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Ice Fishing Wisconsin Article

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An Overview Of Ice Fishing Lures

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There are many different types of lures that can be used for ice fishing and what ice fishing lures to use typically relates to the species of fish you are after and the water conditions. Most of the winter ice fishing lures can also be used throughout the summer season, which means you don't need to duplicate a lot of the standard lures that you use.

Most ice anglers have their own particular lure that they swear by in the various lakes that they ice fish in. Below is a general list of common ice fishing lures and the methods they are used.

• Jigs – these can be many different shapes and sizes but are typically either heavy jigs for bouncing off of or near to the bottom, or lighter jigs that are designed to fall through the water at different rates to attract fish. Jigs can be used as stand alone ice fishing lures or can be combined with bait. Jigs are almost always bright colors and very shiny to attract attention with the visual movement through the water. Jigs can be all different sizes from about the size of a dime to much larger.

• Spoons – spoons can be either hard bodied or shaped or thin, traditional spoon shapes. They are attractive to fish for the bright colors and bait like movement they make when moving through the water. Spoons that are hard bodied can be shaped like minnows and may be used in jigging rigs or in a slow fall through dark, deep water. The shape of the spoon causes it to almost float through the water, mimicking the slower moving minnows in the cold water.

• Plastic Lures – ice fishing lures are often made of various colors and textures of plastic. They can be pre-scented to act as both a lure and bait, or they can be a combination of bright coloring and scent. They are often shaped like worms, bugs, grubs or minnows, and then are often used with a jigging rig close to the bottom of the water. Plastic lures are very durable and can handle landing numerous fish before they need to be replaced.

• Tails – these are sometimes used as ice fishing lures on their own or added to spoons or spinners. The tails are plastic and provide additional action in slow drop fishing. The tails spread out the water like fingers, slowing the rate of the lure dropping as well as adding to the movement in the water. Tails can be of all different lengths, colors and textures depending on the water conditions and the species of fish you are after.

There are many specialty ice fishing lures available. The internet is a great place for finding new lures, and their low cost makes it possible to have a wide variety of options available when you arrive at your favorite ice fishing spot.