Tips and Tricks for Even More Successful Ice Fishing

For some anglers ice fishing is too complicated, for others it’s the dream coming true. Different people like different things and I wouldn’t argue about that. However, if you’re among those who like ice fishing, I would like to share some tips and tricks with you to help you make your future ice fishing experiences even more enjoyable. Use the best ice fishing gear possible and get ready for more successful angling!

Depth does matter – In general, fish stay at a specific depth during the winter, therefore it’s easier to find them. Before your next ice fishing journey, do your research and find out what depth the fish you’d like to catch prefer during the winter months.

Don’t rush – During cold winter days, fish don’t want to expend too much energy. For that reason don’t move your jig or bait too fast, because fish will simply let it go in order to preserve their energy for slower prey. This is probably the most common mistake anglers make when they start out ice fishing.

Use a slip bobber – Unlike during warm summer months, fish aren’t as aggressive in winter. This means they don’t hit a bait/jig as powerfully as they do in summer. Nonetheless, a slip bobber can help you here; you can use it to set the depth of line and notice when fish are hitting your bait.

Should you cover the hole or not? – When ice fishing in a shallow area, it’s highly recommended to cover the hole with ice shavings; otherwise, the fish would avoid the area you’re angling. Nevertheless, in case you’re catching crappie, the light penetrating the surface proves to be useful; it attracts small plankton which will attract crappie too.

Make some chaos at the bottom – Bounce the bait off the bottom in order to stir up some debris and mud if you’re trying to catch perch or bluegills. These fish love feeding off the bottom in winter, so a little chaos there can attract them from a distance.

Bonus tip: Never go ice fishing alone and always keep a spare set of winter clothing handy, as well as a cell phone.