Locating and Jigging Up Mid Winter Crappies (RIGHT NOW)

Quick Overview

The angler successfully catches multiple mid-winter crappies near submerged log structures, utilizing a specific jigging cadence with a light-action rod and a small glow jig to entice bites, even when the fish are initially hesitant.

Key Points: The angler targets mid-winter crappies by setting up near submerged log-style artificial structures on a large body of water in Northern Wisconsin. Successful technique involves using a light-action 36-inch rod and a small 3-millimeter glow jig, which the fish were actively striking. Initial bites were subtle, requiring the angler to vary the jigging cadence and keep the drag slightly loose to avoid spooking the fish. The angler catches several crappies, including one that measured 11.5 inches, which he considers a good size for the conditions. The fish were observed on the electronics (likely a vexilar or similar sonar) hovering just above the bottom structure, suggesting they were keying in on the bait presented near the structure. The angler notes that some fish, like the one that spat the hook, were very light biters, emphasizing the need for sensitive equipment and precise jigging.

Context: The video documents an ice fishing trip targeting crappie during the mid-winter season in Northern Wisconsin, likely on a shallow flat area near submerged log structures identified using electronics. The angler uses a portable ice shanty (Otter brand visible) for shelter and relies on an ice flasher/sonar to locate the fish actively suspended just above the bottom debris.

Detailed Analysis

The angler begins by traveling across the snow-covered trail on a snowmobile, towing a sled loaded with ice fishing gear, including an ION auger and a Garmin unit. Once on location, he sets up his Otter ice shanty. Inside, he is using a specific setup for targeting crappies: a light-action 36-inch rod paired with a small, 3-millimeter glow jig, which he notes is excellent for finicky fish. He uses an ice flasher/sonar, which shows fish suspended near submerged log structures, likely artificial habitat. He successfully catches several crappies, including an 11.5-inch specimen. He emphasizes that the bites were subtle, requiring him to vary his jigging cadence and keep his reel drag slightly loose to avoid having the fish spit the hook. He mentions that the fish were actively hitting the small jig, sometimes striking multiple times without being hooked, but he eventually lands several fish, including the 11.5-inch crappie, which he keeps along with others, while releasing smaller ones. The video concludes with the angler summarizing the successful day and preparing to sign off.