Favorite ice jig rigs

[TubeDude]

[#0000FF]Yeah, verily. You always have better "feel" when you have a direct connect to the lure being munched. But from past experience I can attest to the potential effectiveness of the jig below the flasher rig. However, I have never liked it as much because of the frequent tangles on the drop. The light jig gets wrapped around the line above the flasher.[/#0000FF]
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[#0000FF]Over the years I have observed quite a few dedicated ice anglers using modified versions of the "dropshot" rig. Some...as you have suggested...use a flashy lure on the bottom with a small jig tied in above...either with a Palomar knot or on a short dropper. Others simply use a sinker on the bottom with one or two small jigs spaced above.[/#0000FF]
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[#0000FF]I am attaching a couple of diagrams I recently made to show fliggers how to use those little things dropshot style. It will work for any small jig or unweighted ice fly.

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[#0000FF]As most of us know, from watching sonar screens, fish like perch often hug the bottom. But they will rise up off the bottom to intercept falling jigs...or to investigate potential food items above the bottom. And as a general rule, if you can get them to come up a bit they will usually bite.[/#0000FF]

[#0000FF]There are also a lot of species...like crappies...that routinely suspend at some point off the bottom. And a lot of these fish tend to look upwards for their food...seldom if ever looking down or moving down to feed. So having your offerings either right in the suspend zone or slightly above will get more hits. Always a good idea to watch the sonar and if you can see both the fish and your jigs reel up until your stuff is in the target area. A fun video game.[/#0000FF]
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