Felix77

I dabbled in ice fishing the last two years but didn't have fun doing it. Namely because I don't know what the heck I am doing. I plan to put my own jigs together but that won't last all winter. I always struggle this time of year. I am hoping to be inspired by someone else on this thread.

Trilele knot with Fluorocarbon and Mono Palomar with Braid.

I am trying but when it gets to that itchy point it drives me insane! LOL

What he said. In a pond near me I find bass cruising the shallows quite regularly this time of the year. From the bank any inside weededge is worth probing!

Absolutely ... I was fishing a pond in early spring. I had a few black/blue jigs with me but never used them On this day I was not catching a thing. I decided to try it out and ended up catching 3 on the jig. I was stunned by the bite ... it was not subtle at all! I still don't have a ton of confidence in jigs but I am targeting that as my goal for 2014!

Wow ... thank you! I do what I can to share what I learned .... I owe my improvement in the sport 100% to this site. You guys are great!

On the contrary .... you have a ton of bass fishing buddies.

We shall see ...

Finesse is my friend ... Someone else already stated Shakey Head worms. I love using the Zoom Mag Shakey Worm on a shakey head. Vary weight to the depth. Cast it out, let it sink and soak. Wiggle the tip and watch out! Another thing I mentioned in another post is to keep your eyes opened for opportunities missed by your boater. Even the best boaters miss some part of the cover or structure. For example ... docks. If they are nosed in on a particular dock look to your left or right to see if there is another dock you can hit without casting over their head. Even if it means a small cast as opposed to a long pitch if you know what I mean. Caught numerous fish doing this. Think of being on the back of the boat as an adventure and it will surely feel different when you are fishing.

Dicks is pretty light on their selection now. Ice fishing stuff is taking over the shelves. I guess it depends on what you are going to buy.

I have had decent success with the Strike King beavers too. Hard to beat these though IMO.

For me the Mojo Rig with a finesse worm picks up the scraps left behind from the boater nicely. It helped me outfish my boater twice this season. Check out Gene's video on the Mojo for everything you need to know. It is my #1 go-to finesse technique now. Secret Tip (Don't tell anyone): Put a finesse swimbait (4" Keitech Easy Shiner) and you can fish the Mojo a little faster too.

Time for Carol and the Governor to join forces.

You have to find that pic. Too funny!

I was in tears when I saw this. The others online include baby Belicheck and baby Ditka. But this one takes the cake! Have you seen it?

I don't doubt it .... One day I will have my own boat and find those places Someday ... someday ...

Is your 7'4" MH or H? What about the tip (Fast, XF?) I am trying to gauge if it's worth investing in a longer rod and one with more heft behind it. I am kind of torn right now. Thanks

Are both rods MH or H?

I use 10lb PowerPro on all my spinning gear. I add a FC leader. I find this combo works best for all my spinning needs.

LPO has them. I already had seen them and had the size chart printed but I could not tell the size based on the pics. Thanks

In researching rods ... Most flip and pitch are heavy and at least 7'6" Does either or both matter? If it helps I am fishing this in weedy areas in the northern NY area. Think Lake Champlain. It's not like the heavy stuff in Florida at all! Just wondering your take on the flippin' stick.

If the loss of enthusiasm is a direct result of the waters you fish then exploring new waters might be in order. If your lack of enthusiasm includes a disinterest in doing that or because there are other things preoccupying your mind then it's not fishing .... it's life. Priorities change, circumstances change and people change. It might not hurt to take a step away from the sport for a while until things align a little better for you. We will be here when you find that love again.

Thanks for the tip smalljaw67. I planned to build them for clearwater situations so your feedback actually validated my plans. Appreciate the response!

Reels - Abu Garcia Rods - Rapsody Rods

Green pumpkin Black w blue fleck