Jump to content

  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

Spear Fishing Advice

Kiecker

By Kiecker
in Bowfishing/Spearing - MN

 Share

Recommended Posts

Kiecker Rookie

Kiecker

Posted
Posted

Hello

I am a very novice spear fisherman looking for any advice that could help me. I want to go out on Maple Lake in Mentor MN and was woundering how do I even pick a spot to set my house where I will see fish. Please remember I am very new to this so dont make fun and any advice would be appreciated.

MJ1657 Grand Master

MJ1657

Posted
Posted

I would try to find a weed line in 6-10 feet of water or so. Look through this section and you will find tons of information.

Gordie Grand Master

Gordie

Posted
Posted

I hope I got the right lake, this is where I would start my searches on this lake look for the weed line off of these points to start and look for 6-10 fow I prefer about 7-8 ft my self, but to each there own. the arrows are not exact spots but a general area that I would start my search based on the map that I have to work with. Also a big weed flat will hold alot of pan fish and if there is panfish you will find pike sooner or later.

full-15313-40728-maplelake.png

mwal Proficient

mwal

Posted
Posted

MJ1657 Info is spot on. Try to get map of the lake you intend to fish and look for drop offs from weedy bay's and points. Use you auger to test drill holes to try to see what actually down there. I put coat over head and look into water to see what there. This also can give you an idea of water clarity before you take the time to make a spear hole only to find 1ft visibility. Don't ask how I learned this. LMAO. Look to see where others are spearing or tip up fishing. IF nobody around look for blood stains near marked spearing holes or augured holes. I also ask local bait shop questions about what depths and structure etc and buy something from them whether spearing sucker or pop and candy bar for snack. I also suggest going through the posts there is a ton of information on here and ask specific question's lots of friendly spearing folk as well. IE: Gordie post

Mwal

Kiecker Rookie

Kiecker

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks Guys I am excited to try it tomorrow hopefully I can find some fish and learn some tricks Gordie that is the correct lake and I really appreciate the advice I will try those spots. Keep the advice coming if you have any I would really like to learn this sport and have no one to teach me

MJ1657 Grand Master

MJ1657

Posted
Posted

Thanks Guys I am excited to try it tomorrow hopefully I can find some fish and learn some tricks Gordie that is the correct lake and I really appreciate the advice I will try those spots. Keep the advice coming if you have any I would really like to learn this sport and have no one to teach me

The price for this advice is you have to give us a report on how tomorrow turns out.

Spearing is an easy sport to take up. If they are running and you're in the right general area you will see fish.

Gordie Grand Master

Gordie

Posted
Posted

Lot of great info in these forums along with some of the greatest guys on the ice you would ever want to meet.

Keep in touch and if you can try and hit up the late season GTG not sure where it will be yet, but I think it will be chosen after the first.

Good luck and stay safe..

Remember to push your block back in the hole and always mark it.

Kiecker Rookie

Kiecker

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I will let you guys know how it goes thanks again its really appreciated

  • 2 weeks later...
Kiecker Rookie

Kiecker

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Well I unfortunately have not made it out on the ice yet. I am FOR SURE going this Sunday so I look forward to using the advice you guys have given me and have learned a lot from reading the forum thank you guys for all your help. I have one more question though does it effect the spearing if you push your ice block under the ice. I have a house that I will not be moving until the hole has frozen solid so I wont be leaving a big hole in the ice, and I will mark it.

MJ1657 Grand Master

MJ1657

Posted
Posted

I've heard the block disappears fast when its pushed under. I've never done that so I can't say for sure.

Good luck I look forward to your report.

Gordie Grand Master

Gordie

Posted
Posted

A lot of guys do it and they do quite well its a matter of choice. Just make sure you give it a good push and you should be fine.

I was told by a old timer that they actually melt because the water is warmer than the ice he never said how fast they melted just that they melted.

LunkerCity Collaborator

LunkerCity

Posted
Posted

Last year after the holidays, I pushed a block under that had a sucker and harness in it. It was about 8" thick and by the third morning the sucker was laying on bottom about 12' out of my hole... So it melts fairly slowly. I can't say it has ever affected fishing. I always push in my block and I see plenty of fish.

Orlip Rising Star

Orlip

Posted
Posted

I used to push my blocks under then I put my underwater camera down. 18"-20" of ice sure looks wierd under the ice. Its not for me. I always push my block back in.

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • smurfy
      What's on the Grill?

