Ice fishing tips and tricks:

[AndyS]

Well it looks like ice fishermen got their wish !!
Seems like everyone wants the edge when it comes to ice fishing and there are a lot of sharpies on here, let's put it out there for the neophyte angler.
Post 'em up !!

I only know a few:
Put a little vegetable oil in the hole, it helps from freezing up quickly and doesn't hurt the environment.
Clear snow away from the holes to allow as much sunlight to shine through the ice as possible, not sure if it works but heard sunlight can draw fish.
After finding the depth at your hole write it on the ice with food coloring, this way you won't forget and the food coloring lasts on the ice.
Hand and toe warmers.

[togzilla]

Nice tips Andy.
Here's a pick up my son who caught this 5.3lb walleye yesterday on you know what lake. Also caught a few bass, pickerel and crappie. Overall slow day with only catching about a dozen fish within 3 hours

[FASTEDDIE29]

Jigging tip! Bring a baggie of plain oatmeal, instant mashed potato mix, crushed crackers or stale bread on the ice with you! If your on a hot panfish bite pour a little down the hole! The active feeding fish will stick around and try feeding on your offering as if it was fish food! It works!!!

[FASTEDDIE29]

Originally Posted by togzilla

Nice tips Andy.
Here's a pick up my son who caught this 5.3lb walleye yesterday on you know what lake. Also caught a few bass, pickerel and crappie. Overall slow day with only catching about a dozen fish within 3 hours

Great looking Walleye!!!👍🏻

[MattK]

Any tips on keeping the ice from building up on your line too much when jigging?

[FASTEDDIE29]

Originally Posted by MattK

Any tips on keeping the ice from building up on your line too much when jigging?

Vaseline, silicone spray, wax or
Chapstick!!!

[briansnat]

Keep a small piece of twist tie on your tip-up line or jigging reel's line. When you find your desired depth slide the twist tie up to the spool. After you catch a fish you simply let out line until you reach the twist tie, so you know you are at the same depth as before.

Kahtoolah Micro Spikes might be the best $50 you will spend for ice fishing. Easy on and easy off, they provide great grip on icy surfaces and stay on.

If you are on the lazy side, instead of getting an early start, start mid afternoon and you may find plenty of already drilled holes to use.

If drilling holes with an auger don't stop when you break through. Lower your auger until the business end is completely submerged, then rip it out hard and fast. That will clear most of the ice shavings out of the hole. No need to scoop out a hole full of ice shavings.

Wear a PFD under your coat. It adds a layer of insulation and keeps you warmer and might save your life if you fall through.