Somehow, I’ve lost my tackle box full of my ice fishing tackle.
Now I get to replace all of it.
This isn’t all that bad though because I was needing to replace a lot of it anyway.
This got me thinking. Some of my tackle is old and perhaps out dated.
So, what does everyone like to use for ice fishing tackle?
I use:
Rat Finkies [Pink, Green, Orange]
Swedish Pimples
Small Jigging Spoons [Brass]
Small Kastmasters
Maniac Ice Cutters [W/ 1/16 oz jig heads]
Paddle Bugs
Hey Dale, I make and use a lot of small stuff, but for getting down fast and catching bigger fish, I use a lot of “heavy metal”. I make cast lead jigging spoons, plungers and recently started making some “Ultra Minnow” jigs in 1/8 oz. and 1/4 oz. I also use some big hammered lead jigging spoons that have been referred to as “wheel weights”.
I post a lot of that stuff over on the jig and lure making board. Here are some links. Let me know if you would like to try a few…or would like to get together to make some.
When I/m fishing shallow (3-12 ft.) for tiger trout and browns I like a 1/32 ounce sparkle chartreuse paddle bug with a white head. For trout in deeper water I like various sizes, weights, and colors of tube jigs. I always use crawlers or mealies and coat the plastic with smelly jelly (where legal!)
It all depends on the type of fish you fish for. Not all species are created equal. But if your a Troutist it is hard to beat the Maniac Ice cutter bug. Maniac just introduced a new lure for Ice fishing its call the gizzy bug. You guy should check it out.
1/8 and 1/4 oz. black, brown, and white marabou jigs are a real good bet. The same weights with a 2" grub in assorted colors are also excellent. Sweedish pimples are also good if the fish are a little more agressive. They seem to work on browns really well.
Thanks for the Ginz reminder, ScottyP.
I do use then but forgot to add them to the list.
I have used the new Maniac plastic’s and they are going to be great for pan fish and trout.
They are very small and offered in a wide varity of colors.
I tried some in pink with a small jig head [1/64th oz.] and did very well under a bobber and tiped with a pink crappie nibble.
The trout loved it at some community ponds.
Hey Dale, I make and use a lot of small stuff, but for getting down fast and catching bigger fish, I use a lot of “heavy metal”. I make cast lead jigging spoons, plungers and recently started making some “Ultra Minnow” jigs in 1/8 oz. and 1/4 oz. I also use some big hammered lead jigging spoons that have been referred to as “wheel weights”.
