No doubt about it, whitefish are an extremely underrated sport fish. They are fun to catch, but also fairly challenging. In this video, James Lindner shares a few strategies for getting them to bite. James Lindner also encounters an aggressive “whitey” with Mike Hehner that follows a Jigging Rap from the bottom, all the way up to the ice, where they are finally able to seal the deal.
SURPRISING Whitefish Catch (Sight-Fishing Below the Ice)
Ice fishing can be an exciting and rewarding experience, especially when you’re able to sight-fish for whitefish. In this article, we’ll explore a unique technique using a jigging wrap as an attractor bait to lure in these elusive fish. Join me as we dive into the details of this surprising whitefish catch!
Attracting Whitefish with a Jigging Wrap
Both of the fish we’ve caught so far were within a depth range of eight to ten feet below the surface. To attract the whitefish, I’ve been using a little jigging wrap as an attractor bait. The key is to swim it up and down throughout the entire water column in eight to ten foot increments.
Here’s how I do it:
- Start by jigging the bait just below the surface.
- Let it drop down to about fourteen feet and jig it there for a period of time. 3 . Drop it down again in another seven to eight foot increment and jig it there.
- Repeat this process to cover different depths in the water column.
The goal is to attract the whitefish, as they can be cruising at any depth in the water column. It’s like a game of cat and mouse, where you try to entice the fish to chase the bait.
Observing the Whitefish Behavior
During the sight-fishing experience, I noticed some interesting behavior from the whitefish. Sometimes, when I pulled the bait away from them, they would chase after it. I would then slowly and steadily pull it away from the fish, creating a cat and mouse scenario.
At times, I would stop reeling the bait for a second, and the fish would still be there, watching it intently. It’s fascinating to see how they react to the bait and how they can be easily enticed.
Catching Whitefish in the Water Column
One important thing to note is that you can catch whitefish at various depths in the water column. In this particular instance, we caught a whitefish that came in from about 25 feet down. By consistently bringing the fish up, you increase your chances of catching them.
It’s worth mentioning that many people may not catch whitefish in lakes because they’re not fishing at the right depth. Whitefish can be found at different levels in the water column, so it’s crucial to adjust your fishing technique accordingly.
The Challenge of Hooking Whitefish
Whitefish have an underslung jaw, which means their mouth is slightly covered from the top. This can make it challenging to hook them, as their mouth may not fully open to take the bait. It’s not uncommon to miss them multiple times before finally hooking one.
In some cases, the whitefish may be so close to the bait that it becomes difficult to see. Assistance from a fishing partner may be necessary to help locate and hook the fish. It can be frustrating to miss them multiple times, but when you finally hook one, it’s an exhilarating experience.
Conclusion
Sight-fishing for whitefish below the ice can be a surprising and rewarding adventure. Using a jigging wrap as an attractor bait allows you to swim it up and down the water column, enticing the whitefish to chase after it. By observing their behavior and adjusting your fishing technique, you can increase your chances of catching these elusive fish.
Remember to fish at different depths in the water column, as whitefish can be found cruising at various levels. Don’t be discouraged if you miss them multiple times, as hooking a whitefish can be a challenge due to their underslung jaw. With patience and persistence, you’ll be able to hook one and enjoy the thrill of a successful catch.
So, the next time you’re out ice fishing, give sight-fishing for whitefish a try. You never know what surprises await beneath the ice!
