Author Topic: Newbie (Read 980 times)

nraald · « **on:** Jan 16, 2018, 07:35 AM »

Ok this is my first year on the ice, anybody have advise for locating fish without a flasher? Holding to get one down the road but I highly doubt it will happen this season. I'm mostly interested in trying for panfish and trout. Thanks for any advice.

coldfeetbigfish · « **Reply #1 on:** Jan 16, 2018, 07:57 AM »

Drill lots of holes and never give up! the fish are everywhere just learn everytime your out. I have been hard water fishing over 40yrs and still learn tricks. Biggest learning you can do is be safe on what you do, if no one is on ice there might be a reason, tread carefully. If your alone make sure ice is safe before you go out and let someone know where you are fishing. Talk to guys as your going out or coming back see what they used and ask questions, I haven't talked to many people that didn't want bothered on ice, most of them like to brag. Follow drilled holes and if you see alot of footprints around them they most likely were getting flags or gigging them and kept going back because of something in the hole. By the way welcome aboard hope to run in to you on ice, it's always nice to talk to a fellow ICE SHANTY MEMBER

BE SAFE - TIGHT LINES

Jagger0502 · « **Reply #2 on:** Jan 16, 2018, 08:13 AM »

What area are you from and what lakes do you plan to fish? Most state lakes have maps. If not just google or satellite image the lake to find weed lines and drop offs. Don’t be shy to ask the guys in the parking lots what’s catching fish or suggestions. Most fisherman know the struggle of starting out and will give you a few tips on colors or depths that are working.

Chris338378 · « **Reply #3 on:** Jan 16, 2018, 08:17 AM »

Welcome to the site. Try spots where you catch them in the fall and work out from there. As for a depth I'd stat off between half and three quarters of the way down to the bottom for the depth to fish. Also look where other people are fishing, look for old holes, and talk with other people on the ice and explain to them you're just starting out odds are they'll give you some advice. Also add your location to your profile here that way people in your area will know you're local to them.

ajv5148 · « **Reply #4 on:** Jan 16, 2018, 08:54 AM »

Welcome. Don't be afraid to use that search bar and ask it lots of questions. When I fish a new area for the first time I like to spread out some tip ups(usually in a straight line out from shore) to try to figure out where the fish are holding. Its a good start at least and helps you learn depth/incline. I got the 3pk of tip ups from walmart for less than $20 and have only used them once but successfully caught perch. This hobby can become as expansive as you want it to

bassackwards · « **Reply #5 on:** Jan 16, 2018, 09:53 AM »

Buy the cheap I-bobber thingy if that is the best you can afford. Seems like everyone is using them. As long as you have a phone, and the app....you can use it just like a sonar. A flasher is just a type of sonar, and the staple unit, but certainly not your only option. A lot of guys are using conventional sonars, like the portable ones you see "kayaks" use. Some as cheap as $40.00.

nraald · « **Reply #6 on:** Jan 16, 2018, 10:55 AM »

Quote from: Jagger0502 on Jan 16, 2018, 08:13 AM

What area are you from and what lakes do you plan to fish? Most state lakes have maps. If not just google or satellite image the lake to find weed lines and drop offs. Don’t be shy to ask the guys in the parking lots what’s catching fish or suggestions. Most fisherman know the struggle of starting out and will give you a few tips on colors or depths that are working.

I'm from York, pinchot and lake Redman are the closest lakes to me. Was up to little buffalo 2 weeks ago and had a blast. Thanks to a buddy who had a flasher i ended up on a pile of fish. Mostly gills with 2 trout in the mix

Gills4me · « **Reply #7 on:** Jan 16, 2018, 11:19 AM »

welcome to the shanty n that's a gr8 day for a newbie looks like your already hooked

4seasonfishrman · « **Reply #8 on:** Jan 16, 2018, 11:43 AM »

I'll start by drilling about a half dozen holes. Fish each one for several minutes. If those holes aren't productive I'll drill more holes and repeat the process. Trout roam around, usually you won't get more than one or two out of the same hole. Keep moving around, that's the key.

iceman4667 · « **Reply #9 on:** Jan 16, 2018, 11:44 AM »

Welcome

Chris419 · « **Reply #10 on:** Jan 16, 2018, 01:53 PM »

I’m also new myself.. how are you able to search for news about the local lakes in your area? Thanks in advance

ajv5148 · « **Reply #11 on:** Jan 16, 2018, 03:17 PM »

Quote from: Chris419 on Jan 16, 2018, 01:53 PM

I’m also new myself.. how are you able to search for news about the local lakes in your area? Thanks in advance

I know to see reports you need to post 3 times. I forget if thats required to use the search bar. 2 more posts to go!

cajuntony · « **Reply #12 on:** Jan 16, 2018, 06:23 PM »

By useing a map ya could ole school it and terrain associate fer depth an cribbage...etc..until you buy the toys ie flasher camera....but gettin out on da ice is sooo fun fer me

rlusk3030 · « **Reply #13 on:** Jan 16, 2018, 09:26 PM »

Drill lots of holes try different baits. I like dead sticking some live minnows and jigging fairly aggressively with a spoon or jigging rap tipped with minnows. I don't have a flasher yet myself and I look at lake depth maps all the time. Also if your in the area over the summer scouting shoreline from a kayak can be useful. Welcome the site good luck and don't give up!

