Jeff Andersen
Let’s talk ice fishing! One of my favorite early season ice tactics is to catch big northern pike on tip-ups. Tip-up fishing is a great way for a team of guys to get out on the ice, set flags, catch fish, cook some venison and maybe play a game of football or a competition we call scoop. (Scoop is like curling but we throw ice scoops into a circle of snow.)
Before I plan our first trip I always go through each of my tip-ups and complete a thorough inspection. I make sure the components of the tip-up are working properly, check the line and sharpen the hooks on each quick strike rig. Doing this can mean the difference in catching or losing the fish of a lifetime.
Once I have selected a lake, I locate an area to target. During early ice, I like to stay relatively close to shore. Please always use caution when venturing out for the first couple of times. Northern Pike are predators so look to set up in areas that hold bait fish. Things I look for are: feeder creeks, cabbage weeds, and areas that are close to deep water.
Once I have a lake and location picked out, I set my plan of attack. With a map, I mark each tip-up location using a pen or fine tip marker. Each tip-up is strategically placed along a cabbage edge, depth change or maybe off the break into deep water. I like to cover as much water as possible until I develop a pattern or specific location.
Good bait is a must! I like to use big suckers, river shiners or sometimes frozen smelt on my Bigtooth Quickstrike Rigs. You will need to clip the tail fin on a big sucker minnow, so it doesn’t trip the tip-up. Make sure you bring cutting scissors.
With today’s technology, we have so many tools to utilize when ice fishing. An underwater camera gives us the ability to actually see the structure we are fishing, locate bait fish and maybe the fish you are targeting. We also have hand-held depth sonar that shoots through the ice so we don’t have to drill so many holes. In addition, there are portable fish-houses, like my Clam Voyager, that can easily be towed by hand or ATV. The great thing about my Clam Voyager I can put all my gear in the sled and not have to worry about it falling out. Some other gear to mention are hand-held augers for easy of transportation, GPS units with detailed map chips and so many more.
The holes are drilled and ready for the tip-ups. I hook the sucker minnows, using a Bigtooth Tackle “Natural” Rig with one hook just behind the head of the minnow and the second in-between the dorsal fin and tailfin. The Bigtooth “Natural” rig will hold the bait in a natural swimming state. To hook the minnow scrape a small amount of scales off the minnow and slide the hook just under the skin. You don’t want to sink the hooks to deep, because it will minimize the minnow’s life and you want the hooks to release from the minnow for a good hook set. I like to use a variety of “minnow placement” in the water column until a pattern can be developed. www.bigtoothtackle.com
Now you can sit back and relax while you wait for a flag. Once a flag is up, especially in shallow water, I like to sneak up to the tip-up. If the spindle on the tip-up is turning I usually don’t waste anytime in setting the hook. If the spindle is not turning I usually wait and watch for few moments. Sometimes, if a pike is nearby the minnow will trip the flag and if I wait the pike will probably come by and grab the bait. On occasion, a pike will grab the bait and not run. So, if I pick up the tip up, I will scare the pike and usually they will drop the bait. To set the hook, make sure you don’t wrap the line around your hand or you are sure to have sore hands in the morning. Just grab the line and pull. I like to have a good partner who helps with the slack line. Most of the time, big fish will make some big runs requiring you to give line. If you don’t have a good partner the line will get caught in the snow ripping, the hooks from the fish’s mouth.
Have a release bucket or tool box with all of the necessary release tools handy. It’s not good to have trophy pike sit on the ice for an extended amount of time, especially if it is really cold. My release tools consist of: mouth spreader, long needle nose pliers, hook cutter, leather gloves, hook sharpener, measuring tape and of course, a camera.
For you anglers that don’t just want to fish tip ups and if your State Law allows you to fish with two lines I always make a point to have at least one flag out. While working a jigging rod I usually place the flag on top of some type of structural element that is near. I have caught several big pike while just out fishing for pan fish or walleyes. I have also found some of my best pike spots while doing this. It’s a great way to utilize two lines and learn new areas.
Another important piece of equipment is clothing. Lets face the reality, we are on ice, and it’s cold out and nothing is fun if you’re not comfortable. It’s important to layer your clothing. My first layer is IceArmor’s base layer top and bottom. This stuff is amazing and will help wick moister away from your body. The next layer is a good wool shirt and pants and then most important is your outerwear. I use the IceArmor Blue/Black Suit. There are so many great features about this suit including; windproof, waterproof, breathable and my favorite the padded knees to mention a few. With tip up fishing your knees are in contact with ice most of the time and let me tell you those pads make a huge difference! You want to make sure you have a good pair of boots and gloves. IceArmor also makes the best waterproof breathable gloves along with an excellent pair of boots. For completed details visit www.clamcorp.com.
Tip-up fishing can be a fun and exciting way to spend time with friends and maybe catch a fish-of-a-lifetime.
Good Luck Fishing!
Jeff Andersen