Cat and Mouse, First Ever Whitefish

What a gorgeous day to be out on what was likely my last outing on Simcoe! Thanks to sdcaller, I was able to fish a new spot. I arrived shortly after 7:30 AM, walked out to the fishing grounds to 104 fow, and very soon afterwards, started marking fish. This began a game of cat and mouse that was to last all day with waves of fish checking out my baits and then swimming off. While it was fun "video fishing" I was starting to worry about not getting any hook ups. Around noon, I moved spots but still fished in 104 fow. My second location was proving to be even better than the first with more fish rising up and then, alas, swimming back down. I tried a variety of lures -- Bad Boyz, spoons, Vibratos, swimbaits, Jigging Raps, Cicadas -- you name it but nothing to entice the fish to bite. Then, at 2:30 PM, my last half hour on the ice, I tried the Vibrato again and finally iced my first ever whitie and a nice one at that. Woohoo!!! Couldn't have asked for a better day!

Good for you need to be consistent and trying different lures.

Would live bait make a difference

Truly jealous Michael, sure wish I didn't have previous commitments. Glad you iced one, you must have had a "good gaff man". (Inside joke) lol. Thanks for posting the report I was just about to ask how you did.

Very nice fish!!!

Never used one before.Do you tie your line directly to lure.
Was out at kbay today a few caught some whites but mine were just lookers today.

Nice going. Congrats on your first. I was skunked for the third time. 😥

Also did you tip it with bait.

Michael

Well done. Glad you got into fish.

Man, was I wishing I was there, but this damn heel spur on the right foot and the sore left hip because I'm putting more weight on my left leg, I figured discretion was the best thing, rather than wading in all that deep snow.

Too bad I wasn't there to screw up the "gaffing"--my joke with nsfisher.

SDC

Perseverance paid off! Well done!

I simply used a snap swivel but there are other methods that can be used. This is what I've read:
- fluoro leader tied directly to lure with a micro swivel connecting main line and leader;
- snap swivel and a slip ring to provide more lure action.

Like everything else related to fishing, ask 10 anglers how to do something and you'll likely get 10 different answers.

No.

Ralph, I was sorry that you and nsfisher couldn't make it out yesterday. I was looking forward to getting out with you both and, if truth be known, I was a little ambivalent about going solo -- but glad that I did! Now both mydogbites and I have passed our whitefish initiation

Way to go Mate! Throw everything at them. I did the same fast, faster, slower, twitch, figure eights, lifts, dips, jigs, smaller size, bigger size, bright color, different colors. I even tried salted minnow head and some plastics. I was almost ready to try throwing down some sandwich. Some combinations got looks right away others got snubbed right away. And them Bam one commits suicide and takes it for the team, yes sir it was a great day out in the sun. Great looking first whitie for you as well.