Tips for Using Ice Fishing Jigs

Ice fishing jigs are undoubtedly one of the most important lures in a tackle box, and understanding the correct method of jigging for freshwater fish in lakes throughout the north is critical in catching the big fish. Incorrectly jigging will result in few if any bites, even if fish are present in the area.

One of the most important things to remember about using an ice fishing jig is that success will rely on the action of the lure, the bait used on the jig as well as action of the jig to attract the fish. Bait is an optional choice, but most ice fishermen use some kind of bait, a maggot, larva, pre-scented plastic bait or even a bit of fresh or frozen minnow if live is not available.

The next step is to find the jig action that seems to attract the fish. Ice fishing jigs are designed to mimic the action of a bait fishing moving up and down in the water, at about the level that fish are feeding. Depth finders and a fish locator can be ideal in helping to set the jig at the correct distance off the bottom. The jig should then be bounced about one to two feet off the bottom, with a lag of twenty to thirty seconds between jigs. The motion can be more or less pronounced and it is important to keep varying the ice fishing jig motion until you find the action that starts the fish feeding.

The jig can also be moved from side to side in a method called thrumming. To move the jig in a horizontal method rapidly move the end or the rod or the tip of the rod back and forth rapidly. By the end of the line this will result in a one to three inch sideways movement as well as an up and down bobbing motion. Ice fishing jigs that work well in this presentation are the hard bodied or contoured type jigs with a baited hook presentation.

Bobbers can be very effective for depth control of jigs. Once you have had a nibble or have landed a fish at one depth, try jigging one or two feet on either side of the jig to allow for maximum area coverage. Be sure to stay within the allowed number of lines for the body of water that you are fishing, and if you are using tip-ups follow the distance regulations. Most fishing regulations require that anglers must have a clear line of vision with all tip-ups in the water.

Maine Ice Fishing

There are many different sports and popular winter activities in Maine, ice fishing being one of the top on most angler's lists. Maine ice fishing offers a variety of species of fish as well as an opportunity to fish many of the lakes and waterways that are not always accessible to anglers in the summer months. For example, deep water fishing in lakes such as in Lake Cumberland, Knox or Lincoln requires a boat in summer months, but in winter months all it requires is a sled an a warm pair of boots.

There are several different tournaments offered in Maine ice fishing events, and these are popular with both experienced anglers and those new to this winter sport. Many of the tournaments including those in the Jackman and Moose River Regions of the state as well as the well known Sebago fishing derby are highlights of the winter Maine ice fishing season.

The ice fishing tournament also includes events such as:

Nordic walking a new way to safely exercise in colder temperatures. This is a great activity for everyone.

Polar ice dip people actually put on swimming suits and go for a dip in the lake, definitely only for the brave.

Kids fishing tourney children compete in different age categories to see who can catch the biggest fish, the longest fish and just enjoy the sport.

Snowshoe race everyone can take the challenge and strap on some snowshoes and compete in a fun and interesting race.

Winterfest fun activities, food and entertainment for tournament participants and guests.

The Sebago derby is typical to other Maine ice fishing tournaments. Entrance is by pre-registration and a flat fee for either individual anglers or a rate for families. Participants can fish in specific areas during designated times. They must have the fish into the weigh stations by the end of the derby to be counted. There are limits on the number of fish of each species that can be weighed per day with Muskie and Pike having no limit, pickerel having a ten per day limit and togue having a two per day limit. During the derby all participants must follow Maine ice fishing regulations and restrictions as determined by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Within the waterways of Maine, ice fishing has become a key sector of the winter economy. There are an extensive number of guides, lodges and winter chalets that provide accommodation and even fishing trips out onto the lakes in the area. Many of the fishing lodges also offer tours and trips for family members that may not be as interested in spending the day on the lake.

Lake Simcoe Ice Fishing

Located in the southern part of the Canadian province of Ontario, Lake Simcoe is the fourth largest lake in the province with a total water area of 725 square kilometers. Lake Simcoe ice fishing is considered to be some of the finest in the area, with opportunities for anglers of every level of experience and age. Lake Simcoe is an easy ninety mile drive from Toronto, and there are numerous winter lodges, hotels and accommodations around the lake itself. Since Lake Simcoe ice fishing is a popular winter pastime, the lake is home to many other winter sports such as snow shoeing, snowmobile racing and riding, cross country skiing and winter hiking and camping.

