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Guide to Springtime Flipping

Spring can be a beautiful time of year, winter is gone the sun is shining and the bass are moving shallow. The days are getting longer and it is time to watch the weather and see if the April showers really do bring May flowers. A combination of the warm spring rain causing water temps and water levels to rise and watercolor to change only means one thing for me. It’s time to put a flipping stick in my hand and flip as much cover as possible. 

With the seasonal warmup, the largemouth begin moving from their wintering grounds and prepare to spawn in the coming weeks. This means transitioning to nearby flats and coves and invading the various types of cover in these areas. This includes bushes, trees, cattails, or docks. With your spring, rain often brings a rise in water level and a change in water color. With a combination of muddy/murky water starting to creep shallow and the sun starting to shine, water temps will start to climb from the cooler temps into the mid 50’s which is a great time to start flipping.

Baits

The most consistent baits I use for this time of year and technique are a jig and a Texas-rigged soft plastic based on conditions. I am searching for a reaction bite, so the bait's action isn’t as important for me. Based on the generally dirty water this time of year, I'm choosing darker colors such as black/blue, black with red or blue flake, and green pumpkin, and different variations of all three.

3/8oz - 1/2oz Booyah Boo Jig

• A compact jig that I can flip into almost any piece of cover.
• It still has the weight and bulk presentation you want in a jig but is compact and balanced.
• Paired with a Missile Baits Baby D Bomb in a contrasting color as a trailer.
• My choice when I want less action on a bait but a bigger profile.

3/8oz – 1/2oz Texas Rig

• Missile Baits D Bomb
• Strike King Rage Craw
• 4/0 VMC flipping hook
• Slender profile/Subtle action
• I am flipping these in the thickest part of a piece of cover where I potentially can’t get a jig.

Rod/Reel/Line

Whenever I flip cover in the springtime, I want a combo with speed and power. I opt for a 7’6” Heavy action rod because I prefer the length and feel I have more leverage on a fish in thick cover with a longer rod. But the size can depend on how you are fishing or what feels comfortable to you; a 7'0" or 7'3" may suit your style best.

I pair that rod with 200 size reel with a high gear ratio from 7.4:1 and up. The higher the gear ratio the better. The goal of that high gear ratio is to move that fish out of cover as quick as possible. There is not a lot of time to play around. Being able to pick up line quickly is essential to landing that fish.

Having the right bait, rod and reel set up is all for not if the line you are using isn't up to par. My choice of line is 20lb Seaguar AbrazX Fluorocarbon. This is a smooth and abrasion-resistant line built to hold strong in heavy cover. This size line can hold strong when fighting a fish in cover. A fish will inevitably wrap you around a log, dock post, you name it. If you aren't using a strong enough line, you risk losing that fish. A heavy fluorocarbon line provides a stealthy, subtle approach for those wary fish up shallow. A rod, reel and line combination such as this allows me to feel confident in my abilities to fish deep into cover without fear. 

It is hard to be close quarters, hand-to-hand combat with bass up shallow in some bushes. 

This is hands down one of my favorite ways to catch fish and dissect a body of water. Hopefully, this spring you're able to tango with a few fish up shallow yourself!

 

Top 5 Ice Out Baits for Bass

It is a much-anticipated time of the year for many bass anglers, the ice is gone, spring is in the air, and it’s time to get the boat or kayak in the water. With a lid over the fish’s heads for a few months, it is time for their natural migration to begin after a long winter. Approaching 40-to-50-degree water temps, ice out conditions can be intimidating but rewarding. The bass are ready to feed, and we are all anxious to get on the water and wet a line, but where do you begin, and what baits do you approach with?

Jerkbaits

A jerkbait is a tried-and-true cold-water bait that thrives because of its suspending and darting action. Great for targeting fish suspended in the water column around grass flats, submerged cover, and wherever baitfish may be present. Its versatility and ability to be fished slow and methodically this time of year will trigger bites. Making long casts with a few short twitches followed by long pauses varying from 5-20 seconds, sometimes even longer. A general rule is the colder the water, the longer the pause. As temperatures rise, slowly get more aggressive with your cadence as the fish adapt to the changing conditions. The Megabass Vision 110 is one of the most popular jerkbaits on the market for good reason. Its life-like action comes in various colors and sizes that allow you to adjust to the depth and watercolor that will match the hatch to trigger bites.

