Fishing Michigan

Have you ever set up a tip up, and when the flag popped up your hole had frozen over?  Just covered by slush?  Here is a quick and easy thing to make yourself to help prevent this from happening to you.

 Just about everyone has a lid for a 5 or 6 gallon bucket laying around the house, garage, shed or barn.  The lid will easily fit over any hole made by an auger.

So here’s what you need to make your own besides the lid of the bucket.  Get a drill with a hole bit.  Make your hole in the center of the bucket.  Then take the lid over to a ban saw.  You can use other kinds, but  this was handy out in the shop and made quick work of the lid.  Cut a small channel from the side of the lid to the center.  When this is done you can either sand the sides smooth, or carefully take a torch and melt the sides smooth.

I then took some black spray paint.  The black will asorb heat if the sun is out, and give additional protection against the hole freezing in extreme cold.

Now just about everyone has a ice scoop or ladle with the hook at the end.  Its there so you can hang it off the side of a bucket when not in use, but here is another way to use it to your advantage.  If for whatever reason the lid becomes frozen to the surface of the ice, you can use that hooked end to give it a good jerk and break the lid free from the lake.

There you go, something you make fairly quickly yourself and it really is functional. Not only for tip ups but also when fishing with a dead stick rod set up.

I mentioned before when the order from Little Atom came in I would do a lil’ something on using plastics for catching panfish through the ice.  Now I realize that there is a good chance I will be razzed by a certain woman, who actually thinks I have everything made for fishing already, I think it might have something to do with me saying,  “After this, this is it,  I’ll never have to buy anything for fishing again.”  I should have said, nothing major ever again,  it just might be vague enough to get a few more goodies.

So here is a big pic of all the goodies I picked up in my latest order.  Some of the plastics I had already,  after learning more last season, I just wanted more of them.  Others were a line up available in a color I didn’t have last year and wanted to try this year.  For $1.19 a pack if you know it works in one color, its easily affordable to give another color a workout.  Even the new Atomic Glows are only slightly more at $1.39.  I was really happy when I gave these a shot of light.  The red is nice and bright, the blue is med strength and the purple was really subtle.  It really gives you the full range that you want for under the ice, red for down deep, blue for mid-depths and the purple will work out in the shallower water.

I had a lot of success last year with the Nuggee’s.  I had never done this before, but during an entire tournament for the first time I used nothing but plastics.  That was in Minnesota during the last qualifier, where we finished 13th and qualified for the championships held in a few weeks in December.  Even during the days we prefished I used primarily live bait,  but come Sunday morning, we made the decision to start off with plastics, to entice the big fish (aggressive morning bite) before they felt pounded by the pressure.  This year Rick, the owner of LA, went back to the drawing board and came up with the Micro Nuggie.  So I ordered all the colors that worked so well for me last year in the new size.  This should even help in getting those hook shy fish to bite,  and might even work better on bluegill.

I have tried several other brands of plastics.  Some even made it into the water on a jig.  I used to have the mentality that I will give them a shot when I run out of live bait.  That whole back-up plan that never came to be because I usually carry a couple of hundred spikes with me whenever I hit the ice.  The difference I found here is that these baits actually move in the water with little effort on my part.  If I jig aggressively they dance all over the place,  if I want to slow it down the action reflects this change of pace.  Ie, they can match the mood of the fish and that’s the most important difference in other brands.  In most cases if you slow down the presentation, the movement stops and you just have a chunk attached to your jig.

Besides the Nuggies and Micro’s; Wedgees, Duppies and Skimpies have worked really well.  The Wedgeesare a snake like bait that imitates blood worms and other larvae that fish feed on near the bottom of a lake.  Duppies are a small split tail bait that match up to your smallest jigs.  Skimpies look like a worm with tear or spade shaped tail, which slows down the movement at the rear of the tail.  Spidgies were designed to work on an ant like body, but I have used them to dress up trebles on the bottom of spoons for walleye, crappie and perch. It slows down the spoon and gives the treble a lifelike body. With both sizes of the Noodles,I rig them across the body of the jig, like a bass fisherman uses the whacky rig technique with a bass worm. I just use the different sizes with bigger or smaller jigs.

It got to the point where I now use two Plano #3600 sized trays to hold all the LA plastics that I have.  I ordered mine directly from Little Atom at the store site ( www.just-fish.com ), the shipping was VERY RESONABLE!!!.  You can also go online and order from www.yourbobbersdown.com.  If you want to take a ride out to Brooklyn, go to Knutson’s and see all the jigs and plastics they have available in their LARGE ice section.  Its worth the trip and the folks that they have working there are top notch.  If you driving near a metro area, go into your local Michigan Gander Mountain,  Taylor is one of the closest and they have a good selection of LA plastics on the shelves/pegs.