Chilly Chile · « **Reply #14 on:** Jan 16, 2018, 10:44 PM »

Welcome nraald. Nice to see the "flathead master" on this site.

waltman · « **Reply #15 on:** Jan 16, 2018, 10:57 PM »

WELCOME ABOARD

fatboy8 · « **Reply #16 on:** Jan 17, 2018, 09:17 AM »

Try to get your hands on a depth chart of the lake but if you cannot target points or bays. As stated before try drilling in a straight line towards deeper water about 5-10ft between holes. If you have success in a hole begin drilling left to right because you may of found a weed line, depth change, or structure. Typically fish hole 5-10 minutes then move you want to find the aggressive feeding fish. When jigging in a hole work the whole water column. Few minutes on the bottom then a couple cranks up work it there and then continue that. Crappies, pickerel, and trout typically suspend in the water column this gives you the best shot at them.

3300 · « **Reply #17 on:** Jan 17, 2018, 09:34 AM »

welcome to both of you!

look for old holes or foot prints. "go with the flow".
ask questions of others fishing the lake. explain your just getting started and ask if they would like to teach you any tips.
when you think there maybe fish. drop your bait to bottom. crank one revolution for one foot roughly. so start at one foot or less off of bottom. perch stay closer to bottom then gills. crappie stay about half way down/up.
try to be in 12 foot of water or less for pans. the 8 foot mark seems best.
use 2 pound line.
use 3mm jigs.
stay safe and buy a float suit (at least the bibs) and learn self rescue right away.
stir.
have fun!

Kevin m · « **Reply #18 on:** Jan 17, 2018, 10:15 AM »

I haven't ice fished in 20 years, but am looking to get back into it, so I can get my boys out on the ice. I have two questions. First I have seen the term dead sticking minnows, what exactly is that? Secondly, I am looking to get a relatively cheap electronic (200 dollar range) that would be good on the ice, but I could also use from kayaks or canoes in the summer. I have looked into the deeper bobber anyone have any thoughts on that?

fatboy8 · « **Reply #19 on:** Jan 17, 2018, 11:37 AM »

Quote from: Kevin m on Jan 17, 2018, 10:15 AM

I haven't ice fished in 20 years, but am looking to get back into it, so I can get my boys out on the ice. I have two questions. First I have seen the term dead sticking minnows, what exactly is that? Secondly, I am looking to get a relatively cheap electronic (200 dollar range) that would be good on the ice, but I could also use from kayaks or canoes in the summer. I have looked into the deeper bobber anyone have any thoughts on that?

Garmin Striker 4. I just got one for Christmas and have been using it non stop. Nothing but good things to say about it. Makes a world of difference on the ice. Also dead sticking a minnow just means you do not jig or move the rod it just stays still. can either be in your hand or a rod holder.

cajuntony · « **Reply #20 on:** Jan 17, 2018, 07:06 PM »

Hey kev yall could try you tube on dead sticking i'm sure you and da boys could find great videos on dat...pics and vids are worth a 1000 words tight lines

Kevin m · « **Reply #21 on:** Jan 18, 2018, 06:18 AM »

Thank you, looking into the marcum, and will check out some videos on deadsticking. Hoping to get out on lake Arthur Saturday.

ajv5148 · « **Reply #22 on:** Jan 18, 2018, 07:19 AM »

you can get a striker 4 with portable kit for around $180 if you shop around. Not sure if gander outdoors has them but they have $25 off with code GoodSam
shop around, watch review videos, talk to people using electronics on the ice and make sure it's simple enough for you to understand. looking at other peoples flashers makes me think Id need to read the manual half a dozen times

Sledheadzrt · « **Reply #23 on:** Jan 18, 2018, 11:48 AM »

I'm a newbie to ice fishing. I went my 1st time on the 6th. I'm definitely hooked! Last Sunday I bought a used shanty and auger. Shanty is a HT I believe and auger is a strikemaster mag 3. I paid 200 for the pair. Then just last Monday I ordered the lowrance ice kit so I can use my lowrance elite 5 HDI . I have yet to use it. I'm pretty stoked about going out Saturday morning. I'm having a hard time making up my mind on where to go. Was thinking about trying pymy? I live about 5 miles south of shenango. But I hear that the water fluctuates alot being a flood control lake. I do know my ollady's starting to get a little upset with me! Lol but she will get over it!

tentwiststhick · « **Reply #24 on:** Jan 18, 2018, 12:59 PM »

All of the comments to this question contain useful advice. There is also a certain amount that can be learned from studying what's on the surface of the ice in any given area, most of the time, as it relates to panfish. Things like numerous mauled minnows, tattered wax and meal worm remnants, blood spots, saw dust, bran, bits and pieces of panfish anatomy, almost always a lot of cigarette butts and unfortunately litter associated with empty bait containers. This kind of evidence can remain visible for days under the right conditions. Things like discarded baitfish can be gobbled up by birds and other critters in short order when not frozen into the ice. Most of the time these kind of clues go together and are usually accompanied with very noticeable foot print activity. Good luck.

fatboy8 · « **Reply #25 on:** Jan 18, 2018, 01:52 PM »

Quote from: ajv5148 on Jan 18, 2018, 07:19 AM

you can get a striker 4 with portable kit for around $180 if you shop around. Not sure if gander outdoors has them but they have $25 off with code GoodSam
shop around, watch review videos, talk to people using electronics on the ice and make sure it's simple enough for you to understand. looking at other peoples flashers makes me think Id need to read the manual half a dozen times

+1 to this I own a striker 4 portable kit and love it. At minimum doubled my fish totals. Just received the Ice Ducer in the mail so I'm excited to use that this weekend. The open water one works great but I found it needed a lot of minor adjustments here and there which was a drag but it still worked very well.

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Author Topic: Newbie (Read 980 times)