Do you love big bluegill?

East coast Ice fisherman

Information

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: Mar 7

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.

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.

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 John Sheehan on December 31, 2012 at 12:03pm: Two guys were on the ice today at the Monksville Reservoir .I think they are crazy and will wait a while .

Comment by John Sheehan on December 29, 2012 at 7:13pm: You'll be there soon enough Dick!

Comment by dick tabbert on December 29, 2012 at 5:30pm: we are iced over just waiting for enough ice for me to trust

Comment by John Sheehan on December 29, 2012 at 3:11pm: Welcome back Mike! Nathan Krusko says 5" in Adirondaks in New York .I hope within a few weeks I'llbe drilling ice !

You're a smart man Jim!

Comment by Jim Gronaw on December 29, 2012 at 3:00pm: Many of our ponds are open yet, and the weather, though cold, does not look like it will be enough to put 4 in of good ice on anytime soon. Think I'm gonna fish a warmwater discharge area soon for some smallies.

Comment by Mike on December 29, 2012 at 2:57pm: our ponds are iced over here in central CT. It wont be long now...

Comment by John Sheehan on December 29, 2012 at 2:04pm: Yea Dick the Rod Lodge is a good idea!

Comment by John Sheehan on December 29, 2012 at 2:03pm: Still haven't tried that great idea of yours with B and G strings off a Light gauge set Jim! I should get on it and give it a try!

Comment by Jim Gronaw on December 29, 2012 at 1:59pm: I still think the home made spring bobbers I use from guitar strings (.018 to .024 ) are the best, most sensitive and durable spring bobbers I have ever used. I wrap them right on to the rod tip and lacquer the threading with 3 coats of Crazy Glue.