Since it's now winter here, I thought that I might show some pointers on ice fishing. The easiest way to do that is with video and as the ice is still too thin here to walk on as yet, it is best and to use videos someone else has made. So I start looking thru them and even pick up some new tricks I haven't seen before too.
In the game of fishing, when you go out with a group, if everyone tries various lures, you can quickly figure out what the fish are biting on and all switch to that color and hook. When fishing for awhile, you get better at buying tackle because you then have a better idea as to what lures bring the best success. So in a long run, this is a learn as you go game. Everyone has advice, but you can waste alot of coin learning which is true and which is not. So if you want to learn how to be successful before you go out, maybe just turn on YouTube for this too! I just now did and I am amazed at some of the gear I see is out there. I have been using the same stuff I've had for many years and even upgrade to what I see in the local Crappy Tire nearby sometimes. But there are some new toys I will have to research to see who makes them. I showed pics of an ice shack I helped build on another thread here and now see some real fancy ones here too. I have seen quite a variety from the locals about but it seems we are far from creative compared to many others.
Anyways, here is a good video for some ice fishing tips that I found made close by https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qksFJN74d-o&spfreload=1
Here's a commercial for my area to show you how big a sport this is up here and give you an idea what the area looks like https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmO1Plg4vd8
Now you can learn stuff here and just imagine how to do all this same stuff without all the toys shown. When I was young, we'd make ice fishing rigs from broken rods that were stepped on by tourists in the summer. Now you can just by them and they even work better. We used to make a stand and rigs a flag until you could buy them that way too. Here's somewhat how we used to do it. http://www.icefishingchat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=3985
I can't seem to find a pic of what my others look like so I'll take my own yet for ya to see. Heres the most common lure that I've used for both ice fishing and regular. We call them pickerel rigs in my area http://www.123fishingrigs.com/ice-fishing-rigs.html . You can find them alot cheaper and even make your own too. These are rigs you can set the depth and go do something else while you wait...we used to drink when I was younger but I suggest to find another hobby instead! 😀
Ice is just so dam hard to cook???
I started ice fishing two years ago. Last year we bought an underwater camera with a tripod that allows the camera to be rotated. I have found this really helps to determine if fish are in the area and more importantly how the fish react to different lures and bait. I believe being able to see the fish has helped me to refine my technique and has reduces the amount of lures we carry.
I wouldn't carry the camera in a SHTF situation I think it is a good learning tool. Not sure I would try ice fishing in a SHTF situation as trying to make a hole in the ice without an auger would likely expend too much energy. Using an axe or metal bar early in the season may be a viable option but not late in the season. I was using an extension on my auger.
Fishing in central Saskatchewan and caught Perch, Pike, Walleye and Bourbot. Although no lure works all the time or for all species of fish I have had a lot of luck with pink and yellow Swedish Pimples. Carry three different sizes now. I tried using a military issued fishing survival kit using the black string and red and white spoons but never got a bite.
Wont be long now until we are back on the ice. I'll keep better track of what is working and try to remember to post anything that seems to be successful.
Have you tried or had luck with jig heads
Have used a bunch of smaller tungsten jigs for perch with pretty good results. Mostly orange, plain jigs, no spinner or tails.
We also used some larger glow in the dark jigs this summer in northern Saskatchewan with great success for Walleye. Haven't tried them ice fishing yet.