first time out on my own. please help!

Hi folks,

I've been out on Simcoe for Perch three times with different outfiters and haven't had any luck really. Just a couple of 8 and 9 inchers last sunday. We were halfway between viginia beach and the island.

I was verydisappointed because all I have seen on youtube is guys catching these jumbos. So I decided to go out on my own one day and try a few different spots. I found a company in Vaughan that rents out Ice Fishing gear. So I booked a hut, sled, flasher and a 10" gas powered auger for Satuday March 7th.

I am on here to get some advice on how to go about finding these elusive Jumbo Perch that I hear and see online. Haha

I think we would like to take off from Jacksons point and drive out or walk out depending on how confident I am feeling with Honda CRV. My uncle heard from somewhere that it's good in that area.

I am wondering about how many holes to drill, how far apart. How long to try on hole. I have never used a flasher before so the whole outing is a learning experience. I will be going out with a couple of other guys but I will be the "guide" for the day. Haha

Thanks for your time and any help is appreciated.

Sunny

CRV on ice this time is fine, just find a ramp to get on ice, drive carefully and try to stay on track , avoid drifts. No need for flasher if you are targeting perch, they will eat almost anything, minnows are better. You can drill 2 hole 1 for line the other for flasher 1 foot apart. Most use flasher for deeper water mainly Lakers and Whities. Move as much as you like if you have gas auger. You better off stay in a portable hut but then moving around is a pain.

Good luck and post you catch.

Lots of valuable info on this site you just need to search! Typically, If I'm not marking anything or no bites in 20-30 minutes I will move maybe 50-100 ft. If I'm marking fish and they aren't biting I try different techniques to entice then to strike. With perch fishing I find it's more about finding them than it is catching. Mobile is key but you don't need to move far.

What are you using for bait? How deep you planning on fishing?

I fished VB 2 weeks ago, the bite was very subtle and very light.

Idont know about jacksons point,my best advice is to find a spot then keep fishing and drilling holes,20-25 yds apart ,drill fish ,repeat.

X2

You might get stuck with the CRV. The snow is pretty deep on the ice this time of year.

I'm not sure how much you are paying to rent your equipment but at this time of year, equipment is usually on sale and then you have it for future outings. Most important equipment to get first is an auger and rods. After that can come a sled, hut and sonar/flasher. If it is something you are going to do every year, it might be worth the extra money now for future enjoyment. If money is a problem, I don't think manual augers are too expensive but stick with an 6". If money is not a problem, then go with a powered 8" (ION, propane or gas)

Thanks for all the input. I was planning on drilling 50-60 feet apart but wanted to see what you guys had to say. I am gonna be using minnows mostly with some small spoons and jigs. Recommendations are welcomed for technique and bait. Should I be jigging a big spooen to try to attract then or use the flasher as my main locator?

I found a chart through the navionics web site and looks like there is few good dept changes near Jacksons Point to I am going to strat shallow and work my way north west unless I am having sucess early.
great tip about the two holes. It always seems awkward when guys using one hole for fishing and flasher. I will be bringing my camera to document the trip so I will be sharing photos once we are back

The total cost for all the equipement rental is $145 including hst. I am planning on buying my own stuff soon but I just need one successful trip to really convince myself it's worth the investment.

Time to do more research.

If your targeting perch I have the most luck between 15 - 30 fow using small buckshots tipped with minnows and slabgrabbers

The guys at In Depth Outdoors do a great job showing how to target perch, moving around using the flasher etc...
They have a great youtube channel with full length episodes just find one on perch and enjoy! James Holst is the most informative fishing host on TV these days and they always have an amazing show.

Just curious what does it cost to rent a flasher?

$145 seems reasonable to rent for a one time trip - before forking out money to purchase. Noting that is 10" auger - most are 8". Gives opportunity for three guys to try it out - assuming is in good shape to begin with. Renter likely will give demo on how to use . . .

If I was flying to Thunder bay or far location for work - would appreciate opportunity to rent equipment for a day's ice fishing excursion . . .

Encourage the renting as likely going to get better results with the fish. Thus back out again.

Loads of info (some contradicting) on this site going back 4 years. All sorts of you tube videos to give ideas. And if can move around and try different depths - even better. Good to rent a flasher.

Regardless of the fish caught - please post report of your day - would be of interest to many!

Thanks

http://www.sportrentals.ca/Ice-Fishing-Gea...ls-Ontario.html

Thanks for the tip Kam. I will check it out.

Just looked at site - prices seem reasonable - especially for a week.

Have a CRV myself, it`s getting deep on the lake and the Honda has no ground clearance. Lots of fish stories on good spots but the truth is every day is different.
I use a flasher in deep water and a camera in under 50ft and almost always see lots of fish but sometimes they just don`t bite. i would say fish a spot for 20 mins and move 20ft try again. Often you will get 1 or 2 then it go`s dead.
You can try shallow water sight fishing, can`t beat seeing the fish and what interests them

Just remember and keep in mind , the fish are always on the move. My experience with perch fishing is that they came and stayed with us for 15 minutes and ate, then left for 15 minutes, then returned. Did this for an entire day when I go out. All in all, be patient. They will come. All the best on your outing bud. Make sure you post your catches for us. We love fish porn here..