Can catch ’em lots of different ways early-ice while oxygen levels are high and the fish are active. Spoons, rattlebaits, jigs, plastics…we’ve got you covered!
Lots of brand new schtuff for the 2019 ice season below, plus a few other must-haves it’s about dang time you tried! [drool emoji]
Solid 1-2 punch in a single bait: Call ’em in with its horizontal rocking action on the fall — finish ’em off with the glow resin Octopus hook on the end of that dropper chain. VMC makes a glow resin Treble Dropper Chain too if you’ve got a buddy that misses more fish than he catches:
Made from the same type of ABS material used in crankbaits. Pop a glow stick inside the bait and the entire thing glows — not just the glow stick — since light radiates in the color of the lure. Has tungsten rattles to weight ’em down and cause a ruckus:
Sometimes you’ve gotta ring the dinner bell to bring fish to the table….
Did you know Yo-Zuri’s rattlebait game was this strong? Here’s a look at 4 different models — all having a unique sound and action — including the purtty new Real Series 3DR Vibe (bottom right) with an “internal 3D prism” that’s supposed to be killer in super-clear water:
Man there’s a whole pile of Berkley and Gulp! Ice treats I didn’t know were a thing. Tough to pick a favorite, so you can check ’em all out here. Few that stuck out to me in this pic:
Has a quick-change clevis on the rear to swap out hooks or bead colors. Side-to-side wobble on the drop. Definitely gonna have to try one this winter. #Flashy
If you still haven’t used Tingler Spoons…where ya been?! Works great on heavily-pressured fish when you’re stuck fishin’ the community holes — close to shore — early ice. I’m a sucker for the bigger 3/16-oz size. #SilentButDeadly
Know it’s designed for bigguns when it’s named “Peg,” after Lake Winnipeg…land of the greenbacks. The way it dances on the drop caught my attention — few seconds of that in this vid. Bright colors on a big profile flash ’em in from a distance:
Takes the PK Flutter Fish horizontal for increased action + vibration = tighter lines. I’m not showing the “red dot glow” color ‘cuz I don’t want anyone else using ’em (lol):
No-hook nose so it doesn’t get hung up on the bottom of the ice. Love the colors, internal rattle, and the reeeeally nice gliding action that covers a ton of real estate. Can also get the Tilly in a big 1-oz (3.5″) size if you wanna go donkey huntin’:
Big-nasty bait for bigger-nastier fish. Designed by Jarmo Rapala (grandson of Lauri “The Legend” Rapala) as a deeper-running lipless crank, can also be ripped for hardwater. Rattles are grab-your-ear-plugs loud to bring fish to you…then has a fluttering spiral action — like wounded/dying prey:
No more crankin’ up to re-glow your jigs, these puppies come with replaceable light sticks (red, green, chart) that’ll keep glowing for 8+hours.Throw a fathead minnow on there and you’ve got low-light walter candy — maybe a great deadstick option too?
Don’t think they were specifically designed for it, but willing to bet burbot’ll crush it….
Some tasty new colors in this compact killer. Weighs the same as lead jigs twice its size and is killer on fussy panfish feeding on bugzzzz:
Don’t know if ‘Traps are offered in the most colors of any bait, but there’s a PILE! Including colors made specifically for walleyes — for sure look good enough to eat:
Didja know Bagley’s been making spoons for DECADES? Things put off more flash than your auntie’s camera before Thanksgiving dinner. Get ’em in gold or silver, with hammered or mirrored finishes:
Still one of the more-unique designs I’ve seen, and bonus points for being made by a small business in PA. #Stout
Takes some practice but you can work it like a puppet: make it dart off and swing in a pendulum or figure-8 motion. Mix and match different plastic tails (or minnows) on the back to change the look/action:
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