| Matt Johnson Outdoors Top 10 Secrets to Icing More Panfish |
| Matt Johnson Outdoors |
By: Matt Johnson
We once believed that the
best kept secrets for targeting
winter panfish were shared at
local bait shops, church
meeting rooms, neighborhood
coffee shops; basically those
unknown locations where
old-timers spend most of their
time spewing the tricks of the
trade. On the contrary, the
modern age has drastically
helped define the new set of
secret shared by panfish
enthusiasts. Now, don’t go home and tell grandpa that I’m saying he
can’t fish, instead just think of this article as the second chapter in the
great book of panfish secrets.
#1: Stay Mobile – Portables, Augers and GPS
Yes, it might not be a secret to most, but it still seems to be the
Achilles heel for most ice anglers. We sit way too long. The reason this
is listed as number one on my list is because most days all it takes is a
small move to put you on fish. Use the tools you have. Flip-over
shelters come with built-in sleds designed to be pulled, why not put
them to use. Augers are becoming more and more efficient and user-
friendly, why not burn some gas. GPS units are readily available at
most tackle shops and they are more affordable than ever, why not
plan your next move and take the initiative. The secret has been out
for a while, now it’s just time to take action.
#2: Location, Location, Location
This one can rival the number one spot. Locating our target is usually
half the battle. We constantly tell ourselves that only if we could find
fish would we then be able to make them bite. While sometimes true,
the fact still stands that if you can’t find fish then you won’t catch
anything. Understanding panfish movements is the name of the game.
Knowing that panfish will hold onto green weeds at early is a good
starting point. Knowing that panfish will use main lake basins much
like grazing cattle can put fish on the ice during midwinter. Knowing
that panfish will once again relocate in the shallows at late ice will
help take away the guesswork of March fishing. These are simple ways
of increasing your odds at catching fish. Understanding the structure
in the lake and then adding that information into the seasonal
equation will equal rewards.
#3: Proper Gear Choice – Rod, Reels and Line
It’s still amazing how many anglers still fish in the Stone Age when it
comes to gear. Too heavy of rods and line is one of the most common
mistakes made when targeting winter panfish. Having the ability to
feel and/or see the bite is crucial. Pool cue style rods are a thing of
the past. The modern technology of spring bobbers and quick-tip rods
are worth their weight in gold. Changing the rod is only step one,
selecting the proper reel and line is the other half of the battle. Thin
diameter lines are important when going after finicky panfish. Thicker
lines only hinder the movement of the jig and also allow the fish to
notice the unnatural appeal of what we throw in their face. We have
three, two and even one-pound test lines available from all of the
popular ice fishing line companies, you need to use them. Matching
the proper rod, reel and line will make a difference and can oftentimes
be one of the easiest changes to make.
#4: Fish High Percentage Lakes
This means fish lakes where you know good numbers of panfish exist.
This can imply lakes with both quantity and quality. If numbers are what
you’re looking for, then don’t fish a lake with a small population of
crappies. If size is what you’re looking for, then don’t fish a lake with
stunted bluegills. Pay attention to the DNR programs and websites.
Talk with friends and locals about fish populations. No sense in going
after a monster sunfish in a lake that has nothing but dinks. All you’re
doing at that point is shooting yourself in the foot. This all goes back
to doing your homework before hitting the ice. It will help you in both
the success category as well as save on frustration and build
confidence.
#5: Trust in your Flasher
We all like to bring friends on the ice, but none as important as our
Vexilar. When trained properly, we can pick up even the slightest
movements made by fish when looking at our flasher. Paying close
attention to detail and understanding how specifics movements
dictate the choices we make in jigging sequences and presentation
options. As die hard panfish anglers, we need to focus on the little
things that make a difference. Having the ability to shoot through
shallow weeds to see our jig. Being able to cut down the amount of
power needed to see our presentation. Watching one side of the red
line (depicting a fish) moving giving off the feeling that something
good is about to happen. These are all things we can train ourselves
to see. We’ve picked our friends wisely, now it’s time to trust them.
#6: Learn to Use Finesse Tactics
It’s no secret but once again we find ourselves shying away from
extreme finesse approaches. No longer can you use the excuse, “it
takes too long for the jig to get down there.” Instead we need to tell
ourselves that those moments of frustration make all the difference in
the world. The term “finicky” is being used more and more every
winter. When situations turn finicky we need to oftentimes switch to
finesse tactics. Downsizing to a smaller jig is the most common form.
Tying on something out of your fly box is another important move.
Figuring out ways to spoon-feed these fish into thinking that they’re
eating zooplankton is the name-of-the-game. This technique might
come with a price (mentally of course) but the rewards are great.
