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I have been ice fishing many many times this year, we have caught limits and we have struck out. So my question is this.
How far off the bottom do you typically jig for walleye? I have heard 6 inches to 6 feet.
That is the only thing we cant seem to keep consistent, just cant seem to grasp how far of the bottom is producing the best results.
That is going to vary based on where you are and what mood the fish are in. You should be able to tell what depth they coming in at from your flasher or graph. If you dont have one you are in a tough spot and will need to rely on trial and error.
I usually jig with aggreesive motions until I see my first fish. I can tell on the flasher if it is coming straight in or with some vertical motion. If you are not drawing fish try higher. They feed upward. Next try a couple differnet lures. Repeat the process. If that doesnt work move.
let me say this. this is my 1st year ever using a vexilar and have caught more fish than ever before . I have caught them from on the bottom all the way up to 5ft from the top and without the vexilar I would not have had a clue that the fish were up that high. I had a fish hooked it came off just a little from the top of the hole I looked at the vexilar and it was there 5 ft from the top dropped the lure there and wham he took it. will not fish without it again.
So, what is the best flasher for the money at $300 range and $600 range?
My vote is vexilar fl18. But it is only one I have ever used. Don't see how you can get much better, and seen reports of guys that have bought newer vexs or other brands, and say they wish they stuck with the Fl 18.Quote:
Originally Posted by PirateMike
I have fished several times this year where I had fish come in as far as 10' off the bottom. I'd reel up to have them come right after my lure, I was expecting junk fish, and got nailed as close as 6' below ice. It was walleye! But I spend most of my time bouncing the bottom, with occasionally moving up
Awesome post thanks for the responses. We have also only been using spoons. is there a lure that you think may work better?
I am fond of jigging rapalas, and Swedish pimples...... talk to 20 guys, you might get 20 different responses. You will talk to guys that tell you, you must use "this" lure, and "this" color, and the next guy might tell you different lure, different color. My take is this....it is a matter of getting on the fish, then finding lures you get comfortable/ confident with. I have seen days it makes no difference what lure, nor do you need bait. I will say this....when fish are particular, presentation, and the style of lure can make big difference, ie.verticle jig versus horizontal, versus blade baits.....and different sizes....
Hope this helps!
Here's one from Sunday 3/2
today 12 miles out it was bottom to 15 ft off bottom, in close to shore, right in the mud, large and meduim cleos
we have been useing living eyes green and chartruese it is a form of ledhead jig . we use these in the spring and have been slamming them all year on them. they are alot smaller than spoons and the fish seem to get them in there mouth better especially when they bight light which has been alot this year
as far as the vexilar i have the fl8a genz pack . it runs right at $300 and has done just a great job like i said earlier without it i would have not caught many fish.no problem setting it up at all only 2 dials on it. put it in the water turn it on set your depth range and fish that easy
Bud uses a Hummingbird ice 35, seemed like it worked fine to me, for years, so I purchased one, so far so good, L&M fleet, $269.00 tyd. Orange rapala was the best today for us, inside @ 20 ' water