Finesse Jig

There is never a bad time of the year to throw a finesse jig. A bait that can easily be fished around almost all types of cover and structure that allows you to fish slowly and thoroughly. A compact bite-sized jig that can range from 3/16oz up to 1/4 oz is a great starting point because of its slow rate of fall and subtle action as it is paired with a compact trailer. When the water is cold, fish still congregate to cover such as laydowns, docks, and rock structures as they absorb heat and attract bait. Just because they can’t be fished as aggressively in the spring doesn’t mean the fish won't bite. Staying back from the cover and casting a finesse jig, and slowly working in and around cover is a great way to get the attention of lethargic fish. A great bait to fish deep and shallow as the conditions change through the thawing process.

Ned Rig

The ned rig may look basic and innocent but don’t be fooled this is a fantastic bait that gets bites no matter where and what time of year. There doesn’t have to be a lot of flash and flair when fishing a ned rig. Sometimes doing nothing is its best feature. A mushroom-style jig head ranging in finesse sizes of 1/20oz, 1/10oz up to 1/5oz, paired with a 3in Z-Man Finesse TRD is a small yet effective size for those wary fish. Fishing this bait deep and shallow has benefits. It is a bite-sized snack that flutters around the bottom. It can be hopped or drug, but it is prone to snags because of its open hook. This is an excellent alternative to trigger bites if fish may be shying away from a jig.

Blade Bait

For those deep water fish, a blade bait is tough to beat as it provides vibration and flash that are key when working lethargic cold-water fish. A vertical presentation allows you to fish this bait directly under the boat or on a cast. When you mark fish on your electronics, you can work this bait in the depth you see them and on the bottom. It is best fished when casting this bait by lightly hopping it on the bottom, creating a subtle vibration and flash. You can adjust your retrieve to be aggressive to increase vibration to incite a reaction bite. A 1/4oz to 3/4oz Steel Shad blade bait are great baits to fish either technique.

Spinnerbait

As the conditions begin to improve but you are still faced with cold, dirty water, a spinnerbait will be a bait to try. Slow rolling a Colorado bladed spinnerbait provides a lot of vibration that moves a lot of water. When the water is dirty but warming, fish will hold tight to cover such as laydowns, wood, and rocks, any piece of cover that will attract warmth. A big, slow, flash and vibration of a spinnerbait triggers that reactionary instinct that bass have. A 3/8oz or 1/2oz is a great starting point, but a 3/4oz is an option to fish more aggressively. This size bait allows you to be accurate with your casts to stay tight to cover. Adding a moving bait to your ice-out arsenal helps you adapt and keep those active fish honest when the conditions present themselves.

Don’t let the ice-out conditions trick you into thinking that fish won’t bite. Fish are still active, but slowing down and adapting to the changing conditions will be keys to success. 

Ice Fishing Rods and Reels for Beginners

Ice Fishing Rods and Reels Beginners

If you’re looking to start an ice fishing arsenal, you may seem a bit overwhelmed with such a wide array of gear that is at your disposal. Like all fishing, various rods, reels, and tackle are available for purchase. But where do you start when you want to purchase a rod and reel? We will look at what you should be looking for in your first ice rods and reels.

Set Ups 

You can get by with two main types of rod combos that will handle bluegill, crappie, perch, bass, and even walleye. When choosing these two combos, look for a rod measuring from 24” to 28”. These may seem small now, but you will see their importance when you're hovered over a 6” or 8” hole in the ice. These shorter lengths allow you to fish effectively right over the top of your hole. That means you will have a better hookset and fight fish more effectively because of your limited range of motion that doesn't allow you to move fish as effectively as you would in open water. 

