Question:
I'm new to ice fishing for lakers and was wondering what would be the
best bait to use for them. Also, what would be the best type of lure
to use for jigging for them through the ice?
Answer:
Here on Lake Simcoe we use big flashy spoons (eg. Williams Whitefish) in
silver or half & half patterns and jig. We use them in conjunction with a
large minnow suspended above the jigging spoon on the theory that if
they're not active enough to take the spoon, they will still be attracted
by it and maybe hang around long enough to take the live bait.
Normally we fish a foot or so off the bottom in the early mornings and
then switch to just below sight level around 11:00am to noon. At least
over at Port Bolster area, they seem to follow that pattern. The biggest
I've ever caught there (30lbs or so) was just below the ice and hit a big
Williams Wabbler.