Lake Simcoe ice fishing species include trout, pike, whitefish, whitefish, ling and walleye. The various types of fish in Lake Simcoe are easily identified by their distinguishing features. To help those interested in Lake Simcoe ice fishing the following tips and strategies will be of assistance:

Pike Northern Pike are very aggressive fish. They have a noticeably sharp shape to their head that makes them unmistakable. Pike also have very sharp, pronounced teeth and are very aggressive both in taking the bait and when they are being landed. Pike tend to be aggressive feeders year round although they do nibble a little bit at bait in the winter months. Pike follow smaller fish around the lake and are often found about 3 to 6 feet under the bottom of the ice surface. Lake Simcoe ice fishing for pike is ideal as these fish are very mobile and rather lone hunters, so the size of the lake makes it ideal for moving with the fish without disturbing other anglers.

Walleye- Lake Simcoe ice fishing strategies for walleye include jigging areas just beyond weeds and ridges of vegetation. Walleye are typically found feeding at times just before dark and just after dawn in the periods of dusk. They will typically bite most actively at minnows and plastic worms with lots of action.

Lake Trout lake trout tend to move throughout the lake quite a bit over the season. In the first part of the winter months the trout tend to feed at about 50-90 foot depths, while the lake trout move deeper further into the year and then into more shallow water closer to the spring thaw. Deeper water lake trout feed during the brightest parts of the day and the trout in more shallow areas of the lake will feed during the hours right after dawn and just before dusk.

Whitefish many people use chumming as a method of keeping whitefish located in one area of Lake Simcoe, ice fishing season more commonly. Chumming includes dropping minnows, chopped meat or rice into the water to keep fish in one area a couple of days before deciding to fish the area. Whitefish stay in schools, so one hit typically means that there are many fish in the area. Once they know that bait is heading down to the deep water, more aggressive and larger whitefish will actually swim up closer to the surface if they are actively feeding. Chopped salted minnows or scented plastics make excellent lures in a feeding school of whitefish.

Lake Simcoe ice fishing has many different ice fishing bait shops, house rentals and tournaments to provide everything that a angler needs for a great ice fishing vacation.

The Extremely Practical Ice Fishing Tent

Ice fishing doesnt require a permanent ice fishing house or even a shanty, even a simple, easy to set up and collapsible ice fishing tent may be just the option anglers are looking for. An ice fishing tent is different than a camping tent, although some fishermen do use traditional tents out on the ice, but they are often not constructed in a suitable fashion.

It is important to consider several key factors before deciding on the best model of ice fishing tent. Many tents are designed for one or two people, with larger tents available for four to six people. Typically tents are either traditionally shaped or they are hexagonal in design, allowing for circular type seating around the fishing holes. One drawback to most ice fishing tents is that the doors or flaps are on the end, which makes it difficult for fishermen to move in and out of the tent once others are seated. It also provide difficulties in heating the area, as the heater is usually located on the opposite end of the tent from the flap, which makes it harder to heat uniformly. In smaller tents this is not as much of an issue but in larger four or six man tents this can be a really concern.

The ice fishing tent needs to be easy to collapse and erect out on the lake, especially in snowy or windy conditions. All in one collapsible fiberglass frames are ideal as they eliminate the need to connect the tent poles and simply fold in on each other. This collapsible type frame eliminates the need to search for poles and parts in the snow on the lake, something that can be a huge problem in windy conditions when you are out on the flat surface of the ice.

Finally the ice fishing tent needs to have a strongly reinforced bottom. Typically the holes are preset in the tent, with additional fasteners to keep unused holes closed. Pegs are needed to anchor the tent to the ice, and more anchor tabs are better than fewer when it comes to securing the ice fishing tent. Without the anchors the tent will move about on the ice with the wind, even on relatively calm days.

