CTFishTalk.com: 49 year old ice fishing virgin - Connecticut Ice Fishing Reports ( CT Ice Fishing Reports ) - A Community Built for Connecticut Fisherman.

FishforAnswers · Joined: 14 Feb 2010 Posts: 1

I have been watching the ice fishing board for a while now but I need some advice.

Where should a first timer go? I realize this is a tricky question I don’t want to know anyone’s secret spots. It’s just a bit scary when you think some ponds can be safe and others have springs and are potential killers.

I don't want to catch tons of fish but I also don't want to walk away without catching anything my first time out. I at least I need a nibble. I know I will look like a newbie but hey that's what I am on hard water anyway.

Thank you for any feedback at all.

SeaDog1 · Joined: 21 Dec 2009 Posts: 2629

Hi FishforAnswers!

Got your PM!
Best I can tell you, or anyone can, is get a copy of the Ct. Angler's Guide.
It's free and also on the Ct. DEP site to read.
Look over the part on Lakes and Ponds, which also decribes what fish are to be found in each particular water.

Also DEP puts out a book that has depth maps of many lakes and ponds (Well worth the $20.00 asking price Exclamation

)

Now pick a lake or pond and "Go Fishing Exclamation

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Fishing is fishing -> No garantees that you'll catch a fish -> But if you don't try you won't learn the techniques on how to catch particular fish as there are different methods and rigs.

(P.S. A litle courtesy is all that is asked for!....So don't crowed other ice fishermen when on the ice!)

Could source is to Goggel up "How to ice fish for....Trout, Pan Fish, Pike, etc.
Researching "How to" is a very good way to give you the info needed to catch fish.

Best of Luck Exclamation

Seadog1

Fish On! · Joined: 24 Dec 2009 Posts: 68 Location: Northeast, CT

Go when its windy and you'll be chasing flags all day long Laughing

Target a cold water fish such as picerel, pike or perch

rinkjustin96 · Joined: 28 Jan 2010 Posts: 12

Hey, we are all beginners at some point. I would try a small pond at first like blacks pond or halls pond. Lot of fish in there and as long as u have 2foot larders and good shiners u should be able to catch something. Once u get into it more then u can go for certain types of fish in large lakes. Lots of fish require different hooks, depths , leader lengths, heavier weight n trapping in different areas of the water column. I have been to Gardner, Coventry, congomond, crystal, birch grove, masapaug , to name a few and all have to date 11' + of ice. So ur safe at all of those. Good luck, n fish bottom ur first time out!

fishinschmoe · Joined: 01 Jan 2010 Posts: 300

Welcome to the show FishforAnswers. We were all virgins once. In some arena's, we still may be... or at least it seems that way Laughing

Why else would we get out of a warm bed before dawn on a Saturday, and stand on an ice sheet??

As usual, SeaDog summed it up pretty good. He's a GREAT resource out here. Here is my 2c.
Depending where in the State you live, check out either Tyler, Highland, Halls, Coventry, Cedar, or Beseck.
All these ponds have good numbers of perch (which are delicious), and pickerel, which may keep you chasing flags, and have some other "fun" species that add to whatever excitement you can muster, while standing on ice on a cold day.

IF you have the topo map, look for 10feet of water. start drilling. Take 25 steps in any direction, start drilling again. repeat 5 times.

You need a 'depth sounder' to find the bottom, so that you can keep your bait about 6-12 inches from it. Look around, Ive been to all the lakes Ive listed, and lose them constantly.... at least 8 of mine are on the ice somewhere.

IF a hole isn't producing after say 45 mins, move 1 tip up shallower. or deeper, or both till you find the fish.

Lastly, SeaDog said it too... Give a dude some space. Close enough to holler a Hello, but far enough so he can tell who's flag went off. I once had a dude set up 5 feet from each and every one of my holes. when the flag popped, we couldn't tell who's it was. and when I caught a fish, I pulled up his bait, tangled in my catch. it was rediculous. I ended up setting up all over again elsewhere that day.
Feel free to shoot me a PM, and I may answer other questions or provide additional insights quicker.