Welcome to episode #14 of #AskTheBuzz!
In this article, we will be discussing some interesting topics related to ice fishing. We will cover the use of underwater cameras, tips for catching largemouth bass through the ice, and the phenomenon of stunted bluegill populations in lakes. So let’s dive in!
Underwater Cameras: A Valuable Tool for Ice Fishing
Underwater cameras can be a huge tool when it comes to ice fishing. They allow you to see what’s happening beneath the surface and provide valuable insights into the behavior of fish. By watching your jig on camera, you can adjust your technique and determine if you’re jigging too hard for the fish. It’s a great way to learn and improve your fishing skills.
“In this article, we will be discussing some interesting topics related to ice fishing. We will cover the use of underwater cameras, tips for catching largemouth bass through the ice, and the phenomenon of stunted bluegill populations in lakes. So let’s dive in!”
Tips for Catching —————– When it comes to catching largemouth bass through the ice, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. First, it’s important to find lakes that have good green weeds that stay green all winter long. These weeds provide habitat and food for the bass, making them more likely to be in that area. Using an underwater camera can help you locate these bass in the weeds.
Once you’ve found a good spot, consider using a tip-up as a gauge for fish activity. Some days, the bass may only bite on live bait like shiners, while other days they may be more responsive to jigs. Having a flag or cork on your tip-up with a shiner can attract bass and keep them coming back for more.
When it comes to techniques, using a small plastic jig or a downsized marabou jig with a wax worm can be effective. It’s important to note that bass may not always bite immediately, so watching them on the camera can help you see when they’re ready to strike. Sometimes, they’ll open their mouths slightly before sucking in the bait, so it’s important to be patient and observant.
Targeting Green Weeds
When targeting largemouth bass through the ice, it’s important to focus on areas with good green weeds. These weeds provide cover and food for the bass, making them more likely to be in that area. While you can find bass on the edges of the weeds, it’s often more productive to fish within the weeds themselves.
Finding pockets within the weeds where you can actually get your bait in can be a challenge, but it’s worth the effort. Bass that are actively moving through the weeds are more likely to bite, possibly due to the confines of the weeds or other factors. Clearer lakes with a weed line down to 12-13 feet and cabbage in 7-8 feet are ideal for targeting bass through the ice.
Understanding Stunted Bluegill Populations
Stunted blueg ill populations can be a common issue in lakes, and understanding how they occur is important. Bluegills typically spend the first four to five years of their lives eating and growing, which is when they reach their larger sizes. However, if all the big bluegills are removed from a lake, either through heavy fishing pressure or other factors, the remaining population consists of smaller fish.
These smaller bluegills become sexually mature at a younger age, around two years old, and start spawning. However, since they are smaller in size, they put all their energy into spawning rather than growing. This imbalance in the population leads to stunted bluegill populations, where there are many small fish but few larger ones.
To prevent stunted bluegill populations, it’s important to keep big bluegills in the lake. If you’re catching larger bluegills, it’s recommended to release them back into the water to maintain a healthy balance. These larger bluegills control the population and ensure that there are enough smaller fish to grow and reproduce.
Reversing a stunted bluegill population is challenging, but it is possible in some cases. Lakes that experience winter kill, where all the fish in the lake die and the lake starts from scratch, have a chance to rebuild their bluegill populations. Additionally, removing small bluegills from a lake over a long period of time can also lead to an increase in the average size of the fish.
The Impact on Other Species
Stunted bluegill populations can have an impact on other species in the lake. For example, pike and perch populations can be affected. Pike eat the perch, and when there are no perch to control the bluegill population, it can lead to an imbalance. However, it’s important to note that a lake with stunted bluegills can still be a great bass or walleye lake.
On this episode, I sit down with Mike Hehner and we answer the following question:
5:35 – I’ve had fair luck with jigs and wax worms for crappies. When is a proper time to use crappie minnows?
8:18 – Do you think underwater cameras scare fish away?
12:00 – Do you have any tips for catching largemouth bass through the ice?
16:48 – If I’m looking for big crappies, bass or pike, should I avoid lakes with stunted bluegills? What other species are affected by stunted bluegills?
