Jig size

[AFDan52]

I was looking at some of my ice fishing jigs that I use at Strawberry and I got to wondering , could I use the same size jig for Ice fishing as during the warmer months. Just looking for thoughts and opinions.
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[Kent]

I do and they work fine. I will occasionally downsize, but most of the time the larger size seems to work better.
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[talyn]

The four inch tube that I use in the summer does not get many takers through the ice so I drop down in size for the winter. They do like to look at the bigger tube though so we use them to get their attention.

[Old_Coot]

My experience is that the 2 ½ inch tubes I use in the summer months is just a little on the large size for ice fishing at the Berry. I definitely would not go any larger than 2 ½". A few years ago, I couldn't get a bite on a 2 ½" but going smaller was definitely the ticket. Lots of guys even prefer those tiny [url "http://www.maniaccustomlures.com/"][#0000bf]Gizzy Bugs[/#0000bf][/url] for ice fishing the Berry.
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[AFDan52]

Thanks Ralph, I have all of that kind of stuff. I was just trying to see if the size of the jigs really mattered at the berry between warmer weather and ice fishing. I usually will size down with my jigs up there .
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[dtayboyz]

Never mix gear with the seasons! This allows for
More tackle purchases. Lol
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[AFDan52]

I heard that, LOL
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[Kent]

It probably depends a lot on what size of tube one uses during the warmer months. I typically use a 2 1/2 inch tube during the warmer months, and find it also works just fine through the ice.
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[CoyoteSpinner]

Think it depends what you're after too. Panfish can be fickle bluegill seem easier to hookup with smaller jigs, small mouths. Perch do a lot of staring at jigs.
Trout can be pigs swiping at jigs as the whip past.

Later in the ice season with lower O2 levels, fish get more lethargic. Gotta be something to the fact that so many ice jigs are small.

[Flyfishinglover]

Usually I use 1/16-1/32 oz jigs the most and what ever tubedude makes that I always buy [laugh]. Here and there I will toss a 1-2" tube jig or a dynamic lure.
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[Therapist]

Size of your bait is intended to mimic the size of the forage. In summer you have lots of forage that is bigger, fish are more active, and will chase a bigger bait. In winter, forage is smaller, usually zoo plankton, hence the smaller jig, spoon, etc.

[wagdog]

I think it depends on species targeted, oxygen levels, and available food. Usually during early ice I will use larger jigs and spoons. I've caught large bluegill on big spoons that I was targeting bass with. Later in the season I will downsize and usually catch fish of all sizes on the small stuff. It may be related to optimal forage theory as well. How much energy the fish is willing to expend seems to drop as oxygen drops so the bitty bite lures seem to do better. Just make sure you bring as assortment and be willing to change things up until you figure out what they want that day.
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