#7: Artificial Presentations
Ah yes, the mighty plastic. Nothing more stands out in my mind as
being the most popular trend in ice fishing. Everyone is flocking to
them and for good reason—they catch fish! Teaching yourself to
become a plastic ice angler can and will increase your overall
productivity. We have the ability to really play the whole color
spectrum and size chart. We can also incorporate drastic changes in
scent and texture. But one of the biggest attributes is the fact that we
fully control the movement of the presentation. What the fish
devoured happened because of what we just did to it. The ability to
include aggressive and negative techniques without changing your
presentation is no made simple. Finesse tails dance like luring
appetizers that no panfish can pass up. Artificials are here to stay!
#8: Upsizing is your Friend
On the flip-side of the whole finesse aspect, we have the much
underused concept of upsizing. We are quick to downsize but are
oftentimes reluctant to upsize. However, I would go as far to say that it’
s a fifty-fifty split on importance when triggering panfish into biting.
Upsizing is typically done to match the forage, but it still gets passed
up more often than not. Go into the garage and grab your open water
panfish tackle box and throw it in the portable fish house. Break out
the tubes, plastic grubs, hair jigs; basically all the go-to presentations
we use during the open water months. They will work under the ice
and the results can be amazing!
#9: Think Natural – Color Choices
We are overrun with bright and flashy colors. Chartreuse, hot pink, ten
different shades of glow; colors that sometimes catch more fishermen
than fish. It’s time to start thinking natural. Grab the browns, purples,
blacks, blood reds… the colors that actually imitate forage in the wild. I
promise you, fish will still notice your offering is there if you use
natural colors. In fact, you might even see that fish are less skittish
and more willing to devour whatever you throw in front of them. I’m
not saying to leave the gaudy colors at home, but rather bring out your
“earthy” side and see what happens.
#10: Don’t Give Up!
We will have bad days, keep pushing forward. Use what you learn from
every fishing trip. No matter the outcome of a trip there is always
something positive that comes from it. When something doesn’t seem
to be working, try something else. Don’t get stuck in a rut and
remember there is always another step that can be taken. Change
colors, change sizes, change action, do something different.
Oftentimes we tend to sit and stare when nothing seems to be
working. Biggest rule here: if something isn’t working, change it!
These Top 10 Secrets are in no way the only list out there, they are
just ways in which I try to focus on when looking to ice more panfish.
Don’t be afraid to add more numbers to this list or take certain ones
out. Either way, figure out a method that works the best for you and
put it into action!
Good Fishin’,
Matt Johnson
We once believed that the
best kept secrets for targeting
winter panfish were shared at
local bait shops, church
meeting rooms, neighborhood
coffee shops; basically those
unknown locations where
old-timers spend most of their
time spewing the tricks of the
trade. On the contrary, the
modern age has drastically
helped define the new set of
secret shared by panfish
enthusiasts. Now, don’t go home and tell grandpa that I’m saying he
can’t fish, instead just think of this article as the second chapter in the
great book of panfish secrets.
#1: Stay Mobile – Portables, Augers and GPS
Yes, it might not be a secret to most, but it still seems to be the
Achilles heel for most ice anglers. We sit way too long. The reason this
is listed as number one on my list is because most days all it takes is a
small move to put you on fish. Use the tools you have. Flip-over
shelters come with built-in sleds designed to be pulled, why not put
them to use. Augers are becoming more and more efficient and user-
friendly, why not burn some gas. GPS units are readily available at
most tackle shops and they are more affordable than ever, why not
plan your next move and take the initiative. The secret has been out
for a while, now it’s just time to take action.
#2: Location, Location, Location
This one can rival the number one spot. Locating our target is usually
half the battle. We constantly tell ourselves that only if we could find
fish would we then be able to make them bite. While sometimes true,
the fact still stands that if you can’t find fish then you won’t catch
anything. Understanding panfish movements is the name of the game.
Knowing that panfish will hold onto green weeds at early is a good
starting point. Knowing that panfish will use main lake basins much
like grazing cattle can put fish on the ice during midwinter. Knowing
that panfish will once again relocate in the shallows at late ice will
help take away the guesswork of March fishing. These are simple ways
of increasing your odds at catching fish. Understanding the structure
in the lake and then adding that information into the seasonal
equation will equal rewards.
#3: Proper Gear Choice – Rod, Reels and Line
It’s still amazing how many anglers still fish in the Stone Age when it
comes to gear. Too heavy of rods and line is one of the most common
mistakes made when targeting winter panfish. Having the ability to
feel and/or see the bite is crucial. Pool cue style rods are a thing of
the past. The modern technology of spring bobbers and quick-tip rods
are worth their weight in gold. Changing the rod is only step one,
selecting the proper reel and line is the other half of the battle. Thin
diameter lines are important when going after finicky panfish. Thicker
lines only hinder the movement of the jig and also allow the fish to
notice the unnatural appeal of what we throw in their face. We have
three, two and even one-pound test lines available from all of the
popular ice fishing line companies, you need to use them. Matching
the proper rod, reel and line will make a difference and can oftentimes
be one of the easiest changes to make.
