Horseshoe Cat Fishing

[shorefisher]

I would like to try to get some of those cats through the ice this year. Never have done it. Is there a good time of year to fish them first ice/late ice? And is there a good bait shop in the area that could send me in the right direction. Feel free to through in any info you would about this as I have no idea what to do for fishing cats through the ice. Thanks much.

Shorefisher

[IceHawk]

Any time to fish cats is a good time. I personally like first ice the best. The cats are agressive at first ice then once the fishing pressure gets to them they become a little more nuetral but can be caught using a smaller more finesse style of fishing.

As far as spots:

Horseshoe is probably the best spot to get introduced to catting through the ice. One of the more popular community spots is the meth hole, its a deep water basin in the center of the lake with some nice breaks that the cats relate to. Most of the fish will be suspended in the 20 ft plus ranges, but don't rule out the shallows as the cats will move in twoards the evening looking for a meal.

Long lake is also a sleeper for cats grab a map and look for the deeper holes. Once you find some deeper basins pop some holes you will more than likely find some suspended cats that will be willing to bite.

As far as presentations winter cats can be caught with a variety of baits, I prefer jigging spoons. One of my favorites is the GO-Devil spoons, they really seem to be the ticket out there. Other setups that seem to work are a deadline minnow set-up, a cut bait setup and I have also taken a few on a small waxworm jig combo when they become super sensitive to the fishing pressure.

A local bait shop that is really helpfull is Southside bait in Richmond they will help you with any info you need.