In some recent posts for Utah Lake I’ve heard mention a variety of lures being used and I need your help.
-What is an ice fly?
-Does anyone use tube jigs or just the metal jig head by itself?
-What is a ratphinky?
-What is a sonar jig?
I’m assuming all these can be purchased at Sportsman’s?
Thanks for you patience in helping out a rookie!
Well, I’ll take a shot at these questions…
-What is an ice fly?
Small to large fly that is used for ice fishing. They generally don’t look like a typical flyfishing fly though…
-Does anyone use tube jigs or just the metal jig head by itself?
Yes, both methods are used. Usually tipped with cut bait, minniows, worms… I use a jig head tipped with crawler more than any other setup, but don’t limit yourself just cause I do.[:p]
-What is a ratphinky?
Ratfinky is an ice fly. Small jighead with a tapered plastic body.
-What is a sonar jig?
Blade jig made by Heddon. Deadly at times, not so much other times. Kinda wobbles through the water when you jig it. They have two large treble hooks on them that grab hold of white bass, mittens, coats, overalls, hats, tents, fingers…nasty sharp. Never seen them used on the ice anywhere but utah lake…guess it’s a white bass thing. Occasionally they catch something else. Saw a guy catch a Walleye saturday on a sonar. I have never seen that before. I caught a LMB on a sonar a few years ago.
Yes, you can find all these at Sportsman’s. There is a whole new world of ice flies and lures waiting for you. Take lots of money. I have hundreds of dollars worth of ice flies…and I use a ten cent jig head 99% of the time. My tackle box sure looks pretty when I open it though!
I have a whole bag full of Watta Crickets, and Boogers! Saving them for special occasions! They are impossible to find any more.
Hope this helps!
IceAndFly
Thanks IceAndFly for such a detailed response! We’re going make our first ever trip to UL this weekend. with all the recent success reports I’m stoked to get out. I’ve never caught a white bass, or crappie before. I’ll let you know how it goes.
-What is a ratphinky?
The official product name is Rat Finkee and yes, you can get them at Sportsman’s for about $0.89 for one. They display it in a pack with several individually bagged items.
http://www.customjigsandspins.com/icefishing/softbody/ratfinkee.html
You might also want to try the Ratso, made by the same company, which is also available at Sportsman’s for $1.69 for 2. I picked both products today in the glow in the dark colors. Tipping both with either a small piece of nightcrawler or wax worm produce better results.
Good luck.
I live minutes away from Utah Lake and fish there about three times a week when UL ice up. Most of the time when I’m fishing at Utah Lake I’m mainly targeting crappie and perch. My favorite way to fish there is to use hali jigs and spoons w/droppers. Here is picture of the tackle I usually take with me when fishing.
Tip everything with a wax worm!