Ice Fishing Stationary Mobility

February 9, 2009 by admin

By Ice Team Power Stick Dennis Foster

Dave Genz was the innovator of tactics surrounding mobility

This statement just doesn’t make sense, on the surface; particularly coming from a guy who is deeply committed to aggressive tactics while on the ice. I’m an Ice Team “Powerstick” and will tout the virtues of Dave Genz’s proven philosophy of mobility on hardwater as long as anyone will listen. Except when that big orange ball in the west starts lowering itself to near tree top level and I’ve had my fill of perch. I go into a totally different mindset. No, I don’t totally abandon mobility. I do it under control on one predetermined spot, and yes, with tip ups. You guessed it. I’m after some easy prime time walleyes.

The system I employ for this is straightforward, simple, and very effective. All you need is a good spot, a Fish Trap, tip-ups, chubs, and a bare minimum of effort. If you stick to this plan you will consistently ice walleyes on any variety of waters.

Your Spot

It’s important to have your location picked out in advance. This can be accomplished through advance scouting, detailed map study, and just plain old good information. The first thing I look for is sharp breaking structure with quick access to deep water. Keep in mind, deep is relative to the lake or section of a lake you are fishing. Bottom content change, the presence of rock, or weeds/wood are all added bonuses. During winter, walleyes will typically hold in the basin during daylight hours and make a pronounced movement into the shallows to feed during lowlight conditions. You can truly set your watch by this. These fish are heading in for one reason only: to feed. By getting set up right and using sound tactics these can be the easiest fish you will catch, in any season.

There are a variety of tip ups available on the market, such as the Automatic Ice Fisherman

Fish Trap

To keep up with the fish during their progression you’ll need to make small preconceived moves both quickly and quietly. Fish Trap portable shelters are just what the doctor ordered. Have all of your holes drilled long before sunset/sunrise. My approach is to pop two holes for my Fish Trap at five or six depths up the break from deep to super shallow. On most of the lakes I fish in Northeast SD this usually starts out around 20 feet and ends up as shallow as 5 or 6 feet. Start jigging at the deep station and slide shallower as the sun dips. Pre set tip-ups are a great indicator of where the fish are and when it’s time to move. If you’re in twenty feet and haven’t had a hit or any activity on your Vexilar for a few minutes and a tip-up goes off in fifteen feet, Move, Move Now!

Let your buddy take the tip up fish and you slide the Trap into the same depth range (your pre-drilled holes) and start jigging. Do so aggressively, now is not the time to be passive, finesse is your last option in this situation. In my opinion, nothing beats a Berkley Genz series rod spooled with FireLine and a rattling type of glow spoon tipped with a minnow head. Don’t be afraid to really work the bait and bounce the jig to utilize the fish calling sound it produces. Continue this pattern all the way to your shallowest station. You can also let your tip-ups guide you back deeper as the fish disperse. If you are willing to make the moves this system will not fail you.

Tip-Ups

With the recent wave of enthusiasm, (and deservedly so), for taking an Ice Team approach to mobile fishing, tip-ups are a vastly overlooked tool for putting walleyes on the snowy side of the ice. I consider myself to be as good as anyone out there with a jig, but there are times when stationary baits work better. Don’t be stubborn. Give the fish what they want. Stationary bait will catch fish steeped in activity levels from lethargic to super aggressive. Simple deal, place the tip-ups from deep to shallow with your bait of choice six inches to a couple of feet off bottom. Start jigging and they’ll do the rest.

Chubs

Chubs are by far my favorite stationary bait – large profile with lots of commotion to call fish from a distance. I don’t want a lot of hits, dinky walleyes, tiny perch and the like. Chubs are placed out for the specific purpose of attracting the larger female walleyes. About 6 inches is perfect. If you can find a good supply take advantage of it, and while you’re at it, send some my way.

A Little Effort

It takes very little exertion to put the previously mentioned steps into action. Do so, and you will be well rewarded. Get out, get active (while under control), and catch some fish. Believe me; everyone involved will be glad you did.

Article provided by the Ice Team.