Do you love big bluegill?

East coast Ice fisherman

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A place to share tecniques ,past successes /failures and future prospects for fishing Gills and other fish through the ice.

Location: Ringwood New Jersey
Members: 21
Latest Activity: Feb 12

Finally...On the Ice!

We'll, the Carp Whisperer Bob and I got out for a little ice fishing today at a local pond that had 4 inches of good clear ice, We rigged up for bluegills with jigging rods and 1/10 oz Kastmaster spoons meal worms as a tipping bait. We didn't get a single bluegill, but we got some of these...

Ended up with 4 bass for myself in about 2 hours of jigging. Bob had two good strikes, including a bigger fish that ran his drag some. Bass went fro 14 to 17 inches. I lost about a 20 inch bass right at the hole...the fish just hovered slowly in the water just below the ice...giving me a great view of what I was losing! Would have been my largest ice bass had I got a hand on her. I got all my fish on 2 pound mono. Fish were 5-6 feet deep.

At least I got to feel a few fish today and get a slight 'fix' for my ice fishing habit! We have done good on gills here, but not today.

High today was 30 F with light winds. Might go tomorrow, but they are calling for sleet and freezing rain...sheeeesh!

The window for ice fishing here is very narrow...maybe only a few days this year. Calling for 65 on Wednesday! Crazy!

Carp guru Bob had to put me in my place..'.a 4 or 5 pound fish isn't a big fish to me" but I think he still had a good time. Glad to be out and glad to catch a couple fish!

Discussion Forum

Top Ten Ice Fishing Lures 4 Replies

TOP TEN ICE FISHING LURESNot sure I've ever caught a Fish through the ice on a lure un-tipped.1/4 oz. and 1/3 oz.Swedish Pimple,Nickle or Gold /Green Prism Tape/Shiner Head-Pickerel, Crappie Red…Continue

Started by John Sheehan. Last reply by John Sheehan Jan 10, 2024.

Plastics for Ice Fishing 3 Replies

I hope to get some safe Ice this Year 2024. Last Year I did no Ice Fishing at all. If I get the chance this Year, I'd like to get into using a variety of Plastics for Panfish and Predators. Any…Continue

Started by John Sheehan. Last reply by John Sheehan Jan 9, 2024.

Tipping with Perch eyes 2 Replies

Continue

Started by John Sheehan. Last reply by John Sheehan Jan 22, 2022.

Ice Fishing Chronicles 2009-? 7 Replies

In NJ we are allowed 5 rigs .I generally set 3 tip ups ,Jig a rod and have a dead stick rod hanging off a bucket. I switch on and off with the jigging rods .I have two set up for Gills and pan…Continue

Started by John Sheehan. Last reply by John Sheehan Feb 13, 2018.

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Comment Wall

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Comment by dick tabbert on December 3, 2016 at 4:15pm: Hope you get some good ice early this year.

Comment by Bruce Tomaselli on December 3, 2016 at 4:01pm: I haven't tied any ice flies, got plenty from last year I couldn't use because we really had only about 2 weeks of ice. I can't wait for good ice this year.

Comment by dick tabbert on December 3, 2016 at 12:46pm: I have tied up some ice flies up and handed them out to use. Got some pictures back so I guess they worked but guess If I do get out one day I'll have to tie up some more I gave them all away.

Comment by dick tabbert on December 3, 2016 at 12:41pm: Sorry John maybe this will be your year. I haven't been like I said for 6 years now.

Comment by John Sheehan on December 3, 2016 at 12:05pm: Yes but you've been tying great jigs and I never even got out last year .You are way ahead of me as I see it .

Comment by dick tabbert on December 3, 2016 at 11:45am: Well John your 6 years ahead of me maybe someday.

Comment by John Sheehan on December 3, 2016 at 11:43am: Go ahead Laugh ,I'm not ashamed ! In great anticipation, I've been getting out and messing with my ice fishing gear already !

Comment by dick tabbert on January 19, 2016 at 5:01pm: I don't blame you Bruce it sorta takes some of the fun out of it.

Comment by David, aka, "McScruff" on January 19, 2016 at 4:27pm: You guys, please start praying for Spring.

Comment by John Sheehan on January 19, 2016 at 4:11pm: Bruce ,almost the entire East side of Cupsaw lake is ice free and it's ashallow lake mean depth of abot 15 feet . I cant believe someone was on Monksville and hope he didn't fall through .There might be a shallow ledge he knew about leading to a deeper channel but still come on on! Don't push it , no fish is worth it !