New to ice fishing.

  • hazencm22
    Eau Claire, WI
    Posts: 171
    January 6, 2011 at 6:25 pm #1302122

    This year is the first year that i am really getting out and ice fishing. I have all the stuff i need only missing a Vexlar. but do not plan on buying one this year. i am fishing on a small lake south of Eau Clair WI for mainly bluegills, sun fish and a few crappies. What would be the best bait to use to chatch them. Also when i bought my tip ups people said to get Trebel hooks with them. So i did and now my ? is how would i hook the minnows to them and hoping a nice sized northern will come along and take a little bit. Any help will be thanked for and sorry for any type os.

    James Holst
    Keymaster
    SE Minnesota
    Posts: 18926
    January 6, 2011 at 6:33 pm #923392

    We have a video in the archive with tips on how to run tip ups. If memory serves the hooking of the minnow in the first video is shown with a single hook. IF you’re using treble hooks simply use one hook on the treble and put the hook into the minnow in the location show in the video. Hopefully you’re able to watch them as I think they’ll be very helpful to you as you’re getting started.

    See more IDO Fishing Videos!

    hazencm22
    Eau Claire, WI
    Posts: 171
    January 6, 2011 at 6:41 pm #923397

    Ok i will have to watch them when not in school so i have more time. Ant tips for pan fish?

    Randy Wieland
    Lebanon. WI
    Posts: 13475
    January 6, 2011 at 6:51 pm #923399

    Geez, hard to follow Jame’s replies…as I don’t have the video links at my finger tips like him But on the first part of your question for the gills and crappies.

    Bret and Blue gave me some strong recommendations last year to try out the Custom Jigs and Spins jigs and plastics. So glad I listened as I have migrated over to them being my primary go to baits for gills.

    Each body of water tends to have its own preference on color. But starting with the basics and a little time/experimenting, it won’t take long to get them figured out. I am really becoming a huge fan of the Finesse Plastics CJ&S Plastics Basic colors such as white, pink, purple, red are all worthy of trying.

    As for jigs, I’m a fan of the diamond and gill pills. I like the weight distribution for most jigging applications that I do. When in doubt, chart, white, purple, and black are usually standard colors. From there, its finding what you have best success with.

    Here is a recent Report I had on a clients first day out using plastics. IDO Reports – Gills fox Lake

    Good Luck

    whiskeysour
    4 miles from Pool 9
    Posts: 693
    January 6, 2011 at 7:44 pm #923420

    I’ll agree with what Randy posted and add this: As winter season gets longer fish usually get more lethargic. Smaller jigs are the ticket, small teardrops, Mini-Merts, Gill Pills, etc. Orange and yellow or lime green have produced the best for me this year. Live bait becomes more important too. Use spikes or wax worms to cover hooks. Use light line, 2 or 3 lb. test. Also use spring bobbers which are much more sensitive than surface floats. These are my ideas on gills. For crappies same jigs as mentioned above but throw in Purists and Rembrandts in all colors. Alos small minnows. Good luck.

    baker
    minnesota
    Posts: 6
    January 6, 2011 at 7:55 pm #923429

    like randy said the gill pills and diamond jigs are great. some of my favorites are the ratso and ratfinkee by custom jigs and spins. those work great with a wax worm or multi colored spikes. Also try northands bros bugs, those have been workin pretty good for bluegill and perch lately.

    icenutz
    Aniwa, WI
    Posts: 2536
    January 6, 2011 at 8:06 pm #923434

    Fisherman,

    I live in Eau Claire and if you ever want to get together I would be glad to help you out. I will be out this weekend and you could take a try at using my vexilar so you get to see what it can actually do for you. I use Tip Downs for Crappies and have plenty setup and you could use a few of them also. PM me or you can call my cell 715-379-2376

    Charlie

    Czech
    Cottage Grove, MN
    Posts: 1574
    January 6, 2011 at 8:29 pm #923449

    Gotta love IDO!

    iceman1985
    Grand Rapids, MI
    Posts: 257
    January 6, 2011 at 10:33 pm #923490

    Quote:

    like randy said the gill pills and diamond jigs are great. some of my favorites are the ratso and ratfinkee by custom jigs and spins. those work great with a wax worm or multi colored spikes. Also try northands bros bugs, those have been workin pretty good for bluegill and perch lately.

    Everything these guys are saying is GOLD! That is one of the reasons why I joined. Was in the same boat as you and needed advice. Last year I just hoped I would catch something and was not successful at all. These guys know their stuff. One thing that I would add though is if you are fishing in deeper water and need to get down to the bottom quick, look at getting some Fiska Jigs. They are made of tungsten which is about as heavy as gold (3x’s heavier than lead. I think. ) and sink really quick. They are expencive, about 3 bucks a pop but everyone that I talk to who uses them swears by them now. Small size with a big weight. Hope that this helps.

    nextbite
    Newton, IA
    Posts: 40
    January 7, 2011 at 8:56 am #923645

    I like to start with Frostee spoons and genz worm jigs by Lindy and after a few fish if they slow down I go smaller like the rafinkee and scud bug. Drill plenty of holes and when they stop biting move around or have a few buddies along so you can keep locating them as they move. Marcum would be really handy or any sonar for that matter. I will not go out without one anymore. Good Luck and welcome to the scene.

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