What Lures Should a Beginner Use for Ice Fishing

Ice fishing can be one of the most exciting and rewarding outdoor activities. But for beginners, it can also be a bit daunting. With so many different types of lures available, how do you know which ones to use? The last thing you want is to spend hours on the ice with no bites.

That’s where we come in. In this article, we’re going to break down the best lures for beginners to use when ice fishing. We’ll discuss the different types of lures and when to use them, as well as tips for making your lure more enticing to the fish. So grab a hot drink and get ready to learn everything you need to know about catching fish through the ice. Don’t let confusion or frustration keep you from enjoying this exhilarating winter sport!

Best Lures for Beginners to Use When Ice Fishing

When it comes to ice fishing, selecting the right lure can be crucial to catching fish. For beginners, it’s important to start with lures that are easy to use and versatile. Some of the best lures for beginners include jigs, spoons, and soft plastics.

Jigs

Jigs are a popular choice among ice fishermen because they are versatile and effective at catching a wide variety of fish species. They consist of a hook with a weighted head that is often adorned with feathers or other materials designed to attract fish. Jigs come in many different sizes, shapes, and colors, making them an excellent option for experimenting with different presentations.

Tips for Using Jigs:

• Use smaller jigs for panfish and larger ones for walleye or pike.
• Vary your jigging motion to see what the fish respond to.
• Try adding bait like wax worms or maggots to the hook for added attraction.

Spoons

Spoons are another popular option for ice fishing because they mimic the movement of injured baitfish which can trigger predatory instincts in fish. They come in many different shapes and sizes but typically feature a concave metal body with a treble hook attached at one end.

Tips for Using Spoons:

• Use smaller spoons when targeting panfish and larger ones when going after bigger species like pike or lake trout.
• Experiment with different jigging motions like fluttering or bouncing the spoon off the bottom.
• Add bait like minnows or wax worms if you’re not having any luck with just the spoon.

Soft Plastics

Soft plastics are a newer option for ice fishing but have quickly become popular due to their versatility and effectiveness. They consist of soft, pliable bodies that mimic the movement of live bait like worms or insects.

Tips for Using Soft Plastics:

• Use smaller sizes for panfish and larger ones for bigger species.
• Vary your jigging motion to see what the fish respond to.
• Try different colors and scents to see what works best in your area.

Overall, these three types of lures are great options for beginners just starting out with ice fishing. They are easy to use, versatile, and effective at catching a wide variety of fish species. As you gain more experience, you can start experimenting with other types of lures to find what works best for you.

Specific Types of Lures That Work Well in Cold Water Temperatures

Crankbaits

Crankbaits are a popular choice for ice fishing, especially in cold water temperatures. They come in a range of sizes and colors, allowing you to choose the best one for the type of fish you’re targeting. The key is to use a slower retrieval speed than you would in warmer water.

Jigs

Jigs are another effective lure for cold water fishing. They can be tipped with live bait or plastic tails to create more movement and attract fish. It’s important to choose a jig that matches the size and color of the prey fish in the area.

Spoons

Spoons are known for their ability to mimic injured or dying prey fish, making them an excellent choice for ice fishing. They come in various shapes and sizes, allowing you to experiment until you find one that works well in your chosen location.

Choosing the Right Size and Color of Lure for Ice Fishing

When it comes to selecting the right size and color of lure for ice fishing, several factors come into play. The type of fish you’re targeting, as well as their feeding habits, should influence your decision-making process.

Fish Size

If you’re targeting larger fish species such as pike or musky, it’s essential to use bigger lures. Smaller lures will not be as effective at attracting these types of fish.

TIP:

Use lures that are roughly 1/10th the length of the target fish.

Water Clarity

The clarity of the water should also dictate your choice of lure color. In murky water conditions, brightly colored lures work best since they create more visibility underwater.

TIP:

Use bright-colored lures in murky water and natural-colored lures in clear water.

Live Bait or Artificial Lures: Which is More Effective for Catching Fish Through the Ice?

The debate between live bait vs. artificial lures has been ongoing for years, and it’s no different when it comes to ice fishing. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so let’s explore them further.

