"Make sure you have light line spooled on," Glen Uhl said. "Better make that sewing thread." He was referring to really thin and light line. This time of year, panfish on a lot of Oakland County lakes are particular.
They seem to be a little more than line shy. So much so that sizing down is one trick that appeals to them. Therefore lighter line, like sewing thread.
Any good sewing supply store will know what you are talking about when you ask for thread to be used for ice fishing. It's actually nylon, but very light while still strong.
And the light line translates into those small teardrops we talked about a few days ago. Unless you're on Saginaw Bay and have the walleye dialed in, there's no need to heavier Rapala's or baits like a Swedish Pimple.
Keep it simple, small and slow. Fish are lethargic but still looking for something to eat. Slow your jigging down.
Begin your search just off the bottom and work your way up. It's not uncommon to find fish suspended especially this time of year. Good luck!
I used to use nylon sewing thread way back in the 70's to fish the tiny 1/64 jigs or teardrops. Even the ice lines of today are to heavy for panfish. It is not that the fish are line shy but you can't detect a bait being sucked in. Using a tiny bobber is less efficient than a spring bobber and with the spring bobber you can just reel it up. Flasher's help a lot for detecting bites too along with finding the bottom.
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