2005 Articles

Another Fishing Season of Learning by Bob Jensen

Anglers should learn something new about fishing every season. If you don't learn something new every year, then you probably aren't trying different techniques or different bodies of water or different somethings. And that means you aren't catching as many fish as you could or should. Following are a few things that I learned or re-learned in the fishing season that just passed. Plastic and plastic look-alike baits are becoming a bigger part of our fishing every year. We've been putting plastic on jigs, spinnerbaits, and spinner rigs for years. This year a new rig for plastic was introduced called the Jungle Jig-Loc. The Jungle Jig-Loc is an over-sized, wide-gap hook with a small piec... more

Browns and Bows through the ice by Eric Haataja

If you've never had the chance to experience catching a giant steelhead or brown trout threw then is the time to try it. We finally have some solid ice here in Southern WI harbors a little sooner than expected this year. The Brown Trout are mostly done spawning and the Rainbow Trout will spawn in the Great Lakes Tributaries in the spring. With the right presentations you'll be able to successfully catch these fish on a consistent basis threw the ice. This past fall I did several charters and guide trips on the rivers and harbors and we managed to land some very big browns up to 25 lbs. The fishing was excellent right up to the latest cold snap we just got, and these trout will still b... more

Ice Fishing: 101 by Rick Inzero

Here's a few tips I picked up and answers to questions I had after resuming ice fishing after being idle at it for 15 years... just to provide a reference, I usually fish for perch, walleye, northern pike, and pickerel through the ice here in New York State. We are allowed 5 tip-ups and 2 hand lines per person in most waters. How to locate the fish? Fish near other ice fishermen!! Chances are they are die-hards or locals who go out frequently, and know where the fish hang out. If you drive by a lake on a Saturday about 2-3 hours after sunrise, everybody should be set up, and you should get a good idea where the fish are. I've found trying to park the car in a legal spot to be a bigger... more

Ice Fishing: Preparing for First Ice by Dale Helgeson

It is a clear cold morning in end of November. Some geese are still flying south for the winter as I drag my Frabill Ranger Solo out for my first excursion on the ice of the year. I am looking forward to icing my first fish. There is nothing like seeing a 10 inch bluegill or a 40 inch northern pike come swimming at the hole on 5 inches of crystal clear ice. But before you can head out onto the ice there are things that need to be prepared to make your trip not only successful but safe. This time of year can be extremely dangerous fishing and safety is the number one thing to consider before venturing out on your favorite lake. Having your equipment ready to go not only takes a lot of frus... more

STRIKE SENSOR Electronic Fishing System by Don Waier

As I get older, I'm always looking for ways to make things easier for myself; especially when it comes to ice fishing. Over the past years, equipment has improved and there are many more products available to insure a successful venture during the winter months of fishing. One of these products I now own and use consistently -- my Strike Sensor Transmitters and Pager. Strike Sensor consists of a wireless remote pager that beeps when a fish strikes. Additionally, the transmitters project a highly visible bright light. Prior to using the Strike Sensor, I always had to keep looking at my tip ups to watch for flags. Plus, when it came to fishing within a large group, I was constantly w... more

Ten Ice Fishing Tips and Techniques by Steve Ryan

Everyone can stand to catch a few more panfish through the ice. However, ice anglers typically settle into a routine when they head out onto the ice. They catch several fish and then the action slows down or stops entirely. Maybe they change depths, colors, or holes a few times but that is about it. Once they stop catching fish based upon this routine, they quit and blame it on the fish - "they just stopped biting." Prior to muttering this phrase again, try the following tips and techniques. 1. Vertical to Horizontal. The style of one's ice jig is just as important as its color. Most anglers are accustomed to using a tear-dropped shaped jig that hangs vertically in the water, such as Jamm... more