#4: Fish High Percentage Lakes
This means fish lakes where you know good numbers of panfish exist.
This can imply lakes with both quantity and quality. If numbers are what
you’re looking for, then don’t fish a lake with a small population of
crappies. If size is what you’re looking for, then don’t fish a lake with
stunted bluegills. Pay attention to the DNR programs and websites.
Talk with friends and locals about fish populations. No sense in going
after a monster sunfish in a lake that has nothing but dinks. All you’re
doing at that point is shooting yourself in the foot. This all goes back
to doing your homework before hitting the ice. It will help you in both
the success category as well as save on frustration and build
confidence.
#5: Trust in your Flasher
We all like to bring friends on the ice, but none as important as our
Vexilar. When trained properly, we can pick up even the slightest
movements made by fish when looking at our flasher. Paying close
attention to detail and understanding how specifics movements
dictate the choices we make in jigging sequences and presentation
options. As die hard panfish anglers, we need to focus on the little
things that make a difference. Having the ability to shoot through
shallow weeds to see our jig. Being able to cut down the amount of
power needed to see our presentation. Watching one side of the red
line (depicting a fish) moving giving off the feeling that something
good is about to happen. These are all things we can train ourselves
to see. We’ve picked our friends wisely, now it’s time to trust them.
#6: Learn to Use Finesse Tactics
It’s no secret but once again we find ourselves shying away from
extreme finesse approaches. No longer can you use the excuse, “it
takes too long for the jig to get down there.” Instead we need to tell
ourselves that those moments of frustration make all the difference in
the world. The term “finicky” is being used more and more every
winter. When situations turn finicky we need to oftentimes switch to
finesse tactics. Downsizing to a smaller jig is the most common form.
Tying on something out of your fly box is another important move.
Figuring out ways to spoon-feed these fish into thinking that they’re
eating zooplankton is the name-of-the-game. This technique might
come with a price (mentally of course) but the rewards are great.
#7: Artificial Presentations
Ah yes, the mighty plastic. Nothing more stands out in my mind as
being the most popular trend in ice fishing. Everyone is flocking to
them and for good reason—they catch fish! Teaching yourself to
become a plastic ice angler can and will increase your overall
productivity. We have the ability to really play the whole color
spectrum and size chart. We can also incorporate drastic changes in
scent and texture. But one of the biggest attributes is the fact that we
fully control the movement of the presentation. What the fish
devoured happened because of what we just did to it. The ability to
include aggressive and negative techniques without changing your
presentation is no made simple. Finesse tails dance like luring
appetizers that no panfish can pass up. Artificials are here to stay!
#8: Upsizing is your Friend
On the flip-side of the whole finesse aspect, we have the much
underused concept of upsizing. We are quick to downsize but are
oftentimes reluctant to upsize. However, I would go as far to say that it’
s a fifty-fifty split on importance when triggering panfish into biting.
Upsizing is typically done to match the forage, but it still gets passed
up more often than not. Go into the garage and grab your open water
panfish tackle box and throw it in the portable fish house. Break out
the tubes, plastic grubs, hair jigs; basically all the go-to presentations
we use during the open water months. They will work under the ice
and the results can be amazing!
#9: Think Natural – Color Choices
We are overrun with bright and flashy colors. Chartreuse, hot pink, ten
different shades of glow; colors that sometimes catch more fishermen
than fish. It’s time to start thinking natural. Grab the browns, purples,
blacks, blood reds… the colors that actually imitate forage in the wild. I
promise you, fish will still notice your offering is there if you use
natural colors. In fact, you might even see that fish are less skittish
and more willing to devour whatever you throw in front of them. I’m
not saying to leave the gaudy colors at home, but rather bring out your
“earthy” side and see what happens.
#10: Don’t Give Up!
We will have bad days, keep pushing forward. Use what you learn from
every fishing trip. No matter the outcome of a trip there is always
something positive that comes from it. When something doesn’t seem
to be working, try something else. Don’t get stuck in a rut and
remember there is always another step that can be taken. Change
colors, change sizes, change action, do something different.
Oftentimes we tend to sit and stare when nothing seems to be
working. Biggest rule here: if something isn’t working, change it!
These Top 10 Secrets are in no way the only list out there, they are
just ways in which I try to focus on when looking to ice more panfish.
Don’t be afraid to add more numbers to this list or take certain ones
out. Either way, figure out a method that works the best for you and
put it into action!
Good Fishin’,
Matt Johnson
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