What do you think?

[gillhntr]

As some of us approach last ice... do you think the bite turns on.  Do you think the fish are getting hungrier?  Should we adjust our baits and presentation.  The reason I ask is because having a heck of a time with these hybrib sunfish.  They are HUGE but won't bite!  All ideas welcome.

Fish on!   

James

[hunters08]

If you can see them and they arent taking your bait,i would try smaller bait and lighter line.

[gillhntr]

If you can see them and they arent taking your bait,i would try smaller bait and lighter line.

1 lb. flouro leader... w/ # 12 teardrop ..... smaller???

[tench]

Drop some handfulls of oatmeal and iron fillings down the hole, then drop a big magnet down there tied to a rope... 

I'd try a different presentation, maybe not so agressive with the jigging. Or try a plain hook with a spike or two on it.

[Kevin23]

I would try a bigger jig. Sometimes they wont touch the little jigs but will take a size 8.

[n8bummer]

im having this same problem...i can see fish like crazy on the vexilar but i cant get them to bite. i know they are most likely crappies but could be bluegills....they will follow the bait up but never take it

[slipperybob]

Go small or go large...small for when they will feed, large to trigger reaction bite.

[Lobes]

Around here last ice is bordering on a feeding frenzy. They will bite on a rusty bare hook on a rope!
(well ... it seems that way sometimes!)

                                       
NBG

[CanIceCpl]

On the other side of the lake, there are plenty of fish - so I hear.

On our side of the lake "cast in the desert" cuz nothing is happening.

I started changing my presentation but still nothing.

This weekend there will be no magnet but perhaps a horse shoe ? LOL

I took a lot of time off this year so far to be off the weekend to ice fish and although only 2 fish - it's been soooooo cool.

Thanks all and if you have some tips - keep er comin'

D&T

[chumster]

Seems so minor, but make sure the tip of your hook is covered. The fish around here will come up and look but wont bite. Pull your bait up and just the tip is showing. Put a maggot over it and drop it back down and BAM.  Seems strange but that's how it is here. Have to really make sure the tip is fully covered or they back away.

[captain54]

I do think last ice can be the best,big bulls can be the fussiest fish there are,and that's what I fish for the most,they have seen it all,so try different things,try spoon spoons,like Frosty,Forage minnow,and spender spoons,I know your going to think there to big 1/20 oz,tip w/wax worm,also fish a size 10 clean Ratso's,try ever color you can think of,and the Little's thing can make the different,presentation,how the jig set in the water,make sure a horizonal jig sit horazonal.Sometime it one mag,or two,or three,it's just a game,use your machine,get them to chase,try different jigging methods,give them the nod,just a slight move,then try the jiggle,them the pause,them the slow foot raise and the controlled free fall,you got to play with them,something will work.

[CanIceCpl]

On our last serious day of fishing (Pike) I used tips that I learned and tried a different presentations.

I used a weight at the very end of the line, then 18" up I had 2 hooks through a nice size minnow (front and back) then I released it all down and as I started to pull the line up so it's taught - I felt a bite. It was that quick !

I played a little, gave a tug, and was patient. It was not! I felt a serious yank then nothing.

As I pulled my line up I thought "This is way too light !" Sure enough, no weight, no big minnow, no 2 hooks, just a busted leader.

I'm thinking this is the big one that got away and I never got to see it.

Next time ,,, next year

D&T