Hunting The Other Ducks! by Gilbert Arndt

Most waterfowlers,especially those in the southern states, equate Duck Hunting with Mallards. While they do harvest other puddle ducks, it is usually while pursuing Greenheads! The ducks I'm referring to, are Teal,Wood Ducks,Widgeon,Gadwall, Pintail, and even Black Duck! Like the old saying goes"variety is the spice of life",and variety is what makes waterfowling interesting! As most of you reading this article, duck hunt in "Northern States", I will take you through a progression of the species in Wisconsin waters. Early in the season if hopefully we didn't have a good frost by the ... more

Novembers Big Fish by Mike Mladenik

This summer food has been at a premium on both natural lakes, reservoirs and even in the rivers. The cold spring played havoc with the forage base. Besides baitfish numbers being down crayfish are also less abundant. Most of the fish we caught in the summer looked healthy but the forage base is limited and can become depleted by late fall. So my prediction is for big fish to be more accessible to anglers. Each year it seems that the same lakes tend to produce huge fish before ice up. Granted part of the reason is that having this reputation they receive pressure and intern produce big fish. The bottom line is that time is limited and go with the odds, go for the sure thing. This late seas... more

Spicing Up for Autumn Appetites by John Peterson

In its simplest form, the hamburger is a slab of ground beef sandwiched between two buns - genuine Americana, but boring. Same can be said for the jig. It's a formed hunk of lead with a hook sticking out its backside - classic, but boring as well. Surely, despite its plainness, you could find someone to gobble the bland burger, but it might take awhile. What if that baby were spruced up? Might the number of suitors swell? Likely. So begin by adding slivers of provolone and Munster cheese. Next, maybe a crisp hunk of iceberg lettuce and a ripened tomato slice. Perhaps two or three strips of blackened bacon and kosher dills. Top it all off with Dijon mustard and ketchup. Now that'll trigge... more

Three Tips for Better Fall Fishing by Bob Jensen

Fall fishing is upon us. Some anglers look forward to fall fishing with great expectations. Those anglers know that the autumn months can provide lots of action and perhaps the best opportunity of the year for a trophy. Additionally, in many cases you will have the best spots to yourself. There are a lot of distractions in the fall that keep anglers off the water, but if you get the opportunity to go fishing this time of year, you should take advantage of it. As is the case in fishing at any time of the year, there are things that an angler can do to increase the odds of getting bit in the autumn. Following are three of those things. When fishing, it is always important to fish where t... more

Big October Smallmouth by Mike Mladenik

October is a great time to be on the water in the Northwood's since it is probably the last full month of open water fishing. Depending on the year by late November we will see hard water. Most northern anglers will take advantage of every day, knowing what lies ahead for the next five months. Besides catching lots of big fish this is also an enjoyable month to be on the water. October starts out with peak fall colors and can end with days feel more like December. This spring we were hit with some of the worst cold fronts I have ever dealt with. Not only was the weather unstable but we were also dealing with torrential rains. This combination made for some tough fishing. However we still... more

Bulk Up For Bigger Bass by Bob Jensen

This summer has been a weird one for many anglers. The weather early on was wet and chilly in many areas throughout the Midwest, then when it decided to warm up, it got really hot. The heat kept some anglers off the water. Gas prices have been unpleasant this summer also, and although some analysts expect gas prices to moderate, we should probably anticipate that gas prices aren't going to reach that dollar a gallon level in the near future. Some anglers didn't fish as much this summer due to higher gas costs, but not going fishing is not the answer. We just need to plan our fishing trips better to keep the costs down. First of all, make sure your trailer and vehicle tires are properly... more

Fall Walleyes by Dale Helgeson

It is that time of year again. The leaves are starting to turn colors, buck have lost their velvet and start marking their territories, geese start their migration south, and you guesses it the big walleyes are coming into to feed and get ready for winter. Fall is a magical time of year. There are so many outdoor opportunities available to us. Many people quit fishing for the pursuit of whitetails, ducks, and geese or even turkeys. But this may be one of the best times of year to land your big walleye of a lifetime. Springtime is probably the only better time to catch a trophy walleye but the fall will offer the opportunity everywhere, where as the spring you are primarily limited to the ... more

