Depending on ice conditions, of course, We may be fishing in water that is closer to 60 feet. For that I have been putting together walleye type gear. I have several medium action rods and 1 or 2 medium heavy. Thinking I will be taking these with lures that are 1/4oz. to 5/8oz. Looks like I may have to add some heavier jig heads to fish with tubes.
I’ve always heard that lakers favor the white tubes. Do other species like them too? Do you use any rattle baits?
I appreciate your response.

here’s my 2 cents worth. I’m in Michigan and there a large number of guys that watch their lines to see if they “jump”. A hi-vis line is necessary for this technique. Many times they DO NOT want a tight line. They fish much smaller and lighter jigs. “Tight lining” to me is what we use when either watching a spring, a rod tip, or when feeling a bite. We want that quick, immediate response to a bite to be able to see or feel. On a side note, leaning over the hole, watching your line, is a very effective method, but you will get a sore back from it. Sometimes it is necessary, but if I can catch them with a tight line, it makes for a more pleasant day. Good luck all.

When I rig, I typically use colored line with a 2# fluoro leader. Fluorocarbon line just seems a little stiff to use on my reel, though I am finding I like the inline reels a lot more than I would. Maybe it would be fine on one of those.
This week, in southern Michigan, there is a fishing show. An area of the show is dedicated to ice fishing. I’m hoping to talk with some of the pros about line choices for both inline and spinning reels. I’ll have to ask on the P-Line. It’s the one line I have never tried.

I’m glad to hear that the crappie gold is similar to the former gold Stren. Now, I just need to find a place that carries it. Tried contacting the people from Stren, the answer I got did not help much.

Thanks. Really appreciate it. I’m curious about that time of year, too.

Icenutz,
Sounds like you and I would hit it off if given a chance to fish together. I would love the opportunity sometime. This year, my buddy and I decided to fish on Chequamegon Bay with Josh Teigen. If that goes well, we might expand our time in the Wisconsin north next year. I’ll try to touch base with you if we decide to do that.
Once again, I appreciate your offer more than you can know.
Dan

Thanks for the info. If nothing else, we’ll have to make an effort to hit his tackle shop.

icenutz,
Thanks for the info. Your offer to fish with us is a very nice gesture. If we do end up going to northern Wisconsin, this year, I’ll let you know. I’d love to meet and fish with someone familiar with the different bodies of water.
Dan

So far, so good. I think my buddy is going to check with John Andrews. Phil, I think Josh might be another to consider. I just sent him an email.

Tim,
I have seen him on some of the Wisconsin fishing programs. Seems John Gillespie likes to fish with him. They seem to be on fish during the TV programs. Have you had any personal experience with him?
Dan

I take a boat cushion with me that is placed on top of the bucket. Much more comfortable than some of the seats out there. It raises me up that extra height.

I just bought one a couple of weeks ago. Was shipped right away and was an awesome deal. I have not tried it yet, but glad to see that you guys seem to like them. I got the 4t. Hope to use it as a base camp. I move too much to sit in one of them all day.

That’s what I do Suzuki. Have not figured out anything better, unless I can hitchhike.

Awesome unit. Love it!!

I think I will look into the St Croix Springs and see if I can adapt them to my rods.
I also appreciate the responses here, though I may just have to attend a Minnesota Ice fishing show and put some of these rods in my hands to see what, if any difference there might be.

If $$$ are an issue, some of the new Fenwicks might work for you.

Can you use traditional knots when connecting this tip-up line to a swivel?
What knot do you use?

I am a little concerned with the Tickle Stick as the tip seems like it might break very easy. Spoke to a rep recently and he helped me understand when and how they might break, but it appears normal fishing s/b OK.

That’s quite a link. He does some amazing artwork. I’ll have to investigate. Not sure about the micro noodle. Was looking for something that loaded up better. Do you fish with any of his rods?

Having a small pond myself, I’d say start in the basin, as well. The fish seem to hold there the best.

The Ice Fishing shows seem to be a good place and time. If not looking for the latest and greatest, a gently used one might become available.

Just my opinion, I believe you are on the right track. While fishing in Michigan I use a lot of the ice braid. Four pound will handle almost everything. If you need to, you can even use a 6# flurocarbon leader. When fishing for gills and such, I will always use a leader and it will almost always is 2#. I like the braid, too, because it seems to have less memory than a 4# mono on the small spinning reels most of us use.

Though I have not used it yet, I bought an Aqua-vu micro at the recommendation of several ice fishing competitors. They like the smaller one. Will fit in a pocket and is easy to lower to determine structure and/or fish species.

Thanks for the response, Joel.

Here’s my 2 cents worth. Waxies like it warmer than spikes. A cool place in the basement might be the best place for storage. As for spikes, the white ones last the longest. They must be kept in the coldest place in the fridge, as close to freezing as possible, without actually freezing them. I like the red spikes for fishing, but usually buy a small amount at a time, as they do not seem to survive long at all. Anyway, just my experience.

When not fishing braid, I also like the Vicious, Berkley Vanish (mostly leaders) and golden Stren. I usually use 2lb for panfish.

I’ve had several Vexilars, (I update from time to time) and have never had a problem.

In south central Michigan, I’m thinking of getting the boat out. How depressing!!

Michigan is light on the ice. This warm weekend isn’t helping either. A road trip may be in order.

I agree. What brand and what weight?