We often find ourselves talking to people out on the ice and hearing that the fish are not biting, even though we have located the schools that we have been looking for. This may be one of the most frustrating scenarios for a fisherman, however; more times than not, changing your techniques will likely change your success. Once you locate fish, your techniques will be the difference between a fish fry and a long, cold day on the water.
Plastics can be another great asset while fishing for panfish through the ice. Always keep an assortment of different colors and sizes with you. Check and see what type of forage is in the lake before you venture out. With today’s plastics you should be able to match the hatch and produce fish.
You need to pay attention to your electronics, focusing on how the fish react to the type of jigging you use. Fast or aggressive jigging action can be the best way to draw fish in, but once the fish commit a still presentation is best. I find myself putting my rod down on the ice some days and simply watching my spring bobber and flasher to catch fish. Even though they are biting while jigging, sometimes the larger fish want a different style than the more aggressive smaller ones.
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