Rockin' Walleye by Steve Ryan

One of the easiest ways to catch late summer walleye is to fish mid-lake structure - in particular rock piles and reefs. Walleye relate to this structure from mid-summer to late fall. Reefs concentrate bait and provide land marks by which walleye navigate throughout the lake. The most difficult part of fishing rock piles and reefs is locating and marking them. LOCATING REEFS The number one source for information on a lake's bottom structure is a good contour map. If a contour map is available, get the map and study it. The best reefs are large and irregular in shape. The majority of their surface area should top out in 6-18 feet of water. While shallower and deeper rock structures wil... more

Keep Your Fishing Costs Low by Bob Jensen

This summer has been a weird one for many anglers. The weather early on was wet and chilly in many areas throughout the Midwest, then when it decided to warm up, it got really hot. The heat kept some anglers off the water. Gas prices have been unpleasant this summer also, and although some analysts expect gas prices to moderate, we should probably anticipate that gas prices aren't going to reach that dollar a gallon level in the near future. Some anglers didn't fish as much this summer due to higher gas costs, but not going fishing is not the answer. We just need to plan our fishing trips better to keep the costs down. First of all, make sure your trailer and vehicle tires are properly... more

September River Smallmouth by Mike Mladenik

Being a full time guide I spend at least 170 days per year fishing open water. Through the years I have spend more time pursuing smallmouth bass than any other species. Like most bronzeback anglers I feel any day on the water is a good one. However it is even better when you catch and release a big smallmouth. The more I fish the more big smallmouth have become an obsession. Experience has taught me that to catch big smallmouth you must fish the proper water at the right period. Pre-spawn smallmouth can offer fast action particularly on clear water natural lakes. Big fish leave deep water and are assessable to anglers. On many lakes this pre-spawn period is the only time when consistently... more

Big Baits for Big Fish by Bob Jensen

From the middle of summer and through most of the remaining open water fishing season, fish are going to be eating. That's all they do this time of year. In fact, except during the spawn period, a fish's life revolves around eating. In the spring, smaller baits will usually be most effective for fish catching, but from mid-summer right through the fall months, big baits are going to catch big fish. You might be surprised how big a bait you can use and still catch fish. During my guiding days, it was not unusual to catch walleyes while throwing baits designed for muskies. It wasn't surprising to catch walleyes in the six to eight pound range on twelve inch jerkbaits or crankbaits that we... more

Keep Canada Fun, Eh by Steve Ryan

Planning a trip to Canada takes considerable time and effort, including gathering information on lodges, talking to references, selecting the perfect week for the trip, putting together the right group of guys, and packing every piece of tackle known to man. However, upon slamming the trunk shut and pointing the vehicle north, all lists, worries and time schedules should be left behind. "Stuff happens"; the trick is learning how to deal with the stuff with a smile. Canadian trips should be first and foremost about time spent with friends and family in the great outdoors. Enjoy the experience, whatever twists and turns are thrown your way. Many anglers believe the only measure of a... more

Late Summer Largemouth by Mike Mladenik

Mid to late summer is not the most popular period for many bass anglers even though they have many options. Whether you choose to fish for smallmouth or largemouth in the upper Midwest this can be a time of plenty both for big fish and action. As usual the key is concentrating on the proper water and using the proper presentations. While my clients catch many nice bass in August if we were to fish different lakes only a few miles down the road the fishing would be very tough. For largemouth bass I have had my best success on medium sized natural lakes. These are the lakes that are hot in spring but not given a second though in August. The ideal lake will be less than 300 acres, have limit... more

Plastics for Bass by Bob Jensen

Throughout the Midwest we have some excellent populations of largemouth bass. Largemouth can be found in lakes, rivers, and ponds, and in many cases, they are under-fished, especially in the northern states of our region. It's hard to figure out why this wonderful gamefish is ignored by so many anglers, but that's o.k. with me. Fewer anglers chasing bass just leaves more for the few of us who enjoy catching them. If you're one of those anglers who would like to pursue "green" fish, you need to learn to use plastic baits. Throughout the summer months, plastics will be effective largemouth bass baits. There are a lot of choices when it comes time to select plastic baits. Don't make this con... more

