Bait

Tackle

Discover The Hot New Ice Fishing Gear For 2001
by Jeff Beckwith
Scenic Tackle

What is going to be new this year for ice fishing? One item that I know of is going to be the extended line of "Angel Eye" spoons.

These spoons work extremely well tipped with the head of a minnow or several wax worms. This ice spoon was tested last year and after observing them with an underwater camera we found that at times the fish just could not resist them.

A favorite technique is to let the Angel Eye Spoon free fall to the bottom. Pay special attention to the line as it drops to be sure that it is going down and no fish has grabbed it on the way down. If it stops before hitting bottom, set the hook immediately.

Once it hits the bottom slowly lift the bait. If you feel an unusual weight it may be a fish. Often we observed the fish will nose down, tail up, to grab this lure right off the bottom.

If no fish grabs it off the bottom, slowly lift it up about 6" off and pause for a couple seconds. Then slowly lift it again, pause, then quiver the rod tip a few times, pause and snap it up about 18" - 24" and let it free fall back to bottom to start this ritual over again.

We fish these spoons often along side another hole that contains a bobber rig set up. I prefer the "Ice Buster Bobber" for my bobber rig set-ups because they can be cut to give your bobber perfect balance with your lure/bait. Another notable is they do not freeze up as most slip style bobber rigs.

Also new for this year, I will use the "WristSaver" ice fishing rod. Because of the comfortable, ergonomically designed handles you will find less fatigue in your wrist when jigging for several hours. I find these rods to be light weight with quality graphite blanks for added sensitivity. For anyone who may suffer any type of wrist problems or just for a more comfortable day of fishing, this is an excellent innovation for the ice fishing person in your household.

On days the fish were not in an aggressive feeding mood the "Angel Eye Spoon" was enough to attract them and the subtle bobber rig would trigger them to bite.

This year the "Angel Eyes" will be offered individually or in 12 piece spoon kits. Watch for the new Perch and Shiner colored Angel Eye Spoons....HOT!!!! HOT!!! HOT!!!

Click here to get tackle details from the Pro Team "Ice Leaders".