Ice Fishing Tips?

[aleelavine]

Hey everyone! Going out today for a small tourney. A little worried as the minnows and waxworms weren't exactly hitting last night on the same lake (Beebe). Any tips? Maybe the jig color? Type of jig people like to use? I am sooo new to this ice fishing that I am just going with the flow, so far. Would love to hear what people can share! Thanks!!!  :fishing2:

[Woody]

Well there is alot of variables here since you didn't mention what species you are targeting. Not a big deal.  Here's some general tips no matter what the species is you're after:

-Get a map of the lake(s) you intend to fish.  Check your local bait shop.  The DNR website has free maps-but not very good quality.
-If you can, get a GPS like a Lowrance H2Oc that will hold a Lakemaster chip. This way you'll have maps for hundreds of lakes-right in the palm of your hands. 
-I generally set my bobber so the bait is between 1' & 2' off of the bottom.  Fish look up not down, and when they are hugging the bottom-you're bait is what they see.
-If a whole minnow or waxie doesn't seem to work, try just the minnow head.
-Water clarity will dictate what color to use.  On dark/stained waters you'd want to start with bright colors.  Clear water you can use about any color. 
-Find weeds! Even though it's winter, there is still weeds out there, and the fish are in there.
-Look for structure to fish off of. (sharp drop offs, sand bars, sunken islands)
-In dark/stained water you can fish shallower in the daytime.  Clear water, you'll want to be deeper in the daytime.
-When you first go out & decide on an area, drill ALOT of holes right away.  This way you can spend time fishing. If nothing bites after say 15-20 minutes in one spot, try another.  And the holes don't have to be that far apart.  I've seen people catch fish 10 feet from someone who isn't.  Alot of times that's due to structure/breaks or presentation. (Probably not allowed in tournaments though-check first)

I hope these help you out.  I know I've forgotten to mention alot of things, but this is a start. I'm sure there will be more advice from others.    Good luck and welcome to MNO! 

[JCAMERON]

One thing I might add - If you are marking fish and they aren't biting, try to size down your presentation with smaller jigs or even a plain hook and bait. If you are fishing two lines try using different methods with each line untill you find a method that works.

[HD]

Most times I use a glow jig for visability. (Panfish and Perch) Grubs of some sort and small crappie minnows.
I try to match the lure to the bait fish in the lake. (Color and size)
Information about what is in the lake can usually be found on the DNR web site.
If the water is dark and stained, I will almost always use a rattle type glow jig. That way you get the visability and some noise to attract the fish. (When I'm targeting Walleye)



Just a couple tips.........


Hunter

[Woody]

Here's the link for LakeFinder on the DNR website.  It also has species information for lakes.

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/index.html

Great tips guys! Keep them coming! 

[HD]

One more..........

I have found that when fish are finicky, line diameter and color makes a difference.

Line diameter, the smaller line, the better action of the jig. (But, don't go to small for the fish you are targeting)

Line color, sometimes the fish can see the line (Depending on clarity of the lake)
To be safe, I use clear, or the light green.


Hunter

[aleelavine]

Thanks for the tips!! Unfortunately, not one fish was caught at yesterday's tourney.  So that was kind of a bummer. It was still a good time, but would have been awesome to have snagged one! Oh well... next time. :)