First ice. Said aloud or thought to one's self, theres just something about those two little words that really gets the ice angler’s blood flowing! Is it the fact that the ice-addict has already prepped their portable ice fishing shacks months ago and is left now to wait impatiently for cold temps and safe ice? Or is it all the new gear purchased late last season that has been tinkered and played with over the summer but has yet to be used... like that new micro ice fishing reel has been sitting with fresh line waiting to be stretched and abused? Or the day dreams of seeing fish appear on a fish finder below the ice and the plans rehersed over and again in our minds on how'll coax them into biting?

The addiction has been growing in many of us for years as better gear and tackle designed specifically for ice fishing more enjoyable, comfortable and productive. More and more people are heading out on hard water than ever before. This will be my 27th season as an avid ice angler. I’ve seen this industry change over the years, which have helped my angling improve. Let’s take a look at some key tactics and equipment I employ at first ice on Lake Mille lacs.

Just like a carpenter, mechanic or doctor needs the right tools to perform his or her job, to be successful at ice fishing is no different. Countless times I’ve seen anglers without the proper tools go home empty handed. But the angler fishing only 30 yards away is filling their bucket. Yes you could say there are some “hot spots” on particular lakes, but you still need the proper tools to coax your catch even if you are planted squarely over the honey hole!

A few of the “must have tools” for ice angling include a portable ice fishing house like the Otter house series of fish houses. An angler can't fish worth a hoot if they're cold and if relocating is a chore then most anglers will hesitate to move on to new areas when the bite has slowed. A quality fish finder like the Vexilar FL-18 is also a must have tool. A good flasher functions as an angler's eyes below the ice. Without this advantage, you'll not be able to adapt the depth of your presentation or be able to match your tactics to match the mood of the fish. A dependable, lightweight and sharp hand or power auger is a delight to use and allows an angler to cover vast areas in search of active fish. A dull or poorly performing auger will frustrate even the most dedicated ice angler.

The next important set of tools I need to be successful are my rods and tackle. I like to use high quality graphite rods like the custom made Thorne Bros series of rods. I prefer the sensitivity of graphite when targeting jumbo perch and walleyes. Graphite rods when used with superlines will transmit subtle strikes causing instant hook sets in our natural reflexes. Fish have all the time in the world to inspect your offering under the ice. Unlike open water fishing when a fish has only seconds to decide if what your offering is real or not. Big Mille Lacs perch can suck in your offering and spit it out with in a fraction of a second. Using line that is too heavy or stiff line that coils in the cold coupled with an insensitive rod will cause you to miss these strikes. I’ve witnessed on underwater cameras that when big Mille lacs perch are convinced your offering isn’t real or unappealing they will spook and leave the area.

Having the right tackle is very important in being a successful ice angler. There are so many new baits on the market today. It’s hard to decide what’s going to work and what isn’t. I have more than enough ice tackle than a person could ever use in a lifetime. But every first ice, I find myself spending money on more tackle. That’s probably why I have so much. But I like to know if the tackle I’m buying is going to produce. From jigging spoons to colored hooks, using the right baits will make or break your day. Remember, fish in the winter have a much better look at your bait. The water can be gin clear and your not moving the bait along behind your boat. Sometimes fish need that extra confidence in the winter months to convince them what your offering is real.

Shown Above-Left: A 1/4 Oz. Angel Eye Jigging Spoon.

When working Mille lacs walleyes and perch with a jigging spoon, it’s very important to watch your fish finder and see how the fish are reacting to your spoon. The majority of people I see using spoons are “over jigging”. They are jigging with their forearms, not with their wrist. It doesn’t take much movement to put convincing action into a bait. Sometimes they like an aggressive approach but it’s important to start slow and let the fish decide what they want. My favorite jigging spoon is the Scenic Tackle Angel Eye. They come in many different colors and they glow better than most spoons. The Angel Eye also has a unique fluttering action that is deadly when jigged. The new Rattling Varmint by JB lures will be a hot one this year too.

Jigging spoons can be fished a number of different ways with live bait. Most are fished tipped with chunks of minnow parts or tipped with wax worms. I tip my spoons with strips of raw chicken skin when fishing Mille lacs perch. It drives them crazy. When big Mille lacs perch are negative or shy, I like to thump my spoon on the bottom of the lake every ten seconds or so. This works very well on the gravel/sand transition areas. It keeps the attention of the fish and will trigger strikes. I do not recommend doing this on the mud flats.

Big Mille lacs perch are big for a reason. They are smarter than the younger smaller perch in the system. Sometimes when the bite is hot, minnows and bobbers will do. Other times spoons and other baits are needed to generate interest. The forecast for this year on Mille Lacs looks great for big perch. After all they are fun to catch and make great table fare. As always, use caution when heading out on the ice. A good pair of ice picks and life jacket is always with me at first ice. Good luck, and see you on the ice.

Derek Johnston
Mille Lacs Guide Service
(651) 271-5459
www.millelacsguideservice.com

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