Catch & Release (Page 2): What the heck was that perch eating WOW😶...

HenryG Loc: Falmouth Cape Cod Massachusetts

WiBob wrote:

I was out on about 6 inches of ice on Wednesday. Lots of fish checking out my bait, but not many takers. Hard to tell from the photo, but that was the biggest perch I've ever seen - over 14" and an absolute balloon!

What the heck was that perch eating WOW😶

HenryG Loc: Falmouth Cape Cod Massachusetts

WiBob wrote:

I was out on about 6 inches of ice on Wednesday. Lots of fish checking out my bait, but not many takers. Hard to tell from the photo, but that was the biggest perch I've ever seen - over 14" and an absolute balloon!

What the heck was that perch eating WOW 😶

Ryp Hankins Loc: N Michigan

The bite here has been slow, but icefishing can be that way much of the time. Having a camera down there is very revealing. I like live bait “shiners”. Last night I watched a lot of fish play with that minnow. A largemouth lipped it, mouthed it and spit it out. It pulled back and was like sampling the taste. Clearly curious. The second time it did that I set the hook but my treble didnt catch. Not having a camera I would not have felt or known. Pike will circle like a shark merely bumping it for 5-10min before swimming off, all the while not knowing any fish are interested or even nearby. That’s why I’m glad to have the little camera setup.

Fireguy Loc: Alton Bay NH

Ryp Hankins wrote:

The bite here has been slow, but icefishing can be... (show quote)

Very interesting Ryp,

I just bought an Aquaview, tried it one day, and was disappointed with it. But I must say, the ice was snow covered, and the water a little murky. I'll give it another shot. But I'm hoping it will be better when the ice gone.

Ryp Hankins Loc: N Michigan

Fireguy wrote:

Very interesting Ryp,

I just bought an Aquaview, tried it one day, and was disappointed with it. But I must say, the ice was snow covered, and the water a little murky. I'll give it another shot. But I'm hoping it will be better when the ice gone.

It took me a few times out. I didnt buy the panner tripod for the camera so I made a simple but effective camera adjuster myself. Took a 3gal plastic pail, drilled a 2” hole (or thereabouts) in the bottom, tip the pail upside down so the hole is over the hole in ice. Then took a white styro ball (baseball size) and slit it halfway with a knife to make a slot for cam cord. The ball holds it tightly and sitting it atop hole in pail, creates an adjuster that sits still and easy to adjust with a slight turn.
I keep the camera a foot or so off bottom. Not sure if you needed any of that but maybe it will help someone.

Fireguy Loc: Alton Bay NH

Thanks for the tip Ryp! I'll play with it next time in NH.

RedA Loc: Stow, MA

bric wrote:

Good job on the release! Thanks for the pics! We have ice but don’t care for it that much. May get together with a friend that has a hut and maybe a power auger.
I like to ski in the winter…

Hi Bric
A battery powered auger is a real game changer. We used to chop our holes and that’s ok for 4 inches of ice but too hard when you get to 8 to 10 inches.

As far as when you need a hut, the secret is, if it’s cold enough to need a hut, don’t fish that day 🤭

Fireguy Loc: Alton Bay NH

RedA wrote:

Hi Bric
A battery powered auger is a real game changer. We used to chop our holes and that’s ok for 4 inches of ice but too hard when you get to 8 to 10 inches.

As far as when you need a hut, the secret is, if it’s cold enough to need a hut, don’t fish that day 🤭

RedA,
We think a lot alike. ION auger, fish on decent days, and a portable shelter for those cold days that friends have made plans to fish. It's nice being an old retired guy!

RedA Loc: Stow, MA

Fireguy wrote:

RedA,
We think a lot alike. ION auger, fish on decent days, and a portable shelter for those cold days that friends have made plans to fish. It's nice being an old retired guy!

Agreed 🎣🎉
So much less competition for the big bass when you can get out during the week.
When I go out on the weekend, it’s really to spend some social time with my broader group of fishing buddies 👍

Fishinfellow Loc: Maine/Florida

Some great pictures, that Perch was a corker !!! Check out some ice fishing for Pike with Veterans on the ice. joehollandfishing on youtube