Ice fishing help ?

[Mikey topaz]

So im sittin here at work and all this snow got me itching! Maybe we will have a decent window for ice fishing this year...... Another week or two im gonna start re-riggin the tip ups, in the past i was riggin them up with leader tied teo drop a loops cut the drop a loop snelled 5/0 hook same thing with other loop hooking one hook in front of sucker one in the back?! was wondering if anyone could tell me whats the best way to rig them up for muskie and pike 60 -80 fluro ?? 5/0 hook with small egg sinker above swivel three ft up????do they cruise down deep? Or right under the ice? know its swingin for the fence trying to catch one of these bad boys through the ice but id like to land one these suckers this year!!! Thanks guys!

[saxmatt]

I use a single 5/0 octopus hook through the back and 3' of 60-80 floro. I like the single hooks because they're easier to deal with on the ice. Usually the hook is in the corner of the mouth and its a lot quicker to get one hook out instead of 2 trebles. Their eyes and gills can freeze and they can bang themselves up flopping around on the ice so the quicker you get them back the better. I carry a bag to evey flag with pliers, jaw spreader, boga, knife, tape, scale and camera.

[FASTEDDIE29]

Exactly what Matt said. The Cabelas ice catalog came in the mail today. Fingers crossed for safe ice. 3 years ago I was slamming Lakers in 90 feet of water at the Valley. We need that ice to make a come back. Fished the IFF on Swartswood that year, the ice was 21 inches thick!!! That's a beautiful thing.

Matt, how many Fallfish do you have on hand for the upcoming season? Are you willing to share???

[saxmatt]

I've been slacking off. I only have about 30 8-14" fallfish in my freezer so far. I'll be loading my tank with goldens and suckers the next few weeks.

[Mikey topaz]

Thanks matt, fingers crossed looking forward to fishing with you guys again out there on the ice!

[bunker dunker]

Ice Ice Baby!!!!! Can't Wait To Go Jig A Few:d

[saxmatt]

We'll have to plan another get together once we get ice.

[jimmythegreek]

muscanetcong has had skim ice on it all day in the boat launch cove!!

[saxmatt]

Getting close. There's over an inch at my buddy's first ice spot up in the Adirondacks but the next 2 days will melt it. There's a chance he'll be able to get out by the end if next week with the cold air moving in after the warm spell we're about to get

[Mikey topaz]

Yep !!! Up near lake hapatcong this mrng pond had skim ice too !! Cant waittttt!