So you went out and bought that shiny, new camera and now want to get out on the ice to catch hundreds of fish? Before you go too crazy, check out this article for time tested tactics to catch fish through the ice using underwater ice fishing cameras. Before trying the tips below, make sure to familiarize yourself with the camera and read the instruction manual. Test the camera out in your house and make sure you completely understand how to use it. It is always better to do this in the warmth of your house than out on the lake freezing your hands off.
Use Your Underwater Ice Fishing Camera To Scout The Area
Once you have drilled the hole and cleaned it out, place your camera through the hole and drop to just above the bottom. Look at see what is around. Obviously we would like to see some fish, but it is ok if you don't. Turn the camera 360 degrees. Note any structure that may be in the vicinity that would attract fish. Do you notice any weeds? If you do we would greatly prefer green, healthy weeds. Is there a sharp drop off or some rocks/boulders to attract fish? This can be a great way to see why a spot you have had success in the past is good or to understand if a new spot holds any promise prior to fishing it for 4 hours. If it doesn't, move on and find a spot that does.
Point Your Underwater Camera Horizontal To Watch Sunfish and Crappies Relate To Your Bait
This is probably the most popular way people use their cameras and the most typical way they are employed. Drill a separate hole about 2 feet from the hole that you are going to fish. Place your camera down to where your bait is and watch the screen as you jig and entice the fish to come and eat your presentation. This tactic is most effective on panfish, sunfish and crappies, as they are not scared by the camera and you can literally see them come up to your bait and watch their reaction. It is a great way to understand how they like the presentation that day and will allow for a greater catch rate. There will be days when they want the jig to move constantly and other days when they want it to remain dead still. The latter is really difficult to tell without using a camera.
Point Your Underwater Camera Vertically To Get A Bird's Eye View Of Your Bait
In order to make this a reality there may need to be some minor modifications to your camera to get it to look straight down. Some models have this ability built-in (a place to hook the cable on the back of the camera or a clip to fasten the cable to), but if it does not just fashion a way for the cable to run to the back of the camera allowing for it to point straight down when hanging. This tactics really works wonders on those camera shy fish like walleyes. A horizontal view like discussed previously keeps them away, but they do not often worry about what is going on above them in the water column. It takes a little getting used to the angle, but this will still allow you to see your bait and how the fish are relating to it.
As can be seen, there are several ways to employ your camera while out on the ice. If you use the above tactics with your underwater camera this upcoming ice fishing season you will increase your chances at catching more and bigger fish.
John Olson is an outdoor enthusiast who values his time spent away from the hustle and bustle of city life. For more about how to utilize modern ice fishing tools visit Ice Fishing Huts or Ice Fishing Gloves
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