Need some help, please?

[icehawk92188]

I am new to ice fishing this year, and up to this point i have just been going to places where i have seen guys in the past, and havent had very good luck finding fish on my lowrance. I have been looking to catch mainly gills and crappies but don't really know what to look for when deciding where to fish. I bought a lake map book that shows the contour lines of all of the lakes in the state but i have no idea what to look for. If anybody has any advice or tips i would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you in advance!!

[Yogi]

Well I could give you a book on things I have learned from ice fishing over the years.  I like to fish shallow water because I just think it is easier.  I always use a stiff rod with a senstive tip.  I usually tight line.  I only use at max 2lb test if not 1lb test.  You will find fish around weeds this time of year.  My favorite kind of jigs and about the only ones that I use are easy prey.  Really like them.  I have heard good things from Sylvan in your area but, never have fished that lake myself.  It will come to you.  It takes time and you will learn things everytime out.  If you want more specifics let me know.

Yogi

[icehawk92188]

thank you for the info, I have fished sylvan quite a bit this year, but have never gotten into them real heavy. i hear people talking about fishing flats, drop offs, weeds, etc but i just dont understand how to find these types of things

[crappiehunter]

You need to get a fishing bud in your area to follow around. Each time I go with someone, I watch what they are doing and then try it next time. I've found that most guys are up for going and don't like to go alone. To find the "breaks" you look at your coutour maps that you have. When the lines are very close to together, then that means there is a significant depth change in that area. Those areas tend to attrack fish as they relate to structure. You have to put in your time on the lakes and find stuff. I have fished Sylvan in the past but don't know it enough but I do know there are guys on here that do. There are also very good lakes in that area. I would head to Wawasee or maybe the Barbie Chain around Webster. Good luck.

[bradmoun]

sylvan has been slow lately if you can find weeds i would start there

[Loufeesh247]

You might also try the Indian Lakes chain - just north of you. I haven't been over there yet this year due to some health problems, but things are changing and that will change in the next week or so. Several lakes there are usually good for both gills, bass and crappie. PM me if you want some places to try - plenty of fish to go around... just gotta catchem. One bit of advice, pick up after yourself, or you could ruin it for yourself and others. Welcome to the hardwater sport.

[Boomer]

I know this is not much help for this hardwater season but during the summer I look for wintertime areas. Weeds. An oldtimer once told me to fish for the fish in winter think of where they are in the heat of summer. Sorta makes sense, the warm water of winter is where the cool water of summer was.