Ice Team

2012-2013 Ice Annual

Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/80912

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 16 of 36

we adapted and changed what we were doing (multiple times!) that we later found out we stumbled across the most effective way of catching those Iowa monsters. Sight-fishing helped us do this, and in fact was how we taught ourselves to master this technique. Matt Johnson: Ok, the adapting part makes a lot of sense. However, if someone knows they have to adapt to get the desired outcome, what sort of ways did you overcome the problem down on Okoboji? Genz: It was simple at first. We fished the entire water column. Too many ice anglers drop their jig down way too fast, especially if they see a fish. They shoot it down there and stop just feet above the mark on their Vexilar and then try to coax them into biting. Not going to work on the educated sunfish. I forced myself to begin working the jig as soon as it lands in the water. You need to focus on starting your jigging sequence right away. Yes, it definitely takes more time, and patience becomes important, but this is a perfect example of getting Knowing that you need to make a change is one of the largest steps you can take. — PAT SMITH "in-tune" with the fish and giving them what they want. Start working your jig much higher in the water column. I would start there. Smith: For me, half the battle is understanding that what you are doing is wrong and knowing you need to adapt. Too many anglers are stubborn and refuse to turn away from their tried and true. Knowing that you need to make a change is one of the largest steps you can take. I typically start by changing the movement of my presentation, just like Dave mentioned about working the bait higher in the water column. After movement come size and/ or profile. This helps me deter- mine jigging action, too, as the size of the jig can dictate how it acts. I don't work different sized baits the same; each one gets a unique action. After size and pro- file comes flavor… scent and taste. Then after flavor I look to color. Some might think this is odd, because color is so highly regarded in most ice fishing articles and in the media, but the real truth is that color doesn't play as important of a role as you may think. Genz: Definitely. Color is also one of the last on my list. The only time color plays an impor- tant role I'm around weeds or when drastic changes in light penetration occur. is whether apply during high suns and day- orange. Same colors weeds, I tend to focus on non- glow colors like chartreuse and light hours. However, I turn to glow whenever I'm in deep water or dur- ing lowlight periods. This reverts back to the ability to understand you need to make a change and not drop down the same color, day-in and day-out. Matt Johnson is the Ice Team Manager. Contact Matt at (763) 231-4126 or mjohnson@iceteam. com Pat Smith is the lead sales Pro at Thorne Brothers Custom Rod and Tackle in Blaine, Minn. and has been leading the ice fishing revolution with Dave Genz since the birth of Ice Team. Contact Pat at thornebros.com Johnson: How did you guys learn to adapt and master the concept of cadence? Genz: Time on the ice and trial and error is important. Trying new things to see what works. I also spend a lot of time sight-fishing and using my Vexilar Fish Scout underwater cam- era. Being able to see what you're doing is very important. I can now watch what my jig does in relation to certain jig- ging move- ments and how the fish react. Then I can coun- teract any movements or Around what doesn't work. Whatever you do has to feel good to the fish. Their lat- eral lines pick up the positive vibra- tions and movements, you just need to find the right action to tune into those senses. responses to get the desired out- come. This is adapting and overcoming Smith: Well, Dave took the words right out of my mouth. Actually, "seeing" what you're doing is very important. Going back to Okoboji, THE ICE ANNUAL << ICE TEAM.COM 17

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

view archives of Ice Team - 2012-2013 Ice Annual