Boost your pickerel ice fishing game with the right lures, techniques, and presentation styles. Learn how to choose the perfect lure, master retrieve techniques, and present your lure like a pro.
Choosing the Right Lure
When it comes to pickerel ice fishing, the right lure can make all the difference between a successful day on the ice and a disappointing one. But with so many options available, how do you choose the one that will bring you the most success?
Consider Water Clarity
The water clarity of the lake or river you’re fishing on plays a significant role in choosing the right lure. Ask yourself: How clear is the water? Is it crystal clear, or more murky and cloudy? If the water is clear, you’ll want to opt for a lure that creates a more subtle presentation, such as a small jig or a soft-plastic lure. This will help prevent spooking the pickerel and increase your chances of getting a bite. On the other hand, if the water is murky, you can get away with using a lure that creates more noise and commotion, like a spinner or a spoon.
Matching the Hatch
Another important factor to consider is what the pickerel are naturally feeding on in the lake or river. Are they feeding on baitfish, crustaceans, or insects? By matching the hatch, you can increase your chances of getting a bite. For example, if the pickerel are feeding on baitfish, try using a lure that mimics a baitfish, such as a small spoon or a jerkbait. If they’re feeding on insects, try using a lure that mimics an insect, such as a small jig or a fly.
Lure Action and Movement
The action and movement of your lure can also play a crucial role in attracting pickerel. Ask yourself: Do you want your lure to move quickly and aggressively, or slowly and subtly? The answer will depend on the mood and behavior of the pickerel on any given day. If they’re active and aggressive, a fast-moving lure might be just what you need to get their attention. But if they’re sluggish and finicky, a slow-moving lure might be more effective. By choosing a lure with the right action and movement, you can increase your chances of getting a bite and landing a pickerel.
Top Pickerel Ice Fishing Lures
When it comes to pickerel ice fishing, having the right lure can make all the difference between a successful day on the ice and a disappointing one. In this section, we’ll dive into the top pickerel ice fishing lures that can increase your chances of reeling in these feisty fish.
Small Jigs and Spoons
Small jigs and spoons are staples in many ice fishermen’s tackle boxes, and for good reason. These lures are incredibly versatile and can be used to target pickerel in a variety of settings. Small jigs, such as curly tail grubs or tiny swimbaits, can be worked slowly and methodically to mimic injured baitfish or other prey. Spoons, on the other hand, can be used to create a loud, attention-grabbing commotion that can tempt even the most sluggish pickerel.
One of the benefits of using small jigs and spoons is that they can be easily customized to suit your specific fishing style. Want to add a bit of flash to your presentation? Try tip-dressing your jig with a piece of reflective material. Want to create a more subtle presentation? Try using a soft-plastic trailer with a more subdued action. The possibilities are endless, and the results can be phenomenal.
Soft-Plastic Lures
Soft-plastic lures are another popular choice among pickerel ice fishermen. These lures come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them incredibly versatile. From curly tail grubs to ribbon-tail worms, soft-plastic lures can be used to mimic everything from baitfish to crayfish.
One of the biggest advantages of soft-plastic lures is their ability to be used in a variety of presentations. Want to create a slow, tantalizing presentation? Try using a curly tail grub on a slow, gentle retrieve. Want to create a more aggressive presentation? Try using a ribbon-tail worm on a faster, more erratic retrieve. Whatever your style, there’s a soft-plastic lure out there that can help you catch more pickerel.
Blade Baits and Spinners
Blade baits and spinners are two more types of lures that can be incredibly effective when targeting pickerel through the ice. Blade baits, such as spinnerbaits or vibrating jigs, use a whirring or pulsating action to create a commotion that can be irresistible to pickerel. Spinners, on the other hand, use a spinning blade or propeller to create a loud, attention-grabbing noise that can tempt even the most finicky fish.
One of the benefits of using blade baits and spinners is that they can be incredibly easy to use. Simply drop your lure down the hole, give it a few quick cranks to get the blades spinning, and wait for a bite. It’s a simple, yet effective, way to catch more pickerel.
Lure Colors and Patterns
When it comes to pickerel ice fishing lures, the colors and patterns you choose can make all the difference in enticing those finicky fish to bite. But with so many options available, how do you decide which ones to use? In this section, we’ll dive into the importance of lure colors and patterns, and explore the different options available to help you make informed decisions on the ice.
Metallic and Iridescent Finishes
Imagine a lure that shines like a diamond in the dim light of the icy waters. That’s what you get with metallic and iridescent finishes. These lures have a mesmerizing effect on pickerel, catching their attention with a flash of light and color. The reflective surfaces mimic the scales of baitfish, making them irresistible to predators like pickerel. When to use them? Try metallic and iridescent finishes in clear or partially cloudy water, where the added flash can be seen from a distance.
