Ice Fishing Lures buying guide

Ice fishing is a thrilling adventure, and to spice it up with some fun, you need to buy the perfect lure.

In the old times, small live fish were used for hunting predators. Now everything is being revolutionized for the betterment, and ice fishing lures are no exception. With the market flooded with different fishing tools, finding the right match is very difficult.

To end this tedious process of visiting every possible place to find a suitable fish lure, we have brought you this buying guide.

This guide has the solution to all your queries. The only thing you have to do is devote some time to it and carefully look at all the sections.

Along with the key features that you should look for while searching for the best bait, you will learn how to use it and prepare yourself for your task. Without further ado, let's dive deeper into this extensive guide.

What do you mean by Ice Fishing Lures? Why do you need them?

Winter is smiling around the corner, and who doesn't want to go ice fishing? The thrill and enjoyment you get while fishing in the freezing ice cannot be found anywhere else.

While ice fishing is fun, there are many challenges associated with it. The white blanket all around poses a lot of difficulties.

Even if you manage to overcome the icy problem, catching a fish underneath will not be easy. The thick layer of ice will obstruct your vision. What's happening down there remains a history.

If you are fishing, you don't want to return empty-handed. Ice fishing lures are what you require to ensure that you get hold of a healthy catch and enjoy a tasty supper.

Many aspects are taken into consideration to catch the best fish. The type of lure that specific species feeds on, its look, and some fishing techniques.

Opting for the right kind of fishing lure is very important. These are artificial traps that are used to attract the fish and then catch it. An ice fishing lure is mainly designed to work effectively in the icy surrounding.

This eye candy has many reasons to be used and is very different from the traditional fishing lures. Some of them are listed below.

1. The water beneath the layer of ice is more transparent than the water on any ordinary day. This demands for a lure having more realistic visuals so that the fish gets attracted.

2. Ice fishing requires different ways to hunt for fish. These fishing lures are the best to use irrespective of the situation.

3. If you are using these lures and putting a little bit of effort, be sure to take a big fish back home.

Types of Ice Fishing Lures

Ice fishing is all about tactics, attractive lures, and the fight between you two. While the fish isn't easy to catch, different fishing lures help ease down the task. Carefully scan the different kinds and then opt for the one that you find comfortable to work with.

Hard bait

The hard bait is the new addition to the family of lures. This is also known as the 'gliding bait' because when hung on the other end of your line, it seems like gliding inside the water just like a real fish.

This action attracts many targeted catches towards your hard bait. Other variants have a vibrating alternative in them. With the help of the vibrations produced, the water in the lure's immediate surroundings starts moving.

This movement in and around the bait attracts the prey more. This increases the probability of catching a fish when you are fishing on a dry day.

Spoons

Spoons have been used for many years in the fishing industry. Even traditional fishers rely more on these. These are further bisected. Both types of spoons have a similar presentation but still differ in many aspects.

1. Flutter spoons

The flutter spoons have a concave design with a wide body. These are very thin and fall slowly in water.

The slow-motion allows them to make a fluttering action that is essential to grab a fish's attention. These are widely used for hunting the lake trouts.

2. Jigging spoons

The critical difference that differentiates a fluttering spoon from the jigging spoon is the fluttering action.

Jigging spoons do not flutter and move rapidly only in one direction inside the water. This rapid action attracts a fish to bite it.

Jigs

The jig is one of the essentials that your tackle box should have. This is the most versatile type of lure that you can use in any kind of fishing.

You will find variants that have soft plastic or minnow covering on the tip of this lure. This covering enhances its efficiency and offers you comfort during fishing.

If you want to make money in the ice fishing industry, hair jigs are the ones that you should bet on. These are known for their attractive appearance that appeals to the fish. Once you set them in line, all you have to do is sit back and relax.

Plastics

Plastic baits are ruling over this industry. Due to their diverse colors, styles, and shapes, these have managed to fool the fish by their realistic appearances.

Just name the species, and you get hold of what they like the most to nibble on. Whether it be a panfish or a crawfish, you will find all the options available to attract your fish's attention.

You can also combine these with the jigs to give a lively look. These are so realistic that the fish you are hunting for will not make out the difference and fall in the trap laid.

Things to deem about while selecting appropriate Ice Fishing Lures

Color

Colour plays a significant role when ice fishing is concerned. You need to take into account many aspects and then choose any particular color. While there are many colors available to choose from, you will find many mismatches if you ask a professional angler's perspective.

To understand the importance of color and how the preference changes, look at certain critical aspects listed below.

1. The clarity of the water

The cleaner the water will be, the more efficiently the fish can see. The fish's clear vision demands a more realistic lure that has subtle colors in it.

