Wisconsin FIRST ICE 2025 - Chasing Panfish!

Quick Overview

The ice fishing trip on a small Wisconsin lake during the first ice period resulted in catching several panfish, including bluegills and a larger crappie, utilizing the angler's new Carbon X 1000 series PC-Fun reels and Vexilar electronics for successful targeting.

Key Points: The angler targeted bluegills and crappies on the first ice of the season on a small lake in Northern Wisconsin. The angler was actively using and testing new Kade Outdoors Carbon X 1000 series PC-Fun spinning reels. Fish were detected using Vexilar electronics, showing depths around 16.6 feet initially, later moving to shallower water around 4 to 6 feet. The angler successfully caught a nice bluegill (estimated 9 inches) and later a larger crappie. The angler noted that the new Carbon X reels feature a folding handle that packs up neatly, a requested feature. The fishing session occurred near weed edges and involved actively working the lure until the fish were hooked.

Context: The video documents an ice fishing expedition undertaken by the angler on the first safe ice of the season, specifically targeting panfish like bluegills and crappies on a small lake located in Northern Wisconsin. The angler is equipped with specialized gear, including an ION electric auger and a vexilar flasher/sonar unit set up on a Jet Sled, which aids in locating the fish near weed beds and tracking their movement.

Detailed Analysis

The angler begins the video outdoors on a frozen lake, setting up his ice fishing gear which includes a Jet Sled loaded with a Vexilar flasher unit, an ION electric auger, and various bags. The initial depth reading on the Vexilar screen shows about 16.6 feet. The angler introduces the new Kade Outdoors Carbon X 1000 series PC-Fun reels, highlighting the new folding handle feature. The fishing begins, and the sonar screen clearly shows fish marks (00:45). The angler catches a decent-sized bluegill, estimating it to be about 9 inches (01:37). He then returns the bluegill to the water and spots another fish nearby, which turns out to be a larger crappie (03:25). After landing the crappie, the angler works to remove the hook and releases it. The video transitions to a time where the angler is standing on the ice, indicating the late afternoon/evening as the sun sets (06:59). He mentions having a successful few hours chasing bluegills and crappies, noting that the fish moved off the weed edge around 14 feet deep later in the day. He shows off the gear again, emphasizing the compact nature of the new reels. As it gets darker, the angler notes that the fish are still active, catching another crappie that was around 13-14 feet deep (11:38). The video concludes as the light fades, with the angler remarking on the successful day and the fish moving off as darkness sets in.