Mike Hehner hits the ice with his rods, a flasher, an underwater camera, some GoPros and his dog Jack for an evening chasing hardwater panfish.
Ice fishing is a popular winter activity in many parts of the world, and one of the most sought-after catches during this time is panfish. In this article, we will explore a video where the angler is ice fishing for panfish using wax worms as bait. The video showcases the angler’s setup and the different techniques used to attract and catch panfish. So, let’s dive in and learn more about ice fishing for panfish with wax worms!
Setting Up for Ice Fishing
The video starts with the angler out on an area lake around Brainerd, Minnesota, in late March. The angler mentions that he is fishing for panfish and is using a setup that includes a Markum lithium-ion shuttle, two GoPros, and an Aqua-Vu micro camera. The angler explains that he is hand-holding one GoPro while the other is pointed at the graph and the Aqua-Vu camera is capturing underwater footage.
The Fishing Process
The angler begins by mentioning that he has been seeing a lot of fish on the graph and underwater camera. He mentions that he has a dead stick with a minnow for crappie and is using a wax worm on a tungsten jig for panfish. The angler demonstrates how he hooks the wax worm and drops it down the hole.
Throughout the video, the angler encounters various fish species, including sunfish, bass, and crappie. He showcases his technique of watching the bait disappear on the underwater camera and sets the hook when he feels a bite. The angler also mentions that he has the camera set up in a mode where it is facing up, allowing him to see the silhouette of the fish coming up.
The angler experiences both success and challenges during his ice fishing trip. He catches several panfish, including sunfish and pumpkinseed sunfish, but also misses some bites and loses a bass due to a tight drag. Despite the challenges, the angler remains enthusiastic and continues fishing.
Tips for Ice Fishing with Wax Worms
Based on the angler’s experience in the video, here are some tips for ice fishing with wax worms:
- Use a tungsten jig: The angler uses a tungsten jig with a wax worm as bait. Tungsten jigs are denser than lead jigs, allowing them to sink faster and reach the fish quicker.
- Hook the wax worm properly: The angler demonstrates how to hook the wax worm by folding it around the hook and hooking it again halfway down the body. This presentation makes the bait look more natural and increases the chances of attracting fish.
- Pay attention to the underwater camera: The angler emphasizes the importance of watching the bait disappear on the underwater camera. This visual cue helps in detecting bites and setting the hook at the right time.
- Adjust the drag properly: The angler mentions that he lost a bass due to a tight drag. It is essential to adjust the drag on your reel properly to prevent fish from breaking off.
Conclusion
Ice fishing for panfish with wax worms can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The video showcased the angler’s setup and techniques for attracting and catching panfish. By following the tips mentioned, anglers can increase their chances of success while ice fishing with wax worms. So, grab your gear and head out to the ice for a fun-filled day of panfish fishing!
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