You can opt for primary shades like red, blue, and yellow but make sure that they are not too bright. You should opt for metallic colors instead.

If you are fishing in muddy water, the visibility is relatively low. This calls for more bright shades that can be seen prominently despite so much dirt. It would be beneficial if you opt for a lure with contrasting colors.

2. The thickness of the ice

If you are fishing on a cloudy day and the ice cover is too thick, you should opt for brighter neon colors. These colors penetrate through the ice covering and attract the fish.

The best combination is a neon orange with metallic silver or gold. This color combination will have a realistic visual and work wonders to trap your trout.

3. Colors fade away with increasing depth

As the bait travels deeper into the water, the color starts fading, and it doesn't look fascinating. Blue retains its color to the maximum depth. However, to eliminate this intense calculation of depth and shade's wavelength, you should look for fluorescent dyes.

These colors stay for very long. This long retention ensures that you still have a chance to find big catches at deeper depths.

Though many aspects influence the choice of lure's color, you should have the most suitable color depending on the situation. Opting for bright colors yields the best results in the majority of the cases.

Type of Fish

Not many fish stay underneath the ice, and this phenomenon calls for some attention. Before you plan for ice fishing, you should know about the species of fish present, their habits, and other crucial aspects.

Focussing on the breeds available is a smarter choice to avoid unnecessary investments and wastage of time.

Let's quickly have a look at the different species that you should hunt for during fishing in the ice. Based on the fish available, invest in the suitable ice fishing lures and start your task.

1. Walleye

Walleyes are the most popular species that spend time near ice. These move in schools all the time. This collective movement makes it easier for you to locate them and cast your line accordingly.

If you are fond of ice fishing, carrying lures that tempt the walleye will be advantageous. These move at high speed and resist a lot when caught.

You will experience a hard time lifting them from water. If you are looking for something bigger, walleyes form an excellent catch.

2. Sauger

Saugers and walleyes are quite similar, but the difference lies in their shape and color. This breed moves close to the group of walleyes that increases your chances to catch them both. Like the walleyes, saugers also are worth hunting.

3. Northern pike

These are the spies hiding underneath the ice and waiting to bite unto a walleye or a sauger. These are very robust, and to sustain against them, you need to use a strong line and strong northern pike ice fishing lures.

When caught, these put up an intense fight. You can also get carried away while fighting with these. So, the next time you plan for ice fishing, do try to catch one and experience the pleasure of fishing.

4. Yellow perch and tullibee

Though the yellow perch and the tullibee are not found so often, trying to catch one does no harm. Instead, if you get hold of any of these two, you will be the luckiest angler in that location.

These two breeds have addictive flesh and do not resist much if caught. If you plan for fish hunting often, you can always rely on the perch and tullibee.

5. Eelpout

This species is the bad guy amongst all the other dwellers. Like the perch and the tullibee, eelpouts also have delicious flesh with a mesmerizing aroma. The eelpout is often called 'freshwater Cod' because of its ecstatic taste.

There is a very annoying thing about this fish. You will always end up with a bunch of tangled lines every time you catch it. In an attempt to escape, the eelpout spins itself throughout the way that results in tangling.

6. Trout

Trouts are another notable species of fish that are preferred by many anglers. A wide variety of lures can be used to catch trouts. These do not stay at one location and are always on the move.

Hence, it is recommended that if you are planning to catch them, check the location before you begin your hunt.

Material

A fish lure has to be strong and durable. Since the fish's sharp teeth will be regularly striking it, there are chances that it may get damaged. The material used plays a significant role in making the fish's apple of the eye strong and long-lasting.

Ice fishing lures are made using ABS plastic. This material is damage-resistant and lightweight and doesn't add any additional weight to the casting line.

The most stunning feature of this material is that it retains the color for long and maintains the shape and style. Every time you use your bait, it looks fresh and new. ABS plastic is eco-friendly and doesn't harm the fish.

Strength

Ice fishing is all about catching big fish, enjoying the fighting, and getting rewarded, all amidst the beautiful white backdrop.

To catch the big boss, you need to have a strong lure. This is not only used to attract the catch but also helps in lifting it. If the jig or the spoon is not strong enough, the bad guy will escape.

Ice fishing lures are brought into existence to eliminate your disappointment and increase the thrill. These are very strong and do not break. They can easily endure the weight of the water dweller and land it on the ground.

This lure can also take the sudden strikes and bites from the ferocious predators and still sustain it.

Ease of Use

The ease of use comes into consideration while it hooks onto the fish's jaw. If you are a beginner, you will need some practice to get accustomed to the hooking process. If you are a professional, having access to an easily usable lure will save enormous amounts of time.

While some lures have an effortless design and can be hooked quite effortlessly, some do not.

