Bluegills are popular game to go for because they are plentiful across continent. Another reason they are popular is because they go for a variety of natural bait and artificial bait. They usually opt for areas with clear water and reasonable weed growth.

** Quick Tip: No matter what kind of fish you go for, and no matter what conditions you fish (ice fishing included), 1947 “Evening Secret” will bring fish to you, it really is an impressive tool that every fisherman worth his salt should own.

Typically they like water from 50 degrees up to 90, and can even be taken through ice! But, best time to get them is when water is around 70 degrees. It is then that they become aggressive because they are ready to spawn. You can find nests from about 2 – 12 feet deep.

When it is warmer, fish early and/or late in day, especially if you are in shallow water. Bigger bluegills can be found in deeper water, and can be up to 20 feet below surface. When fishing lily pads, approach it as if you were going for bass. Work points, pockets and indentations where there is open water.

Make sure to fish with small hooks and bait. They have small mouths and have a hard time taking in larger bait.

Great baits to use are pieces of earthworm, crickets, grasshoppers, grubs, wax worms, minnows, leeches, and even sandwich meat. If you go artificial route, use tiny jigs and spinner baits.

If you ever need a quick depth sounder when ice-fishing, you can make one with a small bobber and bell sinker. Just attach sinker to bottom line retainer of bobber and hook or lure to top retainer. This makes it easy to find water’s depth.

One of most effective tools for any ice fisherman is fantastic Evening Secret to swarming hungry fish to your spot. A great way to increase your ice catches.

Falling through ice

If you are out with a buddy ice fishing – and there is a possibility of breaking ice, make sure to stay at least 10 feet apart to spread out your weight. You should also each carry long poles; they can be used to straddle hole to help you climb out. Make sure to have a poncho, waterproof matches, safety pins, bandages, knife, candles, bouillon cubes, and cocoa or soup. Put all of them in a watertight metal can which can be used to heat water over a candle in an emergency.

Freezing

If you are an ice fisherman and consistently have problems with your hole freezing up – instead of pouring anti-freeze into hole (which shuts down fishing action), use denatured alcohol. It is less expensive, has no odor or taste, and is available at any pharmacy.

Bait

If you are an ice fisherman (which 2 million people are in U.S.), following bait will bring you even more success.