How to Pick Ice Fishing Bait

There are four types of ice fishing bait. There are grubs and small worms, minnows, meat bait, and then there are artificial lures. Ice fishing is much more enjoyable when you actually catch fish, so here are a few ideas of how to pick ice fishing bait for your next adventure.

Instructions

1. Know your location. Ice fishing bait depends on the location where you will be fishing. The conditions are different and the bait will be too.

2. Decide what fish you are after. Contact the local bait shop in the area and ask what types of fish are caught in the area where you are going fishing. Know what type of bait the fish eat.

3. Feed the upper Michigan area fish tiny redworms, small minnows or insect larvae. Some insect larvae include wax worms, corn borers, black-eyed susan grubs and golden rod grub. These can be found at the local bait shop or sport fisherman superstores.

4. Catch crappie, perch, rock bass and bluegill by using grubs and small worms as bait. These come frozen and are easily accessible due to the longer shelf life. Many avid anglers raise their own, as well.

5. Use minnows to catch the larger fish like bass, pike, and walleye minnows. The size of the minnow will attract different fish. If you want to attract a bass, choose larger minnows. If you are trying to catch perch, choose a smaller minnow.

6. Consider using meat baits when live bait is not allowed. Meat baits include parts of previously caught fish, perch's eyes, and raw beef.

7. Fish with artificial lures. Sport fisherman stores are filled with a huge array of fishing lures. They vary in shape, size and color. Visit your local store for expert advice and an entertaining afternoon. Your wife might even enjoy herself.

Tips & Warnings

• Fishing is a trial and error type hobby. Ask someone who has already tried in the lake or region you are going to so you won't have to go through the process.