Rods

• Ultra-Light Rod: This is a very soft rod that allows you to detect the faintest of bites while fishing the smallest baits. A small and subtle presentation is often needed, and this rod is best paired with 1/16oz, 1/32oz to 1/64oz baits. Small lead or tungsten jigs and small spoons and rattle baits of this size will be effective for this rod. These baits pair best with 2lb test monofilament, a light line that gives you the sensitivity and response through the rod needed when fishing small baits.
• Light Rod: A step up from the Ultra-Light but with more backbone for those slightly larger presentations. Paired with jigs, spoons, rattle baits, or blade baits up to 1/8oz. This variety allows you to fish baits more effectively in deeper water and with heavier line. Pairing this set up with 4lb-6lb test line is a great starting point based on the depth and conditions you are fishing. 

Reels

• Spinning Reels: Choosing a spinning reel is never a bad option because of its ease of use and the sheer variety available at every price point. The optimal sizes for ice fishing will be 500-1000 sized reels. Offering a drag system that is easy to adjust and easy to tune. They tend to freeze sooner than an inline reel will because of their moving gears and can be more prone to line twists. Spinning reels will be the most versatile reel, no matter the situation.
• Inline Reels: Inline reels are a great choice because the line lays flat on the spool without twisting like a spinning reel. Making it easier and more precise to drop small baits to stay in the strike zone. Adjusting and fine-tuning an inline reel can be much more difficult and may not apply to every scenario, such as dead sticking a bait instead of jigging. Generally, more expensive but ideal for anglers who want more precision.

Choosing your first ice fishing rod and reel can seem overwhelming with the variety you may see online and in store. There are plenty of price ranges to accommodate your needs and skill level. Many rod and reel combos will start as little as $30-$40 and can climb up to $100-$150. With lots to offer, find a combo or two within your price range. Ice fishing is a great way to advance your fishing knowledge and skills. Starting with the basics is a great way to get introduced to the sport and enjoy some great wintertime fishing. Stay safe and goodluck!

Ice Fishing Safety

 

Ice fishing is one of the best activities to look forward to this winter. It provides a great chance to get out onto your favorite bodies of water and hone your skills in a much different approach and setting. No matter if you're a seasoned veteran or looking to start ice fishing for the first time, this is a list of essential safety items that you should consider having with you on the ice this season. Remember, no ice is 100% safe no matter how good the conditions or what others say. Many factors can cause unsafe conditions, and if you find yourself in a dangerous situation, these items below could be a lifesaver. Be smart and be prepared for a variety of scenarios, you never know when an issue could arise. 

Ice Picks 

A simple and inexpensive piece of equipment that can save your life if you happen to fall in. Ice picks are generally hardened steel spikes used to jam into the ice to assist you when pulling yourself out of the water. There are many variations but owning a pair that can be worn around your neck for quick and easy access is the best and recommended option. 

Ice Cleats

Ice is undoubtedly slippery no matter how agile or how often you walk on ice, you will inevitably fall. Ice cleats allow you to comfortably walk on the ice reducing the chance of slipping and falling, which can cause serious injury. There are many variations that allow you to slip them underneath your boots for quick and easy adjustment, be sure to find the right size that fit your boots. The proper fit will give you the most traction possible. 

Spud Bar (Ice Chisel)

A spud bar is a long and heavy (5-10lb) steel rod with a chiseled end. When walking out on the ice, you want to continually use a spud bar to check the ice's thickness and quality. By slamming the spud bar down, you get a feel for the strength and quality of the ice. If the bar takes little effort or few strikes to break through the ice, you must proceed cautiously and avoid that area. This is a must-have for exploring the ice throughout the season, not just early and late ice. 

Float Suit/Flotation device

Wearing some floatation device or suit should be considered while ice fishing. Float suits are built to help keep you afloat in the event you fall in. They are excellent pieces of clothing to wear fishing in the harsh winter climate. They are built to keep you warm but also very efficient for the angler providing a lot of pockets for storage and organizational use. Another option is a personal floatation device; generally a safe option to have when greeted with fresh early season ice or dwindling late-season ice. There are multiple variations you can wear, many are CO2 activated, whether manually or automatically as it meets water. They range from a low-profile life jack to belt-worn variations. Finding a source of floatation comfortable for you and that works best for how you fish offers some peace of mind as you venture onto the ice. 

