What is a good real for Musky fishing?

How do you target Northern, Musky and bass while ICE fishing?

• I've never fished for big fish through the ice before. I was looking for some tips and techniques for targeting Northern Pike, Musky, Walleyes, and possibly Largemouths while ice ...show more

• Answer:

  First, make sure the season is open before you keep the fish. I know bass and musky close for the winter here in Wi. The rig I use for Northern Pike is as follows: A tip up with braided 20 or 25 lb "ice" line for the main line. To this I tie a large swivel snap. I then put a loop into an 8 to 10 ft. piece of 20lb monofilament line for a leader. The loop is hooked onto the main line, then I slide a 1/2 to 3/4 oz egg sinker onto this leader. At the terminal end I tie on a 20lb, 10 in. wire leader, then attach a #8 treble hook to the wire leader. I then hook a large golden shiner just under the dorsal fin with one of the three barbs on the hook. Drop this set-up into the water until the sinker hits bottom, then feed out 2 to 4 ft more line. This keeps the minnow within a few ft of the bottom but allows it to swim fairly free. I've pulled Northern's up to 35 inches/15 lbs through the ice with this set-up.