Ice Fishing: Tightlining
One ice fishing technique you can try is called tightlining. Tightlining is a technique where you don’t move the line and lure once you’ve dropped them in the water. Instead you watch the line for movement. When the line becomes “tight” you know you have a fish on the line.
When tightlining, you’ll need to use a lure that is heavy enough to let your line to drop straight down to your desired depth, but not so heavy that your line won’t move when a fish strikes. This usually requires trial and error to find the right lure.
Some anglers add a spring bobber to their line to help with strike indication. A spring bobber is a piece of metal or wire that extends off the rod tip. Any movement in the line will cause the spring bobber to move alerting them of a bite.
Check the regulations for the specific body of water that you fish at the sites below!
- New York State Fishing Regulations
- State of Vermont Fishing Regulations
- Province of Quebec Fishing Regulations
- Milton, Vermont Angler Catches Muskie Through Ice
- Reminder to Remove Ice Shanties from Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department
- Essential Ice Fishing Safety Gear
- Ice Fishing: Tightlining
- Ice Fishing: Tip Ups