Hand Warmers/Heater

It doesn't matter how tough you are out in the elements staying warm is critical to your safety and survival. Having hand warmers nearby is a cheap and easy tool to keep you comfortable. There are plenty of options, from your standard single-use air-activated hand warmers that can be purchased from gas stations to sporting good stores as well as reusable or rechargeable ones. Another option is a portable propane heater that allows you to keep warm and cozy inside your ice shelter. If you fall through the ice or get significantly wet, getting dry and warm quickly can help prevent severe illness. Just make sure you have proper ventilation inside your shelter to avoid the build-up of fumes. Fun fact they also act as a great tool for heating up your food out on the ice!  

Proper Clothing/Shelter

Having the proper clothing and shelter is relative to your situation and conditions. When the temps drop into the single-digits with high winds, you want to ensure your skin is covered with the proper clothing to support such adverse weather conditions. It's recommended to fish inside an ice shelter to stay warm and out of the elements. Shelters come in many variations and technologies to fit your needs and price point. From single man shelters to ones that fit up to 8-10 people are offered in various thermal materials to help block wind and retain heat that keeps you warm and comfortable. Having waterproof clothing is almost a must when fishing in snow and slush because inevitably, you will get wet. A float suit can provide what you need with the added floating technology. Your hands will be the most difficult to keep dry, having suitable gloves and a source of heat or access to get warm is crucial to prevent damage to your hands. The proper socks and boots factor into regulating your body heat which in turn means your comfort level. Know the conditions you are stepping into and dress accordingly, having to shed layers of clothing is more efficient than wishing you brought more clothing if the conditions change.  

Cell Phone

This may not apply to many of us who never think twice about leaving behind our smartphones, but if you plan on leaving it home by chance, that would be a mistake. It can be used to call for help in emergencies of all sorts, whether on the ice or not. A tool that can check social media, apps, sites, and forums to stay updated on the ice and weather conditions while fishing. Always be sure to let someone know where you plan on fishing when alone, what time you are there, or how long you plan to be there in the event of an emergency. Some apps can be used to show you lake maps and contours that are used for avoiding dangerous objects and areas such as creek mouths, areas with current, and generally hazardous areas you feel could affect the ice. There are many waterproof phone cases or waterproof storage options to keep your phone safe from the elements. Having proper communication could be life or death for yourself or someone else. And let's be honest it's nice to be able to turn on Netflix every now and then while fishing. 

Rope

Having a rope is something you hope you never have to use but will be glad you have it if needed. Carrying about 30ft of rope stored away in a sled, bag, or bucket could help save someone else’s life or your life in the event of falling through the ice. A good idea is to have a knot or multiple knots around each rope end. That way when grabbed onto while in or out of the water, there is something to grip instead of just the rope itself that can easily slip out of wet and icy hands. A tool you hope you never have to use but is necessary if the time comes. 

No matter how seasoned of an angler you are, accidents and mistakes happen that are out of your control. Before stepping out onto the ice, make sure you take a second to access some of the items you are taking with you or leaving behind. I hope this will serve as a reminder and checklist while you prepare for your next fishing trip on the ice this season! Be safe and Fish On!

Quick Tips for Early Ice Panfish

Early ice is often the best time of the ice fishing season, capitalizing on the remaining healthy vegetation that still provides oxygen, nutrients, and forage. We will take a look at some of the basics when it comes to safety, location, and equipment to get you started.

Safety
Some of the first ice of the season can often result in success but also many challenges. Safety must be the biggest priority on the ice, especially with new ice. Always approach the ice with caution; no ice is completely safe, and always try to fish with a partner this time of year. A general rule is to never venture out on anything less than 4 inches of hard clear ice. Travel light to reduce weight and always use a spud bar when venturing out to check the ice. Have your ice picks with you, and having a personal floatation device or a float suit is encouraged. Recognize factors that can cause ice issues, such as snow insulating the ice, which doesn't allow it to form as quickly. Be sure to monitor the prior and extended weather forecast. Staying on top of the weather trends is paramount to the ice conditions and your safety.