Summer River Patterns by Mike Mladenik

July can be a frustrating period for anglers even tough fishing can be good. The key to success in July is knowing the specie you are pursuing and knowing the best type of water to fish. Being a full time guide for over 20 years I have developed several patterns that are productive in July. Here is some advice on where and how to fish this summer. The most consistent pattern for summer is river smallmouth. While other species may feed on a regular basis in summer it is often hard to nail down a distinct pattern. Walleyes for example can be active one day with the bit being tough the next day even without a weather change. Toss in a cold front or recreation boating and fishing can be very... more

Early Season Musky by Mike Mladenik

Musky Fisherman all have there favorite lake. Over the years a specific lake has been good to them and has produced not only a trophy musky but consistent action. While having a favorite musky lake is fine, there are times when it will work to your disadvantage. One time when you should forget about your favorite water and go for the percentages is during the early season. When picking water to fish during the early musky season shallow stained water flowages top the list. The more shallow water available in the flowage, the more active muskies will be. Try to avoid flowages where most of the flowage has water deeper than twenty feet. Deeper flowages will have a greater amount of wate... more

Net'em When You Can by Bob Jensen

As fishing seasons get underway across the Midwest, it is a good idea to review proper netting techniques. Sometimes it can be tough to get the fish to bite: We sure don't want to goof up when the catching is slow. However, there really is no good time to make a mistake with the landing net. Following are some ideas for proper netting procedures. We should be thinking about netting the fish even before they bite. Before the first cast, or as soon as the lines are set on a trolling or drifting run, make sure that the net is ready for action. You don't want it buried under tackle boxes, coolers, or jackets. Make sure that you can swing the net into action quickly and easily. Some nets co... more

Playing Keep-Away with Muskies! by Todd Berg

One of the great parts about fishing is that you always learn something new- or at least you should. Over the years, the data that you accumulate should make you a better fisherman or fisherwoman… or "fisher kid"- on each and every outing. Empirical knowledge adds to your arsenal and one day, you hope you find yourself being referred to as a "hot stick" on one or several bodies of water or with one or more species of fish. I've fished (maybe "hunted" is a better word) for Musky for twenty years on the nose as of this year and have guided for ten of those twenty and fished the Esox Masquinonge more seriously than I ever thought possible or desirable. During that time, I will offer a p... more

Selecting A Guide by Steve Sams

On one of those cold December nights, while playing sheepshead with the boys the discussion of fishing came up. When you were younger you dug your own worms, used whatever tackle you could find, and happily spent the day fishing on your favorite body of water whenever you wanted. Back then it was fun but know with families and jobs our time on the water is limited. Just imagine the time it would take under these conditions to learn a body of water on your own. Having a little more spending money now days we looked into hiring a guide to learn a new area we wanted to fish. Where do you start? You could look in any of the outdoor magazines or web sites available, phone book, grocery store b... more

Bobber Fishing by Steve Sams

For many of us this was our first method of fishing. Today with all the different kinds of lures, jigs, and spinners available, bobber fishing has been side stepped. Personally, I still find this method to be the most enjoyable and productive way to fish for panfish, bass and muskies. A good idea for panfish and bass would be to use an ultra lite combo with a #8 hook, split shot placed 12 inches above the hook and a bobber placed 30 inches back. Use the smallest split shot you can possibly use so the bait can still swim around. Usually a 1/8th oz. works the best. When you decide to fish with leeches, hooking them right below the sucker will produce the best results. Panfish and ... more

Lake Michigan Salmon - Charter Captains' Secrets Revealed by Steve Ryan

The big pond - the name anglers affectionately give that enormous body of water more properly known as Lake Michigan. A great lake by any standards, Lake Michigan's borders stretch across four states and provide boundless fishing opportunities for thousands of anglers. World record size brown trout skirt its shorelines and harbors each spring. Huge schools of firecracker Coho salmon provide anglers with quick action before game fish season opens on most inland waters, and when the heat of summer makes inland lake fishing difficult, Lake Michigan sizzles with sky rocketing steelhead, enormous lake trout from the depths and drag screaming Chinook salmon. With some basic equipment and knowle... more

