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Frozen sardines or similar for ice fishing?

Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 8:47 pm
by Jimmay
Is it legal and if so has anyone tried using frozen sardines, herring or whatever for ice fishing? This seems like a great way to buy and store bait (no live minnows to look after with VHS issues), and then you have something to eat if you get hungry while out fishing. :)

Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 10:39 pm
by Walker
Putting a chunk of cooked shrimp on your lure is great.

Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 10:55 pm
by HogHunter
I'm pretty sure it is legal, or I hope it is. I have used sardines and the like on a few occasions for cats and on a tip up for pike. They worked great for cats, and the pike liked them too, but they were hitting everyithng that day so who knows...

Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 7:26 am
by Lunker Larry
So they work great for cats eh? And here I was just going to shoot them but was afraid the neighbours would complain.
We are talking about the same thing here aren't we??? :twisted: :P

Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 8:36 am
by gorfman007
I have frozen the dead minnows that were in my minnow bucket and used them at a later date and for winter fishing. They worked well for me.

Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 12:04 pm
by gordy28
I have bought the preserved shiners the sell at LeBaron and Bass Pro before - sometimes try to get bait near Lake Simcoe is a challenge unless you are at the bait shop for 6:00AM
They worked well for us for perch - both whole and using just the head on spoons/jigs

Posted: Sat Dec 06, 2008 11:29 am
by Jimmay
Thanks guys,

I will pick up some and keep them for the days that I can't get minnows.

Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2008 6:49 pm
by Bruin
I make it a habit to freeze a lot of smelts just for that reason....I usually freeze 6 or so in salt water in a zip lock.....I don't know if the salt add's to the flavour, but I was told that the salt helps toughen up the meat....Dunno either way but I do know that a smelt dangling on a hook through the back is a really good way to catch fish through the ice....Easy set for a tip up too

Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2008 7:21 pm
by Priorguy
I know a buddy of mine tried dog food in a can with a string attached to retrieve it. Not sure it every worked for him much becuase he always seemed to end up fishing in my hut....

I use frozen minnows alot in fact we slice them in 1/2 and use only the head. Seems to work very well for me.

Priorguy!