
That may seem a bit big for a panfish of this size, but crappie have mouths that are incredibly delicate. By presenting a minnow below the ice, you’re essentially offering hungry fish exactly what they expect for dinner.įor crappie, use a #4 to #2 Aberdeen hook. They’re primed to respond to their fluttering tails and the subtle shine of the scales. Second, they’re a natural prey time that predatory species like crappie, pike, musky, and walleye know and love. In fact, heat tends to be the more serious issue for minnows, and keeping them in an insulated bucket should be more than enough to ensure their survival.

Minnows offer several advantages as live bait.įirst, they’re pretty hardy, and with just a little care, they can take the cold on the ice for a long time. Most species of game fish naturally feed on minnows of all kinds, and rigging a live, struggling fathead or shiner is a surefire way to attract attention.


1 Best Live Bait Options for Ice Fishingīest Live Bait Options for Ice Fishing Minnows.