For those anglers that enjoy spear fishing in winter months it is important to ensure that the ice fishing tent is tall enough and has enough room to allow standing and movement. Hexagonal tents are often considered the best for this sport. Most tents fold down into backpack sized packages, complete with arm straps for easy transport. Larger ice fishing tents may be packed and moved on ice fishing sleds.

Consider A Kit For Getting Everything You Need In Ice

Consider A Kit For Getting Everything You Need In Ice Fishing Tackle

For those that are planning to start the exciting sport of ice fishing, there is usually some concern with ensuring that they have the right ice fishing tackle. It does tend to be a bit overwhelming with the huge number of rods, reels, lures and specialty items available in online fishing stores, sporting equipment outlets and at fish and game shows and exhibitions. Thankfully many of the equipment manufacturers now put together ice fishing tackle kits that provide all the necessary equipment to ice fish almost every variety of winter sports fish in almost every waterway.

Ice fishing tackle kits are sold in particular sets including set numbers of items. There are also ice fishing tackle kits that are available for fishing particular species of fish such as walleye, pike, lake trout or bluegill. These kits are a great idea for new anglers as well as for children that are just getting started in the sport.

Typically an ice fishing tackle kit will include:

A tackle box with various sized compartments and sections for storing tackle in a safe and secure fashion
A variety of weights and split shots including light and heavy weights for various depths of fishing from very heavy through to ultra light
Ice fishing jigs and lures.
A variety of leaders
Bobbers
Depth markers

Essentially this will be the basics of most ice fishing tackle kits. Some more advanced level kits will also include additional lures and even tip-ups, rods and reels for a complete fishing equipment requirement.

Those individuals that know that they will be fishing for various species such as walleye may choose to buy a specific tackle kit such as a highly illuminated or glow in the dark type tackle kit. These kits can be used to enhance an existing tackle box or may be a stand alone set of items. Likewise additional tip-ups or fishing lure kits can be ideal if you are planning on running more than a couple of lines in the water at any one time. Kits provide an excellent selection of lures, weights and leaders, jigs and plastic worms and spoons that can be use in all types of fishing conditions.

Typically purchasing an ice fishing tackle kit is less expensive than buying all the various components separately in a bait store. Some of the lures and specialty items such as ice fishing bobbers and tip-ups may only be sold in kits, not as separate items.

Make Your Life Easier With An Ice Fishing Sled

While there is typically not a lot of equipment and tackle involved in ice fishing, it is still challenging to try to carry it all onto the lake in just one trip, even with a backpack and tackle box. The answer to your problems is likely in the form of an ice fishing sled that is designed to allow you to pull all your supplies in one easy trip from the vehicle to the lake.

There are a variety of options available for an ice fishing sled, and depending on the needs that you have the various features will be more or less important. There are several ice fishing sled options for people that have lots to move as well as those that just need an easy way to carry their ice auger and equipment. There is even a soft bottom ice fishing sled that rolls up into a easy to carry cylindrical case that can easily be stored in the back seat or trunk of a small car.

Ice fishing sleds may be flat bottomed, using the whole surface area of the sled in contact with the ice, or they may be more traditional runner type sleds. Basically most choices when it comes to choosing an ice fishing sled has to do with the personal preferences of the angler. When considering an ice fishing sled it is important to consider overall size, storage area within the sled as well as how much equipment will need to be moved on the sled.

Some sleds may be customized to have built in storage compartments, either flexible or soft sided bins and containers or solid, heavier storage bins. The more flexible soft sided bins may allow additional storage of odd shaped equipment. In addition the sled should be large enough to allow the bigger pieces of equipment such as the ice auger or tent or shelter. Tackle boxes, bait boxes and even camping stoves can easily be stored on the ice fishing sled for easy transport onto the ice.

By knowing what equipment you wish to transport, as well as considering how you can move the sled itself in your vehicle you will be able to choose the right model to match your needs and requirements. Keeping the bottom of the ice fishing sled or the runners free from scratches and damage, keeping wax on the runners as required as well as keeping snow and moisture off the runners and sled bottom will all help in keeping your ice fishing sled in the best possible condition for years for service.