I had a very short trip on the ice at the Rock Island Conservation Club, which was the first of the season. I drilled 22 holes over a prime spot, and couldn’t get a bite until I moved to the deeper 7 to 9 feet of water, and applied Kick’n Bass Fish Attractants Crappie scent to a Custom Jigs & Spins lime glow Demon jig with a Crappie Nibble. There was 8 inches of good ice, but the bite was like late winter. Fish were holding deep on the sides of brush, with very little movement to grab the bait.
The use of the Kick’n Crappie was definitely the difference, as nothing hit in the same holes I had been fishing until I applied the attractant.
While there was 8 inches of ice, things may change quickly. There is warmer temperatures of mid-30s to 40 coming – perhaps 50 on Christmas day along with rain. This will definitely make a difference on all the ice, but especially if there is any thinner stuff, of which I’ve had some reports of some other area waters with 3 to 4 inches. Also, the Rock River level may start fluctuating if ice jams occur, which usually creates a level change on the RICC lakes. So, stay alert and observant, and above all – be safe wherever you are.
Until next time, get out on the water and enjoy a great day of fishing.