Do you need minnows for ice fishing?

[Scum Frog]

I like this thread, RRC. It's great to see all the different tactics and approaches people use. (Catfood, for example!)

W.

Thanks...that was the point!

[Big Jim]

Cat food in tubes works great, but when I started using it my catches of bullheads sky rocketed big time and my walleyes and lakers really dwindled......any ideas?????

BIG JIM~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~"ice"~~~"lets get ER done"

[BBRich]

I have to admit, I would have a VERY tough time ice fishing without minnows.

When it comes to pike, I can usually catch more on a lure then on live bait.. but when it comes to panfish like crappie & perch.. I need my minnows

[Wallyboss]

Just to bring this post back up.

It was interesting.

[Pickerel Paul]

I would say, always bring minnows, but also consider frozen lake smelt for Pike.

[orrsey]

I generally use minnows but I dont think it is as important as it is later in the season. Later in the season after prolonged fishing presure and when the bite slows down I would say that live minnows are hard to beat.