12-16-2015, 07:36 AM
I agree halfway on that -- the locating structure part and becoming familiar with the bottom contours.
But, as an example, ice fishing Pineview with friends, we ran around making lots of holes until we found a suspended school of crappie and fished there regardless of structure. Structure is just a starting point, but the fish might not be coordinating with me on that [:/]
By the way, one day I'll need to post that video because it shows a huge tiger musky cruising through the crappie.
Also, even if I had experience with a lake from boating, it wouldn't help on another lake. I like variety. I'm also seriously considering going to Montana for the Hebgen Lake ice fishing tournament, if someone wants to be a two man team with me (send PM). A lot of the professional tournament winners fish so many different places that they are often ice fishing new places. I've been reading a lot on their techniques. Often the winners are the ones who run around making a lot of holes. It seems tournament ice fishing is often an athletic event for the winners. But, I have no experience in tournaments (yet) and that's just what I've read.
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But, as an example, ice fishing Pineview with friends, we ran around making lots of holes until we found a suspended school of crappie and fished there regardless of structure. Structure is just a starting point, but the fish might not be coordinating with me on that [:/]
By the way, one day I'll need to post that video because it shows a huge tiger musky cruising through the crappie.
Also, even if I had experience with a lake from boating, it wouldn't help on another lake. I like variety. I'm also seriously considering going to Montana for the Hebgen Lake ice fishing tournament, if someone wants to be a two man team with me (send PM). A lot of the professional tournament winners fish so many different places that they are often ice fishing new places. I've been reading a lot on their techniques. Often the winners are the ones who run around making a lot of holes. It seems tournament ice fishing is often an athletic event for the winners. But, I have no experience in tournaments (yet) and that's just what I've read.
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