Early Ice Setups?

[SETDAHOOK]

I will be heading up to LOW second weekend in December (hopefully). Wondering if anybody could give me some advice to a certain type and color of jig/spoon that has seemed to work better than others. Any advice will be helpful. Thank You in advance.

[fiskyknut]

Setdahook, I will assume you have seen that 'jigging spoons' post. As you can see alot of folks have alot of different favorite styles and colors of spoons to use up here. You better stock up! Myself, I prefer the lighter stamped type spoons such as AE's. I do like those buckshots and some other heavier styles when used as a attracter with a short dropper on a deadstick or bobberrod though. When fish don't seem to want the spoons, I will usually jig a airplane/flyer type jig so bring a handful of these in assorted colors maybe.<P>That suspended fish phenomenon mentioned is for real. I would'nt say you neccasarily need a vexilar to see these fish. Any modern flasher will serve you well in spotting these fish. Heck I still prefer my trusty 10 year old Clearwater Classic over my much newer fl-8 and I always catch the first, most, biggest, and the smallest!!! I may jump into the millenium this season though and snarf up one of those new LX-3's. I used one a few times last ice season and these seem to me to be the cat's meow. Just not certain if the money spent would equate to more fish vs. my old faithful Zercom.<P>Best wishes for BIG fishes....fiskyknut<P>

[STILLNOFISH]

I should correct myself when mentioning the vexilar. As fiskynut mentioned any flasher will do. What do you guys think of the vexilar FL-18. I still use my FL-8slt from several years ago. I understand that they allow you to zoom in more on the bottom. Do you think it is worth the extra money for this feature? For me, I will continue to use my SLT because thgat is what I feel comfortable with. Good luck to all

[Twitter]

setdahook,<BR>I agree with stillnofish regarding a flasher on LOW. Simply put....."fish every fish you mark" the biggest fish I have caught on LOW have consistently been cruising by 6'-15' off the bottom. These fish are normally much more aggressive and looking to take the bait...(and bigger than the suagers on the bottom )<P>When I fish LOW I keep a close eye on my vexilar and reel up to every fish that cruises by. <BR>Good luck !!

[fiskyknut]

Yepper STILLNOFISH those 18's do indeed work way sweet. Truth is these modern flashers all preform what they're supposed to do very well, and it's more a matter of what one personally likes as far as features go as to what one chooses.<P>Twitter you are both right on, I've mentioned that suspended fish phenomenon numerous times since way back. These fish are feeding and will usually just hammer a bait brought up to their faces. As you said these will be some of the nicest fish you'll catch thru most any given day. I'd have to guess maybe 7 outta 10 fish I catch that I would consider 'bigger' are these 'high' fishes. I wonder how many of these fish were actually caught before the days of the flasher! Probably not many knew of these back then.<P>fiskyknut

[STILLNOFISH]

Setdahook,<P>The last five years I have fished the pine island area in late december and early january with portables. My favorites lures are a gold buck shot rattle spoon and charteuse/white swedish pimple. I have had the best luck with these two. Also don't forget about having a bobber setup as well. I can't emphasize enough the importance of a vexilar on LOW. You will find many fish moving through at different depths(usually the bigger ones). This year our group is going to rent a house from Arnesens on dec 26, 27 and 28. Good luck to you.

[pj4]

if you want to use the vex in the summer, the fl18 has some nice features for that. the bottom lock and bottom zoom are real nice for fish close to the bottom, 1-6 inches up. it zooms the bottom 6 feet on half of the screen and full depth on the other half.you can switch to full range on the whole screen.<p>[This message has been edited by pj4 (edited 11-19-2003).]

[rookie-8]

I agree with fisky on the vexilar. It depends on your situation as to weather the fl18 is worth the money. Down south where I fish a lot, we sometimes get houses packed tight together on a small structure. Fl18 has a choice of 2 transmit frequencies, so you can avoid the interferance from someone elses flasher. The zoom feature works well on sharp drops. But not a factor on flats. Compare features and match them to how you fish, and where you fish.

[bturck]

I sold my Fl 8 last year to my neighbor and picked up the 18. A friend worked at a local sports shop and with his discount and a hundy that he owed me it cost me 125.00. It definitley is a great unit especially with the split screen picking up those bottom huggers. I caught my share on the FL8 however so I think it comes down to affordabilty. But I would certainly recommend it. Good luck and hang on Bill