Before you invest in any fish lure, ensure that you are comfortable using it. You can search for other variants also depending on your level of experience.

Style and design

The pattern, color, and shape are the crucial features of any lure that grabs a fish's attention. Whether it be a trout, eelpout, or a perch, the basic necessity remains constant. In the end, a fish needs food, and the artificial trap should look real.

The style and design depend on the quality of the material. If you want to get a good catch by investing nothing, you aren't going the right way. This is because low quality features poor designs, faded colors, and disfigured lure.

To attract the bigger fish and catch it, search for options that are affordable and have good designs. The lure should be brightly colored, loaded with appealing patterns, and a realistic visual. Only then will you be able to get a good deal.

How are ice fishing lures different from regular lures?

Unlike the regular fishing where you can see the fish moving on the surface, the climax takes place underneath a thick layer of ice in ice fishing. All you have is just a hole to insert the line with the lure hanging at the end.

Ice fishing needs some crucial consideration because you hardly get to know what's happening down there.

Attracting the trout in icy situations is quite challenging. You know how unresponsive these aquatic dwellers become when snowfalls occur, and hence a visually appealing lure is essentially required.

The ecstatic color combinations, the unbeatable style, and the alluring design make ice fishing lures much different from the regular ones.

You will also notice that the lines used during fishing in the ice are much different from those used during regular fishing. Imagine a heavyweight lure attached to a lightweight line. Such a disaster it will be!

How to use a lure in ice-fishing?

Using a bait during ice-fishing is quite tricky. If you are a professional, it will just be a breeze for you, but there are some useful tips if you are new in this industry.

1. Using live bait

If you are using live baits, use them in more numbers and hook on the lure. This will help you hold on to the line even if a fish escapes after nibbling your bait. This reduces the necessity to get the entire line out, putting up a bait again and casting it.

2. Using artificial bait

While using artificial bait, ensure that the jig's hook is placed across the head of your artificial bait. This enables the bait to move inside the water so that the fish gets attracted.

3. Use different lures

Using different kinds of fish traps helps you know which one works the best. If you use a particular type, there are chances that it might get damaged or no fish gets attracted to it.

4. Jerking the bait

You should keep moving your bait inside the water. This movement attracts the fish towards it. An artificial bait, when shaken, looks like a live bait that helps in grabbing the attention.

5. Colour

The appropriate color is essential. This, again, aids in appealing the fish. If your lure is dull, no fish will respond to any movement you make.

6. Casting at different spots

This technique increases the chances of catching the monster. If you cast your line at a particular area, you might return empty-handed if no fish is present.

Choose the hard road: How to prepare your DIY lure?

If you want to explore your creative side and make your fish lure, here is the chance to do it yourself. Follow the steps listed below to create an efficient lure to grab the best catch.

1. Tools required

You will require instruments like a hammer, pliers, nails, and a small wood to start your creation. You will also need a bottle cap, four rings, a hook, a plastic bait, and a barrel swivel.

2. Folding the bottle cap

1. Start by folding the crease of the cap by pressing it towards the inside using pliers. Continue this process until the cap gets relatively thin and flat.

2. To form the lure's top-end, use your pliers and bend a small part of the cap to 90 degrees. Then turn the other sides of the cap inwards to form a V-shape.

3. Put the cap on the wood piece. The cap's flat surface should rest on the wood's surface while the bent part should face towards you. Make use of a nail and your hammer to drill a hole at the cap's bottom edge.

4. Now make another hole on the top part.

3. Placement of the rings, hook, and barrel swivel

Pass one ring each through the two holes made. Grab the remaining rings and thread them on the previously threaded ones. Now attach the hook to the ring present at the bottom and the barrel swivel to the top ring.

4. Attaching the bait

Now take your bait and attach it to the barrel swivel attached to the ring present on the top end.

After following all these steps and making your DIY lure, you are ready to go out for ice fishing. Make sure that you use the appropriate bait and bring back a healthy catch.

FAQs

1. How should I select the best color for the lure?

Analyze the thickness of ice, snow cover, watercolor to select the color that makes the lure quite realistic. With a suitable color, you can quickly reel in the bigger fish.

2. Should I reuse the lure?

Yes, you can reuse the lure until it is damaged or the color fades.

3. What is the benefit of an ice fishing lure?

In ice fishing, you have to use a more realistic bait to lure the fish quickly as visibility is relatively high. So ice fishing lures allow you to attract bigger fish without any unnecessary hassle.

Final Verdict

Ice fishing lures present a quick and efficient way to reel in the bigger fish while ice fishing. All you need is to equip the right bait.

In this guide, we have presented all the necessary information that will aid you in pinning down the best product. Skim through the points and select ultimate lures to catch tons of fish during your expedition.