Jerking Perch Through Early Ice

 Ice fishing opportunities have been awfully limited in Michigan, and other parts of the country, the last couple of years. That dosen't stop us from wanting to get out there on the hard water to chase down some of the best eating fish to be found. 

Perch are a favorite across the country when it comes to targeting fish through the ice, and early in the season they can be pretty easy to find. They're much more likely to be in shallow water with good vegetation at the beginning of the ice season. We've caught them in as little as four foot of water, but usually six to fifteen feet is where you'll find the bigger specimens. 

We prefer to use the Beaver Dam noodle rods, which you can usually find as a rod and reel combo for less than $25. They are ideal for indicating even the lightest bites when the fish are less aggressive. A two to four pound monofilament or flaurocarbon line is our choice, paired with a double jig set up. Two four or five millimeter tungsten jigs, spaced about ten inches apart, and tipped with wax worms is our favorite option. The noodle rods aren't the best for quick jerking jigs, but they're not bad, and the ability to see the bite without the fish feeling it is a good trade off in our opinion. 

There are a number of other options for baits and lures that work just as well, or even better, depending on the circumstances. Jigging spoons and jigging minnows can be lights out when the fish are aggresively feeding. Live or dead minnows are also a great option. Even nightcrawler pieces can entice perch to bite.

Just like most other fishing, structure and cover are key elements in finding concentrated numbers of fish. Humps, points, drop offs, and rock piles are prime spots to target, especially if there are also weed edges or other transitions in available cover. A standard depth chart for the body of water you're on is the most basic option that can help you decide where to fish. We have gone out on bodies of water with no more than that and put ourselves on fish within minutes. If you want to bump it up a notch, a number of free smartphone apps can help you easily find places you may want to try out. Other electronic options, like underwater cameras, can quickly tell you if you're in an area that holds fish. 

Whatever gear options and tactics you decide to use, they're all better than sitting at home on the couch, so get out and get after 'em! We'll see you outdoors!