DURING THE HARD WATER SEASON , MANY ANGLERS VENTURE OUT ONTO THE FROZEN SURFACES OF THE BELLE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC IN SEARCH OF ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR SPECIES , THE YELLOW PERCH .
The sport of ice fishing , which has been practiced since the dawn of time , serves to relax and provide fun and entertainment . It also provides the opportunity to bring home some delicious , tender fillets that everyone enjoys .
Far too often , upon analyzing the contents of our ice fishing tackle box , we find bare trays and selections are limited . If this is your case , the following assortment is the perfect selection of baits to outwit these small delicacies .
ICE FLY This lure has really proven itself over the years . I am sure that the majority of perch fisherman have already tried this little creation , generally designed by artisans . There are no really large tackle companies that seem to manufacture them . This offering that imitates an insect as a larva is totally irresistible for perch . The size of hooks used varies from 6 to 14 . You will often find ice flies on display at specialty shops in size 6-10 . The eyelet can be straight and tilted forward or to the back .
it ’ s raised the head tilts forward , which has the effect of simulating a small fish that dives mouth wide open towards the bottom , as if feeding . If you use a conventional closed knot , it will not work properly because the fishing line will cause too much resistance during its various motions . Opt instead for an open tie that does not close . I have been very successful working this bait by raising it barely 8 to 10 cm and then letting it fall back down without tension .
THE PUPPET MINNOW This offering from Northland Tackle measures only 1 ½ inches and weighs 1 / 8 ounce . It perfectly imitates a minnow . This metal , vertical jigging lure has an eyelet on the back which keeps it horizontal when you work it . It is equipped with a single hook on each end and a small treble on the belly . So there are five hooks that help to sting its attackers . An inverted V-shaped rudder instills a provocative motion and prevents it from tumbling over itself and tangling . Its unique action stimulates all the senses of a perch . When jigging this minnow , it rises on a perfectly linear axis . Then , when given slack , it comes spiraling down head first into the abyss intriguing all fish within meters of it .
TUNGSTEN BANANA BUG This model , in its original form , introduced me to the glory days . Tied on at the top back of the bait , it swims on a horizontal axis . For maximum movement with this 1 / 28 , 1 / 16 or 3 / 32 ounce tungsten lure , gentle inch to 2 inch “ twitches ” impart an up and down swimming action . Its action is quite unique . It is balanced so that every time
Wild Guide . Winter 2017 32