Northwood's Bass by Mike Mladenik

Finally after a long winter we are able to get out on the water once May arrives. I spent the winter giving numerous seminars across the Midwest. Each winter I enjoy giving these seminars and meeting with anglers. My last seminars were at the Action Marine Open House in early April. Events like the Action Marine open house are great since besides anglers getting super deals on a new boat they can learn fishing techniques at one of the seminars. I can't wait to see you all there next year. Now its time to go fishing. Up here in the Northwood's bass anglers are fortunate to have many options. Northern bass anglers can choose to fish natural lakes, reservoirs and rivers. Bass lakes can ra... more

Opening Day Walleyes by Dale Helgeson

As my alarm rings and breaks the morning silence, I eagerly wake up. Quickly jump into my clothes and head outside to the driveway where my Skeeter 2050ZX is already attached to my truck. Full of anticipation for what the day has in store for me. Everything was prepared the night before including rigging rods and I made sure to go to be early even though I couldn't fall asleep. It is here, opening day of fishing season on my favorite lake. I have been fishing rivers and reservoirs for months but now it is the time I look forward to the most. The lakes will be packed with fisherman but I don't mind as I have my favorite spots to hit today for my annual pilgrimage to the lake. Opening ... more

Panfish For The Season Starter by Bob Jensen

In some areas of the Midwest, fishing season for some species of fish is still closed. In other areas, you can fish for whatever you want to fish for. Regardless of where you live, you can chase panfish. Panfish can be easy to catch right now and if you're hungry for a meal of freshly caught fish, you can't beat crappies, bluegills, or yellow bass. Pretty much wherever you live in the Midwest, panfish are fair game, they can be readily caught, and they're great on the table. If that sounds good to you, here are some ideas for catching some panfish right now. Panfish this time of year can be caught from a boat, shore, or from a dock. When the fish are shallow, quiet is a real must. If you ... more

CATCH WALLEYES EARLY IN THE SEASON by Bob Jensen

---> Throughout the Midwest, the early season walleye bite starts at different times. The farther north, the later the start. Some states allow anglers to start chasing walleyes whenever possible, other states require us to wait until the season opens officially. Wherever you live in the Midwest, you can fish for walleyes right now. You may have to drive to an area that allows for walleye fishing, but if you want, you can fish for walleyes right now. And that walleye action can be pretty good this time of year as well. Following are some ideas for taking advantage of early season walleyes. This is the time of year, in many bodies of water, when wading anglers will have just as good a s... more

Early Pre-Spawn Smallmouth by Mike Mladenik

Over the years I have written many articles on pre-spawn smallmouth. The more I study pre-spawn smallmouth I have come to the conclusion that we need to focus on both the early and late pre-spawn periods. It is the early pre-spawn period that receives little insight. At this time it is anyone's guess what the water temperature will be. This pre spawn period can be unpredictable since the weather can be like a roller coaster. Unfortunately this unstable weather will also bring unstable water temperature. This is way the action can be hot one day and cold the next. It can also be prime to catch a giant smallmouth. Last May a few days after the season I went out on one of my favorite reservo... more

Leave the bacon in the frig - time to fish with Kirk! by Steve Ryan

Giggles resounded from the other end of the telephone. Not the reaction I expected while ordering a Texas fishing license over the telephone. After providing the licensing agent with the usual name, address and date of birth information, I inquired about any special fishing tips or locations. The agent spontaneously boasted of such great Texas bass lakes as Lake Fork and Toledo Bend. I pointed out that my fishing partner and I were traveling more than 800 miles to Texas to target something much larger -- massive 100-300 pound alligator gar. That's when the giggling began. After composing herself, the agent offered her best gar fishing advice: "put a piece of bacon on the hook and... more

