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Outdoor News writer Glen Schmidt has some pro tips for panfish under the ice. In a recent article, he said, "Everyone knows that weeds hold panfish, especially during the winter. Green weeds, cabbage or coontail preferably, provide food, oxygen, and cover – everything crappies and bluegills need to survive under ice. At first ice, panfish stay on their fall feed, holding tight to green weeds that provide food, oxygen, and cover. Focus on shallow cabbage or coontail beds in less than 10 feet of water, especially near subtle turns or pockets. As weeds die, shift to mid-depth vegetation or adjacent structure like mud flats, sand grass, or sunken wood. Small, protected lakes and bays freeze first and offer safe, reliable action especially in big lakes." (This artwork is by Ron Nelson)
Outdoor News contributor Vic Attardo from New York feels that when ice anglers see bluegills on their electronics, there is a tendency for ice anglers to get antsy and increase their jigging speed or jigging height. But his recommendation is that "when you spot an approaching bluegill, try to restrain yourself. If a bluegill came to your jig as it looked one way, a change of lure pace might just scare it off."
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