Live Bait

Live bait such as minnows or worms can be a highly effective way to attract fish while ice fishing. It provides a more natural presentation that can be irresistible to certain species of fish.

TIP:

Use live bait that matches the prey fish in the area you’re fishing.

Artificial Lures

Artificial lures offer a wider variety of options when it comes to color, size, and movement. They can also be reused multiple times and don’t require refrigeration like live bait.

TIP:

Experiment with different types of artificial lures until you find one that works well in your chosen location.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make When Selecting Lures for Ice Fishing

When it comes to selecting lures for ice fishing, beginners often make some common mistakes that can hinder their success on the ice.

Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Size Lure

Choosing a lure that is too small or too large for the target species of fish can result in fewer bites. It’s essential to do research beforehand and choose a size that matches the prey fish in the area.

Mistake #2: Not Matching Color with Water Clarity

As previously mentioned, water clarity should influence your choice of lure color. Using an inappropriate hue can make your lure less visible, resulting in fewer bites.

Mistake #3: Not Experimenting with Different Lures

It’s important to experiment with different lures until you find one that works well in your chosen location. Using the same lure repeatedly can be ineffective and lead to fewer bites.

Using the Same Lures for Ice Fishing as Open-Water Fishing: Is it Possible?

While some lures may work for both ice fishing and open-water fishing, it’s generally not recommended to use the same ones interchangeably. Fish behavior and feeding patterns change drastically between seasons, making it necessary to adapt your gear accordingly.

TIP:

Invest in separate lures for each season to ensure optimal success on the water.

Different Species of Fish and Their Required Types of Lures When Ice Fishing

Different species of fish require specific types of lures when ice fishing. Here are a few examples:

Panfish

Panfish such as bluegill or crappie are best caught using small jigs tipped with live bait or plastic tails.

Pike/Musky

Larger predator fish like pike or musky tend to prefer larger baits such as spoons or larger jigs.

The Importance of Matching Your Lure to the Conditions and Environment When Ice Fishing

Matching your lure to the conditions and environment is critical when ice fishing. Factors such as water clarity, prey fish species, and temperature should all influence your decision-making process when selecting a lure.

TIP:

Do research ahead of time on the location you plan to fish and adjust your gear accordingly for optimal success on the water.

In conclusion, choosing the right lures is crucial for a successful ice fishing experience as a beginner. It is important to consider factors such as the type of fish being targeted and the water conditions in order to select the most effective lure.

Frequently Asked Questions about What Lures Should a Beginner Use for Ice Fishing

What lures to use when ice fishing?
If you want live bait for ice fishing, consider using wax worms, maggots, spikes, wigglers, or minnows. You can either drop your bait in the water and leave it there or slowly move it up and down to lure fish. Additionally, artificial bait can be used for ice fishing jigging.

What color jigs for ice fishing?
Share the Outdoors suggests colors like white, black, brown, gray, olive, and beige for outdoor clothing. When there’s a lot of snow, brighter colors like glowing orange, blue, and chartreuse are popular. The amount of snow cover affects the color choices.

What time should I start ice fishing?
If you want to go ice fishing, the ideal time to do so is within the first couple of hours after sunrise and for about two hours before and after sunset. During these times, many fish are on their way to their feeding areas and most types of fish are active.

Is 3 inches enough for ice fishing?
To ensure safety while ice fishing, avoid ice that is less than 3 inches thick. Only go onto ice that is at least 4 inches thick and clear and solid enough to support the weight of an average person.

How do you always catch fish in ice fishing?
Ice fishing can be done in two ways: using a device called a “tip-up” or using a jigging rod to place bait through a hole in the ice. Many ice fishermen will set up all their tip-ups and switch to a jigging rod if they find a particularly successful spot.

Does PowerBait work for ice fishing?
Ice fishing enthusiasts each have their preferred bait of choice, and mine is the PowerBait Ice Mayfly due to its exceptional darting and gliding capabilities, making it highly effective for catching various types of panfish. Other noteworthy baits in the PowerBait Ice collection include the Snake-Tongue Minnow, Swordtail, Fry, Whipworm and Wishbone. Additionally, the Gulp! brand also offers great options.