When it comes to ice fishing for perch, you need to have the right bait. The type of bait you use can often make or break your success. Depending on the time of year and the temperature of the water, there are different types of bait that work best for perch ice fishing.
Live Bait for Ice Fishing: Utilizing live bait is a highly recommended strategy for ice fishing. This can include worms, minnows, leeches, and maggots. These live baits have a natural movement in the water, making them alluring to perch. When fishing in deeper waters, it is advisable to use a jig head with a few attached worms or minnows to add extra movement to your bait in the water.
Soft Plastics: Soft plastic baits are becoming increasingly popular for catching perch through the ice. These baits look like live worms and minnows but they don’t require any rigging or special techniques to use them effectively. They come in various sizes and colors so you can experiment with different combinations to see what works best for you.
Spoons: Spoons are an effective way to catch perch when they’re suspended in open water or near structure such as weeds, rocks or logs. Spoons come in various shapes and sizes which makes them versatile for different types of fishing situations.
Jigs: Jigs are another great option for catching perch through the ice. They come in many shapes, sizes and colors so you can experiment with different combinations until you find what works best for you. Jigs are especially effective when used with live bait because they can help attract fish from further distances.
Conclusion: When it comes to catching perch through the ice, there is no single best bait that will work every time. Live bait such as worms and minnows is always a great choice but soft plastics, spoons and jigs can also be effective depending on the situation. Experimenting with different baits and techniques is key to finding success when Targeting these fish during winter months.
