To ice fish for trophy pike in January, use a tip-up equipped with a quick-strike rig. Bait it with oversized dead fish like cisco or sucker minnow. Position the rig at 3-5 feet above the bottom, where pike like to hunt. Check your tip-up frequently to improve your chances of success in winter fishing. When … Read more

To ice fish for lake trout with tip-ups, place them just below the ice near the bottom. Use effective bait to attract fish. A sonar unit can help you find bait in the water column, where lake trout often swim. Regularly check your tip-ups for bites to increase your chances of success. Before setting up, … Read more

To ice fish for lake trout (togue) in Maine, focus on points of land that lead into deeper water. Fish at depths of 15 to 40 feet. Lake trout often search for food near the surface but may also be on the bottom. Use bait or lures to improve your chances of success. Identifying hotspots … Read more

Ice fishing for lake trout in Colorado involves key techniques. Use jigs in bright colors like orange or chartreuse. Fish about 10 feet above the lake bottom, adjusting to the trout’s depth. Employ a light line of 4-6 pounds and small jigs tipped with worms. Always check ice fishing conditions before you head out. When … Read more

Ice fishing for salmon requires jigging with small, colorful spoons or flashers. Use 2 to 5 feet of 6- or 8-pound fluorocarbon line for reduced visibility. This setup increases your success rate. Seek spots with known salmon activity to improve your chances. Attractors can also enhance your appeal to the fish. Next, use appropriate gear. … Read more

To ice fish a new lake, prepare by researching the area. Check that ice thickness is at least 3-4 inches for safety. Use GPS to find drop-offs. Employ techniques like tip-ups or jigging. Drill holes carefully and consider underwater cameras for better visibility. Adjust your approach based on local fish species. Use a fish finder … Read more

To hold a pike fish safely, use the chin grip. Place your dominant hand below the mouth for control and to protect against teeth injuries. Use long-nosed pliers for unhooking the fish. For larger pike or muskie, use a cradle net. Always let the fish tire out before handling to prevent injuries. Next, remember that … Read more

Use two submersible heaters in the sump to provide adequate wattage and ensure safety. Connect the heaters to a controller to create a failsafe. Position external pumps to improve heat distribution. This setup minimizes heat loss and keeps the main tank warm by maintaining proper temperature balance. Another approach is to utilize a heat exchanger. … Read more

Properly handle saltwater fish to keep them healthy. They have a protective mucus layer. Avoid holding them by the eyes or gills. Instead, support the fish by holding it under the belly and at the caudal peduncle, where the body meets the tail. This method prevents injury and promotes better fish care. Next, use circle … Read more

To gut a trout, first gather tools like a sharp knife and a cutting board. Rinse the fish in water. Cut from the vent to the throat to open the belly and remove the innards. Next, cut off the head behind the gills. Finally, season the fish as you like. For more help, watch our … Read more