      By smurfy · Posted

      Venny backstrap and the fixins!
    • SkunkedAgain
      Winter Lake Trout

      By SkunkedAgain · Posted

      Running on empty at dark on a sled is definitely stress-inducing. Been there, done that. Glad that you made it out.
    • SkunkedAgain
      2024-2025 Vermilion Ice Fishing

      By SkunkedAgain · Posted

      Eagle swoops are always a hoot to watch.   The snow is mostly gone on the lake. Ice melt made things pretty wet but the ice is obviously still very thick. 
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      Ice Conditions Still Good

      By LakeofthewoodsMN · Posted

      On the South Shore...  The big question:  "How is the ice up at Lake of the Woods?"  That is for each individual resort or outfitter who operates an ice road or trail to answer, but overall, ice conditions are still very good and ice fishing is going strong!  As always, stay on the marked ice  roads and trails for safety.     Being up on the Canadian border, the colder temps Lake of the Woods enjoys vs much of the region combined with three feet of ice makes a big difference.  Fish houses are allowed unattended overnight through March 31st and it sounds like a good number of resorts will be fishing through the month, but ultimately, Mother Nature will determine that.     Regarding the fishing, overall, very good reports for walleyes, saugers and perch.  There is a strong population of smaller walleyes and saugers in the lake which bodes well for the future, but in the meantime, anglers are sorting through them to catch their keepers.   The one-two punch of jigging and deadsticking remains the most effective technique. Jigging spoons with rattles tipped with a minnow head or a lipless crankbait on the jigging line is the ticket.  On the deadstick, a live minnow a foot off the bottom on a plain red hook or medium sized ice fishing jig is catching a lot of fish.   Using electronics is super helpful.  Many nice walleyes are swimming through suspended, keep an eye out.   Anglers tip-up fishing for pike have had a great week and it should continue to get even better.  Suckers, frozen alewife and smelt are working well. Putting baits 1 foot under the ice or right off bottom seems to be effective this week.  Most common depths, 9 - 15 feet. On the Rainy River...  The Rain River is still frozen with no signs of open water yet.  Every year can be different, but on average, the Rainy River will start opening up around the third week of March.  The first boat ramp suitable for larger boats is Nelson Park in Birchdale.  We will keep you posted.    As of March 1st, walleyes and saugers are catch and release only on Four Mile Bay and the Rainy River.     Make plans now for sturgeon season.  Once the open water appears, the fish are super active.  Here are the seasons...   -Catch and Release Season: May 8th – May 15th and October 1 – April 23rd. -Harvest Season: April 24th – May 7th and July 1 – September 30. -Closed Season: May 16th – June 30th.  Up at the Northwest Angle...  Fishing remains very good up at the Angle and the ice is in good shape as well.  As on the south end, resorts monitor ice roads and trails daily and there are still some great ice fishing opportunities available.     Walleyes, saugers, perch, and pike are showing up in good numbers.  Those targeting crappies are reporting good numbers of fish.  Work through a NW Angle resort for ice fishing opportunities on this part of the lake. The walleye and sauger season is open through April 14th. Pike fishing never closes, and perch and crappie remain open year-round as well. Whether booking a day house rental, sleeper fish house, or resort stay, there is still plenty of time to plan a late-season ice fishing adventure. 
    • Wanderer
      Susan Lake

      By Wanderer · Posted

      Looks like a shallow lake with some potential.  Keepable crappies, decent bluegills and some nice perch according to the last survey (2015). Susan Lake   With a max depth of 10 feet, I’d want to know a little more about it before I’d start drilling holes.  Could be a nice little adventure though.  
    • Brianf.
      2024-2025 Vermilion Ice Fishing

      By Brianf. · Posted

      Jeff and I fished Saturday and half day Sunday, targeting whitefish, ciscos, crappies, and perch.  The bite was tough for us.  We ecked out a few, but nothing special.  Highlight of the weekend was the sled ride into Wolf Lake and having an eagle swoop in and eat a rock bass we had on the ice.  All in all, not a bad way to waste time.    
    • monstermoose78
      Moose's Report - Cambridge-Elk River-Foley-Milaca-Mora-Ogilvie Fishing Reports

      By monstermoose78 · Posted

      Yep just below the ice 
    • smurfy
      What's on the Grill?

      By smurfy · Posted

      Smoked polish sausage with some beans!
    • smurfy
      Moose's Report - Cambridge-Elk River-Foley-Milaca-Mora-Ogilvie Fishing Reports

      By smurfy · Posted

      just below the ice???? i was pulling crappies from 30 ft over 43 ft and 23 inches of ice this past weekend.   nice going!!!!!! 👍
    • monstermoose78
      Moose's Report - Cambridge-Elk River-Foley-Milaca-Mora-Ogilvie Fishing Reports

      By monstermoose78 · Posted

      Went fishing with my dad and we spanked them panfish again. Same set up as yesterday. Fish fry coming this Friday for the family!! 
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.