Ice Fishing Tips

[TheGrovBone]

Perch are notoriously aggressive feeders, that doesn't surprise me that you've been catching them on 3" gulp minnows. The minimalist approach I spoke of with small diameter line and small jigs will help lure in fish that have grown cagey - and they won't disuade other fish from biting as well. I've caught a good amount on larger jigs too, I was just generalizing for most trout species. If you're curious to verify outside my own opinion - google mini jigs for trout, you'll find a fair amount of professional write ups talking about it. Full disclosure - perch and planters won't shy away from bigger jigs at all, but next time you're out, throw something smaller on there and jig it! You may be surprised at the response! I've caught half a dozen trout over 5 pounds through the ice on a size 10 scud bug jig this season, and although paddlebugs where hitting that day too - I caught more fish and bigger fish. Give it a try! PM me if you'd like to see the exact lure, it was killer on the perch too. I managed to land the monster brown (pic attached) on it, and several more 5 lb + fish on a 1/64 oz jig.

I'm glad you've been able to catch most of your fish on deadstick rods, but I do think it's generally accepted that jigging is a necessity when ice fishing. Deadsticks will catch fish, but I can confidently say that once you've identified the depth of water and preferred lure/color that jigging will certainly help your catch rates.

I will say this though - when the ice first hits, those fish are CRAZY! They'll hammer all kinds of things - definitely agree there with the voracity under the ice statement!
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