Fishing the right location for panfish may seem like a simple ice fishing tip it is critical for success and most often not given enough attention. Simply put even the best bluegill or crappie fisherman can not catch fish that aren't there. In any given body of water there will be the number one spot, number two spot, and so forth with the number one spot holding the largest group of fish. It should also be noted that these locations can also be further categorized in year classes, meaning that most often year classes do not mix. There are three methods to determine to the best fishing locations. The first method is to understand the type of habitat that bluegills or crappie prefer. The second method is the use of modern day electronics such as flashers and underwater
fishing cameras. And the third method is a combination of the first and second which most anglers would probably agree is the most efficient. When fishing lakes early in the ice season panfish will typically relate to weeds that are still green. During mid winter both bluegills and crappies will seek the deeper waters of a lake, especially crappies which often suspend of over very deep water.
But before coming too infatuated with any one given body of water the best ice fishing will most likely be found on lakes with the highest populations of bluegills and crappies. While this may sound elementary very few ice fishermen take the time to research state DNR data to choose the best lakes to fish. DNR net data is a gold mine of information that not only gives you the overall population density of fish, but also detailed data of the sizes of fish caught in the netting studies. Sitting by a computer to research this data is much easier than actually traveling to a lake several times just to find out that marginal fishing exists. Using this simple ice fishing tip can save you many hours of frustration sitting on the ice of an unproductive lake.
Staying mobile versus fishing unproductive areas to long can often be the down fall of many ice fishermen. With modern day ice fishing equipment such as highly portable flip over ice shelters and power augers there's simply no reason not to move and find active fish. It is much easier to catch active fish than to try every lure in your box making in-active fish bite. There's only so much time in given day, it's up to you to make the most of it. By organizing your gear at the beginning of ice fishing season and every trip out you will become much more efficient in moving from one location to another.
While many ice fisherman own flashers very few actually trust these modern day marvels. Some times this lack of trust is because the individual really hasn't mastered reading the device. Paying very close attention to detail such as settings and the display is the secret to getting the most out of a flasher. Underwater fishing cameras are another very valuable asset to ice fisherman in the pursuit of panfish. With this device there is no lack of trust by ice fisherman, only the skeptics who don't own one. Underwater cameras are a great learning tool as you can actually see what is below the ice and then compare those facts to the display of your flasher.
Having the proper
ice fishing gear such as rod, reels and line is critical for catching the most bluegills or crappies in a productive location. Too many times anglers know their gear may be lacking but just go along with the assumption that it's good enough. Pool cue style rods will not help you detect the subtle bit of finicky panfish and will also not help you obtain the right jigging motion of light weight lures. Heavy fishing line will also hinder the jigging the movement of a tiny ice fishing jig. Two or three pound test monofilament line is plenty strong for either crappies or bluegills and will also help you detect very light bites.
I hope you have enjoyed reading these ice fishing tips for catching more panfish and always remember to have fun and fish safe!
Jeff Matura has spent over twenty years fishing during the open water season as well as the hardwater ice fishing season in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. The Mississippi River is one of his favorite fishing destinations.
Visit his latest website for the best selection and deals on
fish finders for sale including the popular
Vexilar flasher.
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