When a cold front sets in and hopping holes and chasing down fish isn’t much of an option, try calling the fish to you. This can work for walleyes, northerns, crappies, bluegills, perch and more. Call the fish to you and then figure out what it will take to make them bite.
You still want to set up in an area where fish are hanging out or expected to cruise through, but you don’t always have to be in the perfect spot. Whether you're set up in a wheelhouse, ice camping in a hub house or placed in a rental, moving might not be an option. So if you’re not seeing fish try dropping down a large rattle bait like a Rippin’ Rap or a flashy spoon like a VMC Tingler Spoon and jig aggressively to try and bring fish in. Remember, don’t just keep it near the bottom, jig anywhere from the bottom to around six feet off the bottom and even higher if you’re targeting suspended fish like crappies. Work the bait up and down giving big rips and then let the bait free fall on a slack line to allow for a more fluttery and flashy descent. Making bottom contact and ripping the lure up out of the bottom can also be a way to call fish in. Rattle baits can call fish in from afar, but can also deter or spook a fish if jigged too aggressively as they near the bait.
There are many times where this can bring the fish to you but then you may have to downsize or slow down your jigging to trigger a bite. That being said, it has happened to me numerous times when a fish that was attracted to the aggressive action just came in and smacked the bait.
If you’re fishing with others, it’s beneficial to have a variety of presentations down to dial in just what the fish are hitting on at the time. Having additional set lines with live bait(where allowed) can also help you catch more fish. Call the fish to you and then give them options.
I have fished with many anglers over the years and too often I see people not jigging unless they are marking fish. You will definitely see more and have a chance to catch more fish if you are actively jigging and calling fish to you especially when you haven't been marking anything!
Good Luck Fishing and Stay Safe!
J Rev Outdoors
320-761-0685
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