Got to get busy cooking Thanksgiving dinner, its our turn with my brother’s family today.  Might surprise my sister in law with some Newfoundland moose roast, or some Erie eyes.  Either way, I better have the chicken strips for a back up plan.  Everyone enjoy what is left of the Thanksgiving weekend.

There are really small jigs designed for gills and crappie, and then there are jigs that you would consider too big for these panfish.  Like the blonde chick said, you will find one “that is just right” for where you are fishing and the mood of the fish.  Ok so that was stolen from the three bear story, but so what, it fit.

There are quite a few good jigs available to ice anglers these days, some are the tried and true and have been around for ages.  Some are available made of something different than lead.  Then you have the glow paints available that glow in different colors.  You have spoons that incorporate rattles into their body, and even jigs that are dressed up with stickers.

In order to cover a lot of the items available, I decided to break it down going by manufacturer by manufacturer.  Rather than go by lure type, this might be the best way to see what folks have to offer in a wide range.  Now most of these are available online by the makers, some by the big companies, but if  you want to go shopping and walk through the selections there are two places to go to here in SE Michigan.  The place that offers the best panfish selection is Knutson’s out in Brooklyn.  The question could come up, how can that be, with Cabela’s right in Dundee?  Its true Cabela’s has an awesome display available, with more coming to the shelves dailey, but just for panfish jigs,  Knutson’s has more.  Secondary places to go to would be any of the Gander Mountain stores like the one up in Taylor.

First off lets start with Northland Tackle.  The Spider Ant, Fire-Eye Grub and Whistler Bee are excellent jigs for crappie.  Although a bit big for gills, when you do get one on, you know its going to be 10 inch plus.  This happens often while targeting crappie.  The Buck-Shot Rattle Spoon and Forage Minnow Spoon are two of my favorites for catching crappie, also good for perch.

Little Atom has been making products for a long long time.  A lot of their jigs were the first of their king, and later copied by other companies.  My two favorite jigs are actually two different sizes, size 12 and size 10 Stealth Optic Jigs.  The other may be the most copied winter jig available, but made by these guys in Wisconsin first, the Rat Finkie.  What the other companies failed to do, was make the jigs in the smaller sizes available only from LA.  The size 16 is one of the ultimate finesse sized ice jigs available, always good to go small when you know the gills are there but just not interested in the larger jigs.

Fiska jigs are some of the best baits available as well, and the prices reflect it.  To be honest, if I wasnt fishing for $25,000 a pop at the ice tournies, jigs that start out at two $omething would be a little rich for my blood.  Well, maybe a handful, but not the  200 some that I do have.  Available online from Your Bobbers Down , the wolfram models are what I have the most of.  Made of tungsten you can fish smaller and still maintain a tightline because the heavier weight per volume.  I wish the fancy new Handpaint finishes had been available where I first picked up my jigs.  The Epoxy jigs are some of my favorites too, although not advertised, most of them actually glow.  The gold also produce nice fish, and there are some Balances (style of jig) that work well for crappie.

Jammin Jigs  produce the best jigs for the prices.  With good jigs starting out for just 49 cents, and up these really are hard to beat.  I have several of the Neon Glow Tiger Stripe styles and some Runt Rockers as well.  There are several kits available for right around $13.00.  A pretty good deal there.

Custom Jigs and Spins also offer a variety of jigs for panfish.  Some of the names will be familiar or even some of the body styles,  and they are just as productive as the others.  The Diamond, Demon and Rocker jigs are all good and effective panfish jigs, and will put fish in the bucket.

K&E and the Arnold Tackle Companies have been producing ice jigs here locally for many years.  Everybody is familiar with the K&E Moon Glow Jigs and they catch both gills and crappie.  The Arnold Fairy Jig combines a jig with some flash and noise, it is an excellent jig for catching crappie and really aggressive bluegill.  Probably my favorite one is the chartruse with gold back.  Just a fun jig to use.

Now there are lot of other companies out there.  Even more jigs from the companies I brought up today that will go out and help you bring back a bucket full of panfish.  BUT rather than go through all that, its Thanksgiving, and I need to walk those pups in order to make some room for pie.  Its either that or I am taking a nap.  Hope everyone had a happy holiday.

Chuck

Ok, since I have a lil’ extra time this morning, going to get right into it with the panfish.  And to be honest,  I took the pics a year ago so they are ready to go.  Anyhoo, I stated in the last piece that flies used in fly fishing can be very productive under the ice for catching panfish.  It is so true, specially with panfish, that what can be used in open water will effectively catch fish during the hardwater season, and the opposite holds true also.  What works on the ice, will always catch fish during the open water season.

