Whitefish Bites, how do you see them?

[bigmike7272]

Was out fishin' for whiteys saturday they were biting so light that the hit wouldn't show up on a spring bobber, the camera showed that they were just coming up and grabbing the bait and spitting it back out immediatly what should I do?

[Drifter_016]

When the bait disappears stick it to 'em!!!  

You may need to work on your reflexes Grasshopper!!! 

What were you using for bait.
If it was artifical you may want to add scent or a piece of minnow to get them to hold on a bit longer.

[Woodsman]

they were biting so light that the hit wouldn't show up on a spring bobber, the camera showed that they were just coming up and grabbing the bait and spitting it back out immediatly what should I do?

How do you even who they were biting ("grabbing the bait and spitting it back out immediatly")? I suspect they were only coming up & taking a look.

[Drifter_016]

How do you even who they were biting ("grabbing the bait and spitting it back out immediatly")? I suspect they were only coming up & taking a look.

He forgot to put it in, but in another thread he said he was using a camera.

[Wiener]

When I see whitefish coming in, on the vexilar or camera - I start to slowly lift my bait.

This makes 'em think that their meal is trying to get away. (albeit slowly)
It sometimes makes the whitefish hit a little harder.

I also had that problem the other day, and started sight fishing by blacking out the windows in the shack and watching the fish come in and hit.

I just bought a Frabil 24" ultralight rod with a quick tip.   I'm dying to try it out, but I need to kick this cold first.


Wiener

[bigmike7272]

i was using single eggs i did mention that i had a camera. i am sure that they were hitting it because i was making sure i had a nice bead on where my hook was they would suck it up and spit it back out before i reacted i guess i do need to work on my reflexes a little.

[Tailboard]

Try using a very sensitive rod and very subtle jigging action, lightly stirring up the bottom for a while then pause. 
I use a small tear drop or jig head usually tipped with a wax worm. When the whitefish takes the bait it is very light and your rod tip will bend slightly, almost feels like it is starting to freeze in the hole. A sweep up and steady pressure as you reel and you will have fish on the ice. It takes time to learn and it is all about finesse and presentation.   Good luck   Tailboard

[bigmike7272]

thanks for the tips guys

[tapsboy68]

set the hook before they hit. Thats what some old timer said. lightly jig or lift your rod and when it is moving they will hit and you will be able to feel it.