when I will use superline for perch and walleyes in deep water when I want less stretch and more soild hook sets and sensitivity. If I’m losing too many bites with the superline, I will switch back to the P-line. A sensitive rod is more important to me than the line. P-line transmits strikes very well. Hope this helps.

    tom_gursky
    Michigan's Upper Peninsula(Iron Mountain)
    Posts: 4751
    December 4, 2003 at 10:31 am #1429591

    Thanks Derek, Great tips! Especially the raw chicken trailer…betcha that would really work on Cats too!

    derek_johnston
    On the water- Minnesota
    Posts: 5022
    December 4, 2003 at 2:33 pm #1429592

    Thanks Tom.. I bet it would work on those Kitty’s.

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