Fishing with flies when rigged correctly is really a good producer.  If the fish are in the right eating mode they can eliminate the need for livebait.  I use both weighted flies and dry flies.  The weighted or bead head flies can be used on their own for a slow falling presentation that can be jigged in a subtle wiggle motion, or twitch if that describes it better.  If the fish are in a neutral mode of eating, this type of finessing the bait down is highly effective.

The next type of weighted fly, isn’t really a true fly at all.  But, since the ants have hair on them, they get included because they are for panfish too.  Going from left to right in the picture, you have some flies that I painted and tied up, next up (if I remember right) are either Grizzly or JB flies.  They were out of a bulk bin at work several years ago, and we switched suppliers back then.  The last flies on the right are available from Northland, and are really effective when fishing LARGE gills and all sizes of crappie.  What advantage can an ant give you, the answer is three fold.  Off the bat, they are a bit heavier than a true bead head fly, so they sink a little faster.  Since they do have some hair on them to cause friction in the water, they will sink slower than a jig by itself.  Last of all, if the jig is tied with the right material,  like the Northland ones, where the hair is soft enough, it will produce a wavy action to catch the fishes attention.

Dry flies have to be used in conjunction with some type of weight.  Since Michigan allows for two hooks per line.  The theory is why waste an opportunity to get a double header, definitely makes it interesting coming up out of the hole.  Three ways to use the dry fly with a jig.  You can tie on the fly with a leader so it hangs below the jig, this only works with certain kinds and styles of jigs.  The other two ways are above the jig.  The first is like you would a dropshot rig, use a palomar knot with lead material like Vanish.  Attach the top section to your main line coming off the reel.  I really like a line like Power Pro for this, because of the no stretch qualities,  I want to feel every  nibble I can.  Use the bottom half of the lead to attach your jig.  The second is refered to as the Michigan Rig, developed by the boys out in Brooklyn over the years. Maybe they didn’t develop it, but they certainly made it famous.  Once again take some Vanish, about a 2 foot piece and connect to the main line with a double uni knot.  Instead of trimming both ends, just trim the bottom section and leave about a 3 inch section on top.  The extra length makes it easier to tie on the fly.  Put on the jig at the bottom, by the time you get all the knots tied and trimmed, it should be about 15 inches from the fly.  If it is shorter, not a problem, all the way down to a foot is ok.  Finished product looks like a jig with a fly tied on a short lead off the main line, anywhere from 12 to 15 inches above the jig.  This allows for the fly to move around freely and have a more natural motion while being jigged.

If you are looking to pick up some flies, you can head over to Cabela’s and see what the guys over there can suggest.  If Don is still working in the fly dept, he is your man.  He is an avid ice angler who can set you up with a good selection.

Gearing up for hunting bluegills and crappie through the ice is really not all that hard.  I will save perch fishing for a separate category, although technically the same.  You get a selection of rods to match the type of fishing you are going to do to land these morsels onto the ice.  Whether you are sight fishing or tightlining, you are new to the sport and have chosen the spring bobber models as the way to go,  there are rods available to match your style.  You get a bunch of jigs that are size appropriate for pannies, even some flies.  Yup I did say flies, like the fly fishing variety, very useful.

The last couple of nights I have been outfitting the quad, packing my cold weather gear, spooling reels and mounting them to the rods that I plan on using in Minnesota in a few weeks.  The championship is a bluegill and crappie mixed bag each day, so my rods have to match the different styles that I may use to catch these fish.  In the next few days, I will tackle the weird science of using the rods, coupled with different lines to match the styles of fishing that I might have to use up there.

I will be getting into my tackle too, such as lures and possible terminal tackle items that might be used.  I just got my confirmation email today from Little Atom @ www.just-fish.com, that my latest order of plastics is on the way from Wisconsin.  Rick up there has been a real innovator in the method he produces his tails, and from all that I have tested and used so far, not another company can touch his product for feel and ability to move in cold water. I might be a lil’ gray in the beard, but must admit there is a certain bit of anticipation of the package’s arrival.  I will carefully sort the new items out, plus organize them into my plano trays for quick and easy access.  I will get into more about LA items when I write about the lures too.

Jigs, spoons and hybrids will be covered as well.  How to rig the lures for maximum effectiveness while being as stealthy as one can, the different styles and why each has their time and place.  Maybe there is more to this whole panfishing thing than most folks realize.  Just remember, you can make it as complex as you want, or keep it simple, regardless, you  can always have fun while fishing on the ice.

Stay tuned in the next few days for more in depth revelations into icing panfish and a few other tidbits that will help everyone have a safe and enjoyable time while walking on the hardwater.