Location
Whether you’re trying to acquire some fillets for fish tacos or just out to catch some fish, targeting panfish such as bluegill, crappie, and perch can be an action-packed, fun time out on the ice for everyone. Often if you have been targeting these fish with success in the fall, those same areas are an excellent place to start now on the ice. Congregating on shallow flats with healthy vegetation is where you should be searching for bluegill or perch. Crappies will tend to group up and suspend on the nearest weed line early on. Drilling multiple holes will help you move around from different depth ranges and help you locate the healthiest vegetation on the flat and where the edge of the grass starts and stops. These fish tend to group up in numbers, so the rest shouldn't be far off once you find a few. Moving around and continuing to move with a school of fish will bring consistent success. It is always best to start shallow and work your way out deeper as the ice season goes along and the shallow grass begins to die off.

Gear/Technique
Whether I pursue bluegills, crappies, or perch, my rod, reel, and line set up tend to stay the same. I want an ultra-light combo with a light 2-4lb test line. These stealthy combinations allow me to be around finicky fish and help me detect the faintest of bites. I’m able to fish a variety of lightweight, small baits effectively. A few baits to approach all species with are light 1/64 -1/32 oz tungsten jigs. I like to tip these jigs with a wax worm or a similar size soft plastic for bluegill and perch. I like to add a minnow head for crappie. You can fish these baits slowly with the right tools for the job. Generally, lifting and quivering the bait slowly above the fish is a subtle way of triggering bites. Often perch and crappie will fall victim to small 1/32 and 1/16 oz spoons and rattle baits. Using these baits allows you to fish more aggressively, providing more vibration in the water column and gaining fish's attention. Having a flasher or a graph on the ice will be crucial to targeting and catching fish. Your electronics whether a flasher or a graph helps you find the correct grass and depth you want to target and help you target fish with precision accuracy. Being able to work your bait in front of fish on your electronics is paramount to consistent success. This allows you the ultimate ability to trigger bites and continually see if you are around fish.

I hope some of these tips are a good starting point for you when you head out onto the ice this season. Remember always to practice safety no matter how seasoned of an angler you are. Ice fishing can be some of the most fun to be had especially panfish, I know I can't wait to get started!

Slowing Down and Downsizing

When the bite has gotten tough late this spring with these unusual cold fronts that have pushed through, I have found myself really slowing down and decreasing the profile size of my bait. I also try to focus on key features and structure that are in deeper water adjacent or close to spawning areas.

Three baits that have really helped me continue to put fish in the boat over the last several weeks (as these fronts have moved through) have been the Keitech Fat Swing Impact 2.8 swimbait on an underspin or a weedless Keitech Fine Guard Jig Head, the Keitech Tungsten Model 2 Football jig paired with a small Net Baits Paca Craw, and the Megabass OneTen Jr +1 jerkbait.

Each of these three baits has helped me put at least one 4+ pound fish in the kayak when the days have been tough. Not counting the several other quality bass that have came on them as well.

Slowing down and slowly working both the 2.8 Fat Impact and the small Tungsten Model 2 football jig across the bottom around rock and brush have been key.

The same has been applied to the Megabass OneTen Jr +1 as well. While not working it on the bottom per say, slowing my cadence down and adding a few extra long pauses between jerks have really helped me increase my number of bites. I also think fishing the smaller profile of the Jr. as a opposed to the standard OneTen has helped.

When the fishing is tough any little thing you can do to help increase the number of bites and opportunities is a good thing!

Hope these little tips can help you next time your out on the water and find yourself looking for a fish when the conditions are tough.

All these baits can be found on the website and I bet if you order them after reading this you’ll have them within a day or two to try out for yourself! Good luck out there and tight lines!

- Nate