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Color selection is always a hot topic when it comes to any sort of fishing. In ice fishing there are basics that seem to work for many species, but one that is very different, and extremely productive is a selection of "glowing" lures. My first choice for panfish is Custom Jigs & Spins glowing colors of Glow Brite/lime, Glow Brite/pink, Glow Brite/blue and plain Glow Brite. While there are several models in which these colors are available, a good selection would consist of the Ratfinkee, Demon, Ratso, Shrimpo and Nuclear Ant, in sizes 12 through 4. The sizes that I use most are 10 and 8, …

If you’re an avid ice fisherman, no doubt you’ve encountered negative panfish. Bluegills and crappies that you can mark on your electronics, but can’t for the life of you get them to bite! There are many factors in why a panfish will suddenly turn negative. Panfish, unlike walleyes, are very effected by cold snaps. With the invention of portable shelters that go up and break down with ease more and more people are venturing out on those colder than average days, with this, more and more people are encountering negative fish beneath them. Hands down the Custom Jigs and Spins Shrimpo i …

After unhooking another decent bluegill, I baited back up and dropped the jig down the hole. Just as it disappeared from view, the line straightened and the battle was on. The big gill angled away from the hole and fought in a circular motion. Slowly I gained and the fish came into view, a huge plate-sized bluegill battled hard until the very end. A few pictures and then a quick release. It is hard to let a 10-inch bluegill with frying pan written all over her go, but it is for the good of the ecosystem to keep only the five- to eight-inch fish. It's all in the jig Why is it that som …

We’ve had many good days on the ice.  We’ve caught crappie, bluegill, catfish, walleye, white bass, northern pikexyou name it, we’ve caught it.  But, we can count days that can truly be called BIG, only a few times. A big day is one, where you can do no wrong.  Every decision you makes, leads to fish.  The weather cooperates to, the wind doesn’t howl, maybe a light snow, but never rain or sleet.  Your gear works right.  Augers start right up, lines don’t twist or break you’re your fish locators battery doesn’t run out of juice. Last year I had a big day …

Panfish are simple creatures. They eat, sleep and spawn to survive. In between these activities they look for better places to eat, sleep, and spawn; like I said panfish are simple creatures! Ice fisherman are simple creatures too, but times are changing and we’re getting more sophisticated and knowledgeable every day. Spend some time in the backwaters of the Mississippi or Wisconsin River and you’ll learn a lot. There are a bunch of anglers who do quite well using rudimentary techniques. Any kind of pole will do, a small bobber, splitshot and a lively Shiner minnow on a number eight …