|
|
Post by rocfish on Nov 14, 2010 12:27:42 GMT -4
I don't know if it is because of where I am in my life right now, or if its a response to increased awareness of the sport opportunities, but I suddenly, this year, have an interest to try ice fishing. My entire life I always viewed ice fishermen as individuals who did what they did simply as an opportunity to get out of the house and drink beer in the cold for a couple hours a weekend. Recently I've been watching some ice fishing shows, in which there seems to be more than I ever remember, and reading some of the dedicated magazines, and I'm thinking it might be a fulfilling outdoor activity (even without the beer). So I've begun amassing some of the necessary accessories I think may be needed for an enjoyable day or weekend or season on the hard water. I was able to get some basic rod & reel combos at both Fleet Farm and Gander Mountain for between $5 and $15 bucks. I have some decent cold weather gear already, along with some buckets and such. So, I've spent some more time scouting my favorite stores for bargain ice specific tackle. This leads me to the point of my rant. I struck an ice gold mine at Gander Mtn. this week. It seems they always have a selection of bargain bins available for sifting through, but this week I found an entire one dedicated to 50% off ice fishing tackle. Picked up some tiny jigs, some little spoon lures called a "Swedish Pimple", and the most significant find - a whole selection of Rapala Jigging Raps and Jigging Shad Raps in various colors. At 1/2 off their regular price of $4.99, I was able to get as many as I wanted for $2.50 apiece! While not looking forward to the icy grip of the Midwest winters where I live, and the disappearance of open water, I am somewhat curious to find out what this new time killer is all about.  |
|
|
|
Post by rocfish on Nov 21, 2010 11:44:41 GMT -4
Just a follow-up thought after doing more research on this whole ice fishing thing. I'm curious, who can tell me what the smallest rattling or clacking bait that Rapala makes is? From what I've read, it seems the dedicated ice men usually carry some sort of noise making bait in their arsenal, and I thought I might as well make mine Rapala. Any thoughts anyone???
|
|
|
|
Post by predatorshunter on Nov 23, 2010 8:00:08 GMT -4
i don't like ice fishing 'cause for me it's like fishing in acquarium
|
|
|
|
Post by bacon on Nov 23, 2010 15:30:13 GMT -4
hey, check out this years issue of in-fishermans ice fishing mag. they go on alot about how one of the hottest new ice baits for big predators has been a rapala clackin rap size 8. large aggressive predators really are drawn into it, especially lake trout. but i was thinking also that maybe tossing some RNR-4'5'7's in the box too. was thinking about sending out a couple of CNR6 and 8's to be painted like ciscos and perch, but ciscos are just about white/silver, and there white pattern would be just about right anyway. i personally love to ice fish, would much rather fish on the ice then in a boat. plus the ice opens up all of the water to those who dont own a boat, you can fish anywhere you want, and nothing beats looking out across a sea of snow drifts to see a lone red flag waving in the breeze and not knowing what your going to find once you set that hook. if you need any pointers or have any questions, feel free to ask.
bacon
|
|
|
|
Post by rocfish on Nov 23, 2010 18:26:41 GMT -4
Thanks for the info "Bacon"! I have lots of Rattlin Raps & Clackin Raps in the larger sizes that I have in my arsenal for open water bass fishing, but I'll probably end up buying a few of the smaller size 4 or 5s specifically to try under the ice. I may lean on you again in the near future for some more advice on this new type of fishing for me (as soon as the lakes freeze over).
p.s. - Congrats on your new arrival!
|
|
|
|
Post by rocfish on Dec 5, 2010 10:34:34 GMT -4
Just read, in one of the 5 fishing magazines I subscribe to, an article about using Rapala ice jigging shad raps for vertical jigging in open water. So, even if this ice fishing venture that I plan on trying this winter doesn't pan out, I'll have the tools for a new technique to try in the spring with all the Jigging Raps I bought on sale at Gander Mtn. for $2.50 apiece.  |
|
|
|
Post by muskiehunter on Dec 30, 2010 11:11:55 GMT -4
I never thought about using a RNR-4 & 5 for ice fishing but thats got me intrigued  I will throw a few of them in my box and see how the Bass & Pike react to them.  |
|
|
|
Post by rocfish on Jan 3, 2011 0:39:24 GMT -4
Well, now that the holidays are over, and winter's grip has set in here in the Midwest, I might finally get out on the ice and try out this ice-fishing thing. One last request for advice from those of you out there in the know. One last piece of integral equipment I have to pick up is an AUGER. My buddy, who claims to have actually gone ice fishing with his dad, says we could just use his ice chisel to make some holes, but I'm thinking it might be a more enjoyable experience to just drill our holes, rather than waste our time and energy hacking our way through. I really don't feel like dropping over $200 (used on ebay) for a gas powered auger (although deep down I know that would be the best way to go) so I'm looking at the hand augers that are out there and considering the cordless power drill attachments I've seen for sale. I figure I could put together a decent set-up for around $50 bucks (used on ebay, I have a couple cordless drills). Has anyone out there who does this sort of fishing had any experience with this type of ice auger set-up?
|
|
|
|
Post by keesvanderlaak on Jan 3, 2011 10:43:26 GMT -4
Icefishing is a good way to go fishing when the water is frozen shut. but I hat the fact that I can't use my regular lures..
|
|
|
|
Post by ralphwalsh on Dec 31, 2011 1:00:23 GMT -4
Any good ice fishing stories from XMas holidays? Still WAY to mild in Edmonton, odd winter weather!
|
|
|
|
Post by happyshad on Dec 31, 2011 16:13:57 GMT -4
Rocfish - you are entering a very fun and addictive sport. As far as ice augers are concerned, best advice I could give you is to get a StrikeMaster Lazer hand auger. As far as size - smaller is faster - and a small hole makes it harder for an "escaped" fish to turn around and get down the hole. If you are going to be fishing mostly for panfish - I would start with a 5 or 6 inch. Also make sure that the blades are brand new or factory sharpened - very difficult to sharpen yourself - if not impossible. A spare set of blades are a good idea as well. I also NEVER let anyone borrow my auger - I would drill them a hole personally before I would ever loan them mine!
Also - as you get into Ice Fishing and advancing, you can take the hand auger for early season adventures and use also as a back-up when you advance to power augers.
Enjoy!
|
|
