Author Topic: Ice Fishing  (Read 1102 times)

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Offline Bldr Bob

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Ice Fishing
« on: December 01, 2006, 07:46:42 AM »
Ok, so it is getting a little slow here maybe due to the hunting season drawing to a close.  So lets talk ice fishing, is anyone getting really antsy?  I have my auger ready to go, and my flip shack is almost ready once I get the light mounted inside.  The snowmobile and 4-wheeler are both all rigged up for fishing.  I was thinking about going to the Ice show this weekend and see if there is anything that I may not know that I need.

Offline HuntingGuy

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Re: Ice Fishing
« Reply #1 on: December 02, 2006, 05:54:21 PM »
You ever make it out to that ice show?  I've been debating getting into ice fishing, have never done it, though.  Plenty of fishing any other time.. Guys who do it think it's just a blast, maybe I'll try ice fishing this year
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Offline Bldr Bob

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Re: Ice Fishing
« Reply #2 on: December 04, 2006, 06:16:53 AM »
I didn't make it to the Ice Show this weekend just had to much going on.  Ice fishing is definetly addicting and it will cause you to spend a lot of money.  But the neat thing about it is you can get into it with out spending a lot, all the extra stuff just makes you a little more comfortable out there.  If you ever want to go just let me know I would be happy to hit a metro lake with you.  I am just debating about walking out this weekend on a smaller lake.

Offline HuntingGuy

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Re: Ice Fishing
« Reply #3 on: December 04, 2006, 09:55:41 AM »
Bob, COUNT ME IN, thanks!  Would love to give it a shot.  Just let me know when you think lakes in the metro might be ready and we can meet up - I'll even buy ya lunch.  ;)
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Offline NONYA

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Re: Ice Fishing
« Reply #4 on: December 04, 2006, 12:36:35 PM »
HEADED OUT FOR MY FIRST ice trip of the year tommorow,have 6-8" of good ice near the shore,not sure how it will be farther out probably better
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Offline Bldr Bob

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Re: Ice Fishing
« Reply #5 on: December 06, 2006, 06:12:56 AM »
Well got my custom lights mounted in my shack the other night now I am just waiting to get on some ice.  The smaller metro lakes might be alright by this weekend but who knows.  This wind needs to die down so we can get a good cover on the bigger lakes which there are a lot that are still open.  I might just drive up to the cabin this weekend so I can get out on the ice. 

With the high winds and the warm temps that are expected for next week it might be a couple weeks before I feel really safe. 

HG, just let me know when you want to go, I am always game to punch some holes.

Offline bearfat

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Re: Ice Fishing
« Reply #6 on: December 07, 2006, 01:33:01 AM »
I always like to ask guys their ice fishing technique with northern pike since I HAVE NEVER GOTTEN ONE THRU THE ICE FISHING! :-[  I've speared a couple through the ice and of course gotten some the rest of the year the water is open. But ice fishing and me don't seem to get it.

I have read being portable is the key. If they're not biting move on. ???

Do you hook your sucker thru the lips or the back? How deep do you drop him in a fish house? Do you jig him?

If using a tip up do you do you wait until the 2nd run starts to set the hook?

And finally what depth do you keep your sucker at under the ice  with a tip up?

Oh by the way I was suppose to go black powder hunting this morning. At 3 below I DON'T THINK SO. Tomorrow looks much better.
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Offline Bldr Bob

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Re: Ice Fishing
« Reply #7 on: December 07, 2006, 06:27:45 AM »
The only times I really target Northerns are with tip ups in fairly shallow water.  I have caught a few with a rod but i was crappie fishing and it was completly by accident, interesting fight though with 4# test and a light action rod.  When I set my tip ups I use what is called a "quick set rig".  It is basically a treble hook on a steel leader with a tiny spinner on it.  The spinner serves no purpose other than being able to call it a lure instead of just a treble hook tied to the line (which I don't think it is legal.  I usually hook my minnows throught the back so they swim around a little more naturally.  When we fish on Red lake for pike we use 12" smelt hooked up this way and slaughter the big pike.  Because I usually fish for them is shallower water I don't pay to much attention to depth other than setting up about a foot or two off the bottom.  Hope some of this helps.

Good luck on getting out today, I have to run to a meeting and don't really want to leave my office.  brrrr

Offline Bldr Bob

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Re: Ice Fishing
« Reply #8 on: December 11, 2006, 08:10:41 AM »
Well got out on the lake on Saturday.  Went an hour north of the cities and had 6" of ice under me, what a beautiful day.  We caught our limits of crappies in 3 1/2 hours all between 10" and 12".  Had one of the best days out on the ice.  Did anyone else get out?  I am debating on if I will be going out this weekend or not.  Sounds like these warm temps might hurt the ice a little bit.