Baitfish

Also, on a 60+ degree afternoon on a windblown corner of the north shoreline (all of which combined to give the warmest water possible) there were packs of largemouths hunting baitfish.

The schools of mackerel were forcing the baitfish to the surface, and anglers casting small metal slugs into the activity were the most successful.

Baitfish may be used in most but not all waters that are open to ice fishing.

Dump unused baitfish and water in an appropriate location on dry land.

Although the majority of the fish netted were sardines there were other shoaling baitfish species mixed with them which is common with the early shoals.

Despite the fact that the sardine population is far from healthy, and feasting these days centres on pockets of baitfish, it’s still a huge draw.

Other species include an eagle ray, baitfish, sea bass, red mullet, cuttlefish, squid, all types of colourful wrasse, moray eels and spider crabs.

Less weed cover allows bass to more easily find and catch prey, but this consists of more open-water baitfish.

Lures that mimic baitfish, worms, crayfish, frogs, and mice are all proven techniques.