Natural Patterns and Colors
Now, imagine a lure that blends in seamlessly with its surroundings. That’s what natural patterns and colors offer. These lures are designed to mimic the appearance of real baitfish, complete with subtle shading and texture. They’re perfect for days when the sun is high, and the water is calm, making it easier for pickerel to spot the lure. Natural patterns and colors are also great for fishing in areas with heavy vegetation or structural features, where a more subtle approach is needed.
Bright and Bold Options
Last but not least, we have bright and bold lures that scream for attention. These eye-catching colors and patterns are perfect for days when the water is murky or stained, or when you need to cover a lot of ground quickly. Think of them as a loud whistle that cuts through the noise, drawing in pickerel from far and wide. Bright and bold lures are also great for fishing in areas with heavy current or structure, where you need a lure that can hold its own against the forces of nature.
Retrieve Techniques
When it comes to pickerel ice fishing, the retrieve technique you use can make all the difference between landing a beauty and going home empty-handed. It’s not just about throwing your line into the hole and waiting for a bite – it’s an art that requires finesse, patience, and practice. So, what are the best retrieve techniques to use when pickerel ice fishing?
Slow and Steady
Imagine you’re on a lazy summer stroll, taking in the sights and sounds of nature. That’s the kind of laid-back vibe you want to channel when using the slow and steady retrieve technique. This method involves moving your lure at a snail’s pace, almost imperceptibly, to mimic the natural movement of a baitfish or insect. The idea is to tantalize the pickerel’s curiosity, making them think they’ve stumbled upon an easy meal. By keeping your lure in the strike zone for as long as possible, you increase the chances of a pickerel taking a swipe at it.
Quick and Aggressive
On the other end of the spectrum, we have the quick and aggressive retrieve technique. This method is like a burst of energy, a sudden jolt that gets the pickerel’s attention. Imagine a school of baitfish darting across the water, and you’re trying to keep up with them. This fast-paced retrieve is perfect for sparking a reaction strike from pickerel, as it mimics the frantic movement of prey trying to escape. Just be careful not to move too quickly, or you might scare off your quarry.
Pause and Let it Sink
Now, imagine you’re playing a game of underwater hide-and-seek with a pickerel. You lure them in with a tantalizing movement, and then – surprise! – you freeze, letting your lure sink slowly to the bottom. This is the pause and let it sink retrieve technique, a masterclass in patience and deception. By pausing and letting your lure settle, you’re creating an opportunity for a pickerel to investigate and, hopefully, take a bite. The suspense is palpable, and the anticipation is exhilarating.
Lure Presentation
When it comes to pickerel ice fishing, the way you present your lure can make all the difference between landing a whopper and coming up empty-handed. In this section, we’ll dive into the art of lure presentation and explore the techniques that’ll help you entice those elusive pickerel.
Vertical Jigging
Imagine you’re in an elevator, slowly ascending to the top floor. That’s essentially what you’re doing with vertical jigging – moving your lure up and down in a steady, controlled motion. This technique is particularly effective when targeting pickerel that are suspended at a specific depth. By mimicking the movement of an injured baitfish, you’ll be able to tempt even the most finicky pickerel into taking a bite.
To master vertical jigging, try using a slow, 1-2 foot lift, followed by a pause. This allows the lure to drop back down, imitating the struggles of a dying baitfish. Repeat this process several times, adjusting the speed and depth to suit the mood of the fish.
Horizontal Movement
Now, imagine you’re taking a leisurely stroll along the lake shore. That’s basically what you’re doing with horizontal movement – moving your lure from side to side, just like you would walk along the beach. This technique is ideal for covering large areas and searching for active pickerel.
When using horizontal movement, it’s essential to maintain a steady pace, about 1-2 feet per second. Vary the speed and direction of your movement to mimic the erratic behavior of a fleeing baitfish. Don’t be afraid to pause or change direction suddenly – this can trigger a reaction strike from a pickerel that’s been following your lure.
Underwater Structure Targeting
Submerged structures like weed beds, rocks, and sunken logs provide ambush points for pickerel. By targeting these areas with your lure, you’ll increase your chances of catching a keeper. When using this technique, focus on making precise casts near the structure, then slowly retrieve your lure, allowing it to interact with the surrounding environment.
Think of your lure as a curious explorer, sniffing out potential hiding spots and tempting pickerel into the open. Pay attention to your line and be prepared for a strike at any moment – pickerel can be incredibly aggressive when defending their territory.
