I have read that the best some of the best panfish action will be happening soon. I am new to the Northland and would like to try fishing on the ice when the weather warms.
What Line and pound test do you all prefer?I would like to have the opions of the guys wo do rather than reading it from a magizine.
I use 2-4lb P Line. 4lb is probably over kill for crappies and gills but nice to have in case you hook a little bigger fish. Just make sure your drag is working good and you should be able to play a bigger fish in.
Late ice means fresh water and oxygen being put back into the lake. Panfish will sometimes come right up under the ice when there is water running into the old holes. IMO.....late ice is one of the most fun times to be out. Nice weather, no snow, active fish, and lots of them!
Not sure if you use a spring bobber yet or not....if not I would suggest getting one. If there is a light bite you will catch more fish with the spring bobber. Rig up a little forage minnow and tip it with a wax worm.
Be safe though....late ice can turn bad quickly!
Brian
Welcome RC..
I like the late ice too. Good fishing and it's starting to warm up. I like 2-4# test too. But I prefer the 2# on a light jigging rod. The rods I have have get feel, but I keep a finger tip on the line so I can feel a touch. Very light jigs and waxies are the best starting lure. If you are after crappies be sure to try both waxies and the smallest crappie minnows you can get. I would start fishing right under the ice. Slowly watch the sonar as you drop your jig and watch for any fish, top to bottom. If a fish moves up to you, stop jigging and let it take it. If it doesn't right away, slowly pull the jig away from it. If it chases, be ready for a hit.
Good luck and glad to have you around. We have great fishing around here, so go get some.
Thanks guys for the info.I was out this morning and caught a few crappies and did battle with a monster pike till my line broke.
What type of flasher do you guys think I should purchase? Im not worried of price just want to get what works best for all around use.
I love the color FL-15 Vexilar flashers. They are awesome. You can see a tiny bubble come off a waxie. And they are easy to tune and use. That's my favorite. I also love the Xercom Colorpoints and have one, but you can't buy them anymore, they were bought out.
Be warned, once you use one on ice, you'll never want to fish without one. Just drill holes until you see fish, then catch em. Stay mobile and you will catch the most fish. A good power auger, color flasher and shelter will make ice fishing comfortable and more productive. I know my kids even like to ice fish then. I even had a pizza delivered to the landing, they loved that.
Good luck.