Spring River Trolling by Dale Helgeson

The ice has washed down river and you are on your way to your favorite river for some spring river walleye fishing. This is one of the most anticipated times of year for many walleye anglers. After being cooped up in the house or fishing through the ice nothing compares to reeling in a monster walleye in the boat. This time of year can be very unpredictable. You can get a foot a snow one day and the next it will be 60 degrees out and the sun beating down sometimes both in one day. But before you get to the river you need to make some decisions. What type of fishing are you going to do? Do you vertical jig, pitch plastics, use live bait rigs, or a seldom used option of trolling. Troll... more

Spring time Splake Fishing! by Captain Marty Papke

It's a few weeks away but won't be long and open water will greet us. The Great Lakes can provide some early season "Splake!" fishing. What's a Splake, a hybrid cross of a Lake Trout and Brook Trout. This species with it's characteristics is unique indeed. Summertime found in deep waters and springtime found shallow making it a sure target for the shallow water angler working the Lake Michigan and Lake Superior shorelines. Within 2 to 3 weeks of "ice-out" is the time to be getting out and chasing these Splake. Ideally water temperatures for some of the best bites should be between 40 to 50 degrees as fish will remain in the shallow water through a time frame betwee... more

Crankin' Trophy Walleye by Steve Ryan

Spring is here and the smell of walleye is in the air. As water temperatures creep up, deep-bodied walleye head toward their spawning grounds. With proper planning, this period offers anglers the best opportunity to land multiple trophy walleye in a single outing. LOCATION: Most river systems in the Midwest contain a good population of trophy walleye. Key spawning locations include shallow shelves and ledges in the upper sections of the river. Trophy walleye concentrate in these areas when the water temperature enters the mid-forty degree range. Since water temperature is a key ingredient to success, always have the means to check water temperatures at various depths. Be mindf... more

New Lake: Where to go? by Bob Jensen

As I sit writing this on a February weekend, the temperature outside reaches into the 50's giving this writer some serious spring fever. Luckily it won't be long until spring and open-water reemerge. Like most years, I will probably venture to new fishing locations this summer. Finding and catching fish on unfamiliar waters can be a difficult, yet very rewarding experience. Here are some thoughts on how to go about fishing a "new" lake. The first thing I always try to do is to obtain a lake map of the particular body of water to be fished in advance. I then sit down and "study" the map. That is I look at the map and try to identify areas on the lake that look like they would hold the partic... more

Plastics for Spring River Walleyes by Dale Helgeson

As you get you boat in the cold spring river water you feel the cold crisp air rush up your blood stream to your heart as it starts racing faster with the anticipation of landing a big walleye. Spring time is undoubtedly on of the best time of the year to land a trophy walleye. Many trophy walleyes have been taken using the standard lead head jig tipped with a minnow or a three way rig with a floating jig head and minnow. Some people will even troll them in the spring using lead core line. But one way that is sometimes over looked is a jig and plastics. The Jig There are many styles of jigs and picking the right one for the right situation can be difficult. One jig that seems to wo... more

Spring Walleye Fishing by Steve Sams

In a well worn ritual, March is often the first month of the year in which Midwestern anglers shuck off their icy cocoons, dust off the spinning tackle and head out to do their first open water fishing of the coming season. With the majority of game fish seasons closed, their targets are river systems where lethargic walleyes have felt the river water temperature warm incrementally, rise quickly with runoff and take on a color that begins to hold the sun's energy. Males, as is common throughout nature, are first to the spawning table, rushing up river to the first blockage they find, often a dam. There they will mill around and wait for the egg-heavy females to make their way upstream.... more

THINKING OF OPEN WATER by Bob Jensen

It's that time of year when an anglers thoughts turn to open water. Although there is still lots of ice-fishing to do, it is only natural to look two months ahead to the time when we will be putting the boat in the water instead of pulling a portable shelter across the ice. Following are some of the things I'm looking forward to on that first open water trip of the year. First, it will be nice to not have to wear heavy boots and several layers of clothing to go fishing. Oh sure, we'll have to dress warm on the first trip of the year, but it won't be ice-fishing boots and coats to protect from the cold and wind chills. Today's angler and outdoors-person is able to tailor clothing needs to ... more