Ran into a old friend of mine today who asked how the pups were doing.  Course I said fine, and come take a look because I keep an update on here.  Guage was just not cooperating to say the least, at least Belle stood still long enough to pose for this pic.  Its hard to believe how one could really look like such an angel, but have the devil herself inside at times. 

All along the nearby shores of Erie, folks are catching walleye these days.  Really these nights.  Walleye are coming into the shallows along the shoreline to hunt shiners and shad.  From the shores of Brest Bay, down to Luna Pier some NICE walleye are being caught.  If you are going or plan on wading, its a good idea to do so with a partner, safety in numbers and more fun too.  If you plan on hitting the pier(s) remember there are anglers next to you, be careful when casting and be considerate of those other guys who aren’t catching fish. 

As in the earlier blog item, casting floating Rapala’s and Bombers are good lures to use.  Jointed ones even better.  The extra action not only causes movement to the lure, but also sends out vibrations that can attract fish to the bait.  If the baits employ rattle chambers in the body, they will be much more effective.  good luck

FLW Walleye Tour

FLW Walleye League

The shedules are up all ready, with a tourney being held somewhere close to you.  Does Escanaba count as close?  Well Port Clinton is a little closer.

Ever wonder why those bass boats on TV has those big honkin motors on the backside of those little bitty boats?  Speed, its all about getting to the fish and covering water.  On the ice its referred to as mobility.  Anything to lighten the load in the shanties, and getting to where the fish are.

Once first ice has settled in, and the thickness is at least 4 inches, preferrably 5 or 6″, its time to start thinking machines.  Snowmobiles are one of the top options for traveling from spot to spot on the ice, but for those who dont have those already, and still want to get there fast here are your other options.

Some 24 years ago, I was still in high school back in Ida.  The summer of ‘84, back then Ida’s football players parked cars at the county fair.  One day after a shift in the dust (no rain that year!) my folks picked me up and we headed for home.  At the house were two new Honda Big Red ATC’s, model year 1985 and snatched up with the fair specials being offered.  Luckily for me years later, that ol Big Red 250S of is still starting up right on cue.  She became my ice fishing machine, and although deep snow and drifts treat her like a step-child, its better than walking 5 miles out to Stoney Point.

The top picture shows the black case mounted on the front rack, and my imporvised homemade auger rack on the rear.  In the black case is everything I could possible need for an emergency, or on ice repairs, even simple things often forgotten back at the house.  First Aid Kit, Auger Repair Kit, duct tape, extra scoop, cleats and spikes.  The back rack has my StrikeMaster Lazer Mag Express mounted on a homemade rack, secured by bungee cords.

After pushing through some good sized drifts last year out on Erie, I upgraded just a little bit as I am getting the gear ready for the championships next month.  The New Toy in town is a 2004 Polaris Sportsman 600 4 x4.  Though not impervious to snow drifts and soft fluffy fields, this will be a step up from the ol’ red.  Ground clearance is better, the 4-wheel drive will help, and if I really get bogged down, its got a winch baby!

The first thing I did was shop around looking for a factory made auger rack.  Time is a wasting, and I didnt want to mess around making a rack for this machine.  I looked online at the different models, what the stores had to offer, and the prices available.  I went to the many, many ice forums and posted questions like, “What do you guys use?”.  The internet is a tool folks, just like my rods and reels, the machines and my jigs.  Use it, there is so much info available right there, just a mouse click away.

So after a couple of days of looking, getting feedback, I found what I was looking for.  This rack is made by Stearns (yep the lifevest, rain gear people) under their Mad Dog brand.  Recently I had returned a watch to Cabela’s, course the receit is buried in the records somewhere, so I had a gift card burning a hole in my pocket.  One of the really good guys who works at the store is an older gentleman named Bruce,  and he has been moved around from dept to dept,  and really knows a lot of information.  Luckily for me,  his prestent location is the Auto/ATV dept.  He knew right off what I was talking about, and went right to the location of the item on the shelves.  Got that puppy home that night and started to get to work.  Several phone calls later from friends in MN and Wisconsin.  I gave up for the night.  But the next evening, I went to work and got it done, mounted and ready to roll.  At the powerhead of the auger it is secured by velcro straps, and I gave them the test out in the cut corn fields around the house.  After going thump thump at 40mph,  I check the straps and they were still tightly secured.  Good enough for me.

Thats one way to stay mobile on the ice, move often, and get there fast.

Going to be taking some pics of the new ride and getting some gear to ready it for ice fishing later on.  To make room on the camera, I had to upload some more pics.  here are the latest of the pups and niece.