Sometimes conditions mean that fish are on high alert and very spooky. Ultra-clear water, or super-shallow fish can manifest itself into very hard to catch fish. When presented with trying conditions, the best approach is to minimize noise, movement, and go light.
Super clear ice makes for spooky trout
When I was ice fishing for those shallow, clear water brook trout I spoke of in the feature article, I used my lightest line (4 pound test) and set the rig far away from where I was sitting to minimize disturbance. I also had the advantage of putting the rig down on a JawJacker, so the hook would set automatically even though I was a fair distance away.
JawJackers and light line help overcome cautious trout.
JawJackers are a game changer on the ice fishing scene and I recommend them. On the business end of the line I put a small amount of bait on an equally small fly, and tie this rig to light line. All of this was done to beat the senses of the over cautious trout we were fishing for.
First ice brookies are an amazing fish to catch!
First ice brookies are an amazing fish to catch!
The result was a great day on the water. By sizing down hook, line, and bait, and by minimizing noise, a tough day can be turned into a great day.