Top Ice Toys by Steve Ryan

Lets face it; life on the ice can be cold and boring. What one needs to add excitement to the icefishing game are gadgets. The thicker your wallet, the more gadgets you can afford. Mind you, I have had plenty of fun catching fish with nothing more than a homemade spud bar, a make shift jig rod and a handful of ice jigs. However, if I had my choice, the following toys would accompany me on the ice. First, since my wish list is long, I would start with a Yamaha Kodiak 450 ATV four-wheeler. ATV's expand one's range and make one more likely to try multiple locations until active fish are found. They are also great safety devices. The old adage that 'no ice is save ice to drive a truck o... more

Trophy Tip-Up Tips by Dale Helgeson

The ice is here and you want to get into some bigger fish through the ice. There are several options from the great sturgeon spearing on Lake Winnebago to jigging up trophy walleyes on the Mud Flats of Mille Lacs. But the number one preferred way to chase trophy fish through the ice is with tip-ups. Tip-ups come in many different shapes and sizes from stick tip-ups, wood tip-ups, to plastic tip-ups. I prefer to use Frabill Pro Thermal tip-ups. They are insulated round plastic tip-ups that cover the hole. Being orange they are visible from a great distance above the ice but the bottom of them is mainly white insulation so it will blend in with the snow on the ice. Covering the hole with an ... more

Ice Jigging Pan Fish Techniques by Dale Helgeson

It is definitely getting to be that time again. The snow is starting to fall temperatures are dropping and ice is forming on the lakes. First ice is a very exciting time to fish every year. The anticipation to fill your bucket full of fish is exciting but there are several techniques that will increase your chances for success. The first thing is you can't be set on just one jigging technique. There are several techniques to try. One of my favorites is a 6-12 inch raise with a slow drop. I will make a quick 6-12 inch raise of my rod tip sometime only 3-6 inches works as well but then slowly lower the rod tip. You should lower it as slow as possible. If you think you are going to slow... more

Jigging Success for Winter Pike by Steve Ryan

Pack away the tip-ups. Grab a jig rod in one hand, a small box of lures in the other and set off on the ice for a full day of pike action. No bait necessary. With a basic understanding of the movement of pike throughout the ice season and a few simple jigging techniques and tackle requirements, winter pike are easy prey. Sure, everyone has enjoyed some good days of pike fishing while monitoring a full allotment of tip-ups. Tip-ups are set early in the morning along a weed edge. You clear the holes of ice once or twice throughout the day and maybe even check on the bait. The tip-ups are never moved the entire day. The only fish that you have a chance to catch are those few pike patr... more

Lake Michigan Harbors and Tributaries by Eric Haataja

Recently, I fished in a great Lakes Tributary (river) and we also fished in a near by harbor for Brown Trout and Steelhead. The day started off a little slow but after making a few subtle changes the action really heated up and really never slowed down for us the rest of the day. Sometimes moving a 100 feet or changing the type of bait presentations can make a world of a difference. We probably landed 20-25 brown trout and a nice steelhead in a period of 6 hours. The average size of the trout were probably 6 lbs with the biggest being 12- 14 lbs. That was an exceptional day however, it's possible to consistently catch 4-8 fish each trip threw the ice. This bite will last for severa... more

PANFISH ON ICE by Bob Jensen

Throughout the Midwest, panfish are abundant and they're popular. Anglers year ‘round like to catch panfish, and the winter season provides lots of opportunities to do so. Lakes, ponds, backwaters of rivers, they all hold panfish in good numbers. Here are some ideas as to how you can catch more panfish through the ice. First, it is important to identify what type of panfish you will be after. Different types of panfish call for different presentations. You need to determine what type of panfish is most abundant in the body of water being fished. A quick stop at the baitshop or a conversation with other anglers can help out here. Now consider the fish itself. If you are going to be c... more