Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2023 - 38
INTERMEDIATE
INSIDE THE MINDS OF SOME
ICE FISHING MASTERS
by Jeff Woleslagle
photos by the author
T
o help anglers prepare for time on the
ice, I interviewed two Pennsylvania
anglers to pick their brains on ice
fishing. Byron Eckardt is a popular ice
fishing lecturer and Northeast Ice Tour
tournament angler. Ron Wagner is a
winning ice angler who fishes the Western
PA Hardwater Series and the Champlain
Hardwater Series. Here is what I learned
from them:
Jeff: What is the biggest mistake most ice
anglers make?
Byron: Two things come to mind. First,
fishing with tackle that is too heavy. Many
anglers don't realize how sensitive to heavy
lines and large baits fish can be through the
ice. The second one is staying in one place. I
tell folks new to the sport, " If you're not on the
fish, go find them. "
Ron: Definitely staying in one spot for too
long. My rule of thumb is not to give a hole
more than 5 minutes to produce.
J: What advice would you give to someone
just learning to ice fish?
B: Follow the crowds to find the fish. It can
save you search time. Folks tend to congregate
in specific areas, because the fish are there.
Use light line, 2-pound-test, on a jigging rod
with small jigs. Be willing to move around.
Start with the bait about a foot off the bottom
and move it up the water column by a foot
every 2 minutes. I'll give a hole 10 minutes,
and if nothing happens, it is time to move on.
Also, a flasher unit is a great investment for a
beginner. It can act as your eyes under the ice.
R: Study maps and lake structure and learn
to use electronics. Once you learn how to use
flasher units and other electronics, they can
be a game changer.
J: When is the best time to go?
B: The first 2 hours of morning daylight are
often magic. The fishing typically slows down
38
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2023
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2023 - Cover1
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2023 - Cover2
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2023 - Contents
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2023 - 4
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2023 - Cover3
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2023 - Cover4
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