Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 13
" Dead sticking " or holding a bait perfectly still sometimes entices
reluctant panfish.
ice almost always proves his point. Once we located the
Bluegills, the action was fast and furious for almost an
hour. The fish varied in size, but we landed several that
were as big as our hands, which is the way we normally
determine if the fish are keepers or will be released for
another day.
The next fish on our hit list was the Yellow Perch. We
found Yellow Perch on the side of a weed edge along a
soft bottom in about 20 feet of water about 150 yards up
the lake towards the dam. This area produced perch for
us in the past, so we had a hunch we would find fish. At
first, our electronics showed the perch holding close to the
bottom, but the perch did not seem interested in feeding.
Finally, one separated from the others and followed a jig
slowly raised toward the surface before taking the offering.
Once we got that first one to commit, it seemed like others
became more active. We enjoyed steady action until the
bite shut down, just as mysteriously as it had started.
Medium to light action jigging ice fishing rods are
perfect for panfish pursuits. Spool rods with 2- to
4-pound-test line in monofilament or fluorocarbon.
There are many great ice fishing lines on the market.
Tear drop jigs tipped with waxworms or spikes are highly
effective for all panfish species. Small Fathead Minnows
are good for more active fish and can often attract a few
bonus bass. Tungsten jigs drop quicker than lead ones
and give an angler a better feel for subtle bites. Small
spoons may be effective as well, especially when the
perch and crappies are aggressively feeding on baitfish.
FishandBoat.com
The author with the first Bluegill of the morning.
Active panfish are normally facing upward and will
pursue a bait that is slowly raised toward the surface.
Keeping a jig or bait completely still, which is referred to
as dead sticking, will often entice reluctant fish that will
not commit to a more active presentation. Experiment
with presentations until you find the one fish are willing
to take. A flasher unit can show an angler much about
the feeding mood of the fish and how the fish react to
different presentations and baits.
By the time the sun was setting in the west, we had
enjoyed a stellar day on the ice, landing dozens of
crappies, perch, and Bluegills as well as a few bonus bass
and two stocked trout. Most were released, but some
made the trip home for a mid-winter fish fry. Odds are
good a lake near you has what it takes to pull a plethora
of panfish through the ice.
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * January/February 2022
13
http://www.fishandboat.com
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022
Contents
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - Cover1
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - Cover2
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - Contents
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 4
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 5
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 6
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 7
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 8
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 9
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 10
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 11
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 12
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 13
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 14
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 15
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 16
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 17
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 18
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 19
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 20
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 21
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 22
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 23
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 24
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 25
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 26
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 27
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 28
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 29
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 30
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 31
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 32
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 33
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 34
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 35
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 36
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 37
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 38
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 39
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 40
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 41
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 42
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 43
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 44
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 45
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 46
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 63
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 64
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - Cover3
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - Cover4
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