One of the most important aspects of ice fishing is bringing proper gear with you. An ice fishing jig is one of the most critical tools you need. A jig is a minuscule lure that gets tied on to your fishing line. This tiny bait moves vertically in the water, which can help attract fish and receive their attention. In this guide, we will discuss five of the best ice fishing lures that you can use, how to choose the right jig for a range of different fishing conditions, how to jig for ice fishing if you are a novice, how to make your own jigs at home, and we’ll provide some expert tips for anglers looking to catch popular fish like walleye and perch.
Blade Bait Jig: This jig is excellent for dirty water or cloudy water. It has a vibrating, shaking blade in the water that also attracts fish even if they can’t see it especially well. The rattles guide fish to the jig, so it’s a good pick when the water isn’t clear.
Spoon jig: One of the classic jigs, and very good for catching a variety of fish. It resembles a spoon with a hook like end. It glistens and tumbles when it is in the water and attracts fish to it. This jig is extremely popular with ice fishers as it does well in a variety of situations.
When ice fishing, the effects of the surrounding area around you can change what kind of jig you should use. That is using the tungsten jig for deepwater fishing. This speeds up its sinking to the bottom where the fish reside. If you are fishing in clear water with good visibility, less is more and up-sizing a jig can be a turn off. This jig will both scare off less fish and will look more natural in the clear water. We will work to keep up the reputation of our jigs as the best fish producers — just remember the jig you select for any condition.
Jigging is an essential and fun technique in ice fishing. It’s your jig moving up and down in the water to entice fish. You have to perform this action in a way that makes it appear as if a true fish swimming. For example, when using a swimbait jig, you should shake it up and down slowly, just like a fish swims. Using a slow and steady motion is equally essential. By which you are hesitant to scare the fish away, making them more likely to fall.
If you're feeling crafty and want to do more of a DIY situation, you can also make your own ice fishing jigs. This can be a lot of fun. You will need a few basic materials such as hooks, paint, and feathers to begin with. This allows you to customize the size, shape, and colors of the jig to match the desired target fish. Creating your ice fishing specific jigs enhances the experience and allows personal touch.
Ice Fishing Popular Types of Fish to Catch: Walleye and Perch The right type of jig is a key factor in successfully catching these fish. If you're looking to catch walleye, be sure to use a swimbait jig or a blade bait jig, as they are the most effective jigs to use in order to hook one. For perch, a tear drop jig or a small spoon jig works. Choosing the appropriate jig for the species of fish you want to catch is the key to your fishing success.