Ice Fishing Techniques

One style of ice fishing rigs to use would be rod or handheld line

The most common method used to ice fish is the rod or handheld line method this method consists of using various types of tackle such as a short Light fishing pole ice rod, a jigging pole, or a plain handline.

For most panfish, most Anglers use a lightweight panfish Pole, while for Perch they use a deep water rod which is a stiffer version of the panfish rod to fish deeper water both of these polls consists of a rod and simple real.

For both panfish and larger fish Anglers use a jigging pole which is a short stiff type rod without a real designed for the up-and-down action of jigging. The advantage of the panfish or deep water pull over the jigging pole is the real it allows you the ability to play the fish especially larger ones while the jigging or hand line methods don’t.

If you choose not to invest in either of these poles and still want to ice fish you can use a plain handline or your typical spinning or baitcasting rod and reel.

The lines choice for any of the above-mentioned methods can vary from 2 to 4 lb test for panfish, perch, and trout, and 8 to 12 pound test for larger fish Walleye, Pike, Muskie, and so forth.

Some general tips to consider:

• Early ice: Fish near the bottom in 10 to 20 ft of water, generally in the late afternoon.
• Mid-season:  Fish deeper pockets generally at midday or shoals in the early morning or evening
• Late season: Fish off the bottom in weedy Flats, inlets, or outlets, generally at midday to dusk.

Presentation: Try adding small pieces of cheese or marshmallow to your ice fishing lures to improve your offering when fishing for panfish.