Frozen sardines or similar for ice fishing?

Post by **Jimmay** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 8:47 pm

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.

Post by **Walker** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 10:39 pm

Putting a chunk of cooked shrimp on your lure is great.

Post by **HogHunter** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 10:55 pm

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...

Post by **Lunker Larry** » Fri Dec 05, 2008 7:26 am

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???

Post by **gorfman007** » Fri Dec 05, 2008 8:36 am

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.

Post by **gordy28** » Fri Dec 05, 2008 12:04 pm

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

Post by **Jimmay** » Sat Dec 06, 2008 11:29 am

Thanks guys,

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

Post by **Bruin** » Sun Dec 07, 2008 6:49 pm

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

Post by **Priorguy** » Sun Dec 07, 2008 7:21 pm

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!