The Best Ice Fishing Bait

Live bait is the best way to ice fish. Minnows are the best choice for panfish, and wax worms also work well. Some ice fishermen like to use big buckets of minnows, but if you’re on the go, Bait Up containers are a good alternative.

A portable Bait Up container allows you to cover more ice in less time, and they are a great way to catch more fish on the ice. You can also use a combination of natural and artificial bait to catch more fish. If you’re fishing for walleye and perch, you can use a combination of both types.

Another great ice fishing bait is a jig. The Marmooska from HT Enterprises has a great reputation. Its offset head design makes it easy to fish the lead heads with a lot more control. The light wire hook pivots over the lure’s front lip, increasing the chance of a hook-up. This lure comes in a variety of colors and sizes.

A jig with a minnow head is another great choice. It allows you to cast deeper and reel in the slack line. Crappies love to eat live minnows, and tungsten jigs tipped for crappies work well as well. You can also try leeches or nightcrawlers.

A water-based resin bait is a favorite for ice anglers. They are easy-to-rig and can be used in murky waters. These baits also offer a flash that attracts fish. They’re great for catching walleye and crappie. You can choose from a 1/16- to 1/4-ounce, 1/8- or 1/4-ounce model depending on your fishing style.

While you’re ice fishing, don’t forget to bring your fishing equipment. You’ll need a comfortable chair and a rod and reel. A jig is the most common type of ice fishing bait, but there are also spoons, jerkbaits, and soft plastics. Which one you use depends on the type of fish you’re after and what kind of lure will catch it.

Another great option is a blade bait. These baits are designed to mimic the motion of small fish in the water. They have a very realistic motion and are perfect for northern pike and walleye. Blade baits also have a large weighted head making them an excellent choice for ice fishing lures.

A wiggle paddle bait has a swimming pattern that resembles a real fish, and it displaces just enough water to attract nearby fish. The bait also has a scent that attracts fish. Salt-based baits have a longer lifespan and attract more fish. However, it is also easy to damage, so you’ll need to use caution with this type of bait.

Bread is another winter bait that works well, along with peanut butter. It is easy to attach to the hook and is inexpensive. It can be difficult to keep the bread on the hook if it gets wet. But if you’re on a budget, bread is a great option.