The Tungsten Fly
Every year there are new innovations in the sphere of ice fishing; whether they be new rods, lures, techniques, electronics, often these innovations are ignored because they are not revolutionary breakthroughs that will radically change the life and success of an ice fisherman. This year, however, I think several new baits that have been released by VMC are revolutionary:
1. The Tungsten Fly.
It is without argument that tungsten has revolutionized the ice fishing industry(discussed later), but the most notable and personally one of the most effective lures that I have used this year is the VMC Tungsten Fly. Although using artificial flies to entice fish is usually inherent of fly fishing, VMC has incorporated this subtle approach to catching fish into ice fishing. Because not many anglers use flies as lures, fish may be more inclined to hit a fly. The Tungsten fly not only imitates a fly but also many other aquatic insects, so the Fly is more versatile than the traditional Tungsten jig. Furthermore, the fly is more life-like than tungsten jigs because its hackle feathers act as built-in soft-plastics. Unfortunately, to accommodate the feathers, the length of the shank on the hook is significantly smaller than on a traditional tungsten jig. Because of this smaller shank, the amount of bait that can be put on the hook is very limited. For example, on a jig where I would traditionally put a whole waxworm - a Fiskas 4mm jig - I would use a 1/32 Oz jig, which would significantly decrease the subtlety in my presentation. There will always be a place for the traditional tungsten jig; however, that place is increasingly being encroached by the VMC tungsten fly.
2. Micro Tungsten Jigs.
Radical change in ice fishing, especially in regards to fishing for panfish. Often during mid-day hours, panfish are very hesitant to strike even the most delectable looking waxworm, so it is paramount to my success to have a micro tungsten jig, tipped with a small piece of waxworm or a single spike, to coax these lethargic fish to bite. In the aforementioned conditions - usually when fishing around 10 feet of water - I will opt for a 3mm tungsten jig made by Fiskas: usually a dark, natural looking color to contrast my bright worm.
Paul 01.05.18
1. The Tungsten Fly.
It is without argument that tungsten has revolutionized the ice fishing industry(discussed later), but the most notable and personally one of the most effective lures that I have used this year is the VMC Tungsten Fly. Although using artificial flies to entice fish is usually inherent of fly fishing, VMC has incorporated this subtle approach to catching fish into ice fishing. Because not many anglers use flies as lures, fish may be more inclined to hit a fly. The Tungsten fly not only imitates a fly but also many other aquatic insects, so the Fly is more versatile than the traditional Tungsten jig. Furthermore, the fly is more life-like than tungsten jigs because its hackle feathers act as built-in soft-plastics. Unfortunately, to accommodate the feathers, the length of the shank on the hook is significantly smaller than on a traditional tungsten jig. Because of this smaller shank, the amount of bait that can be put on the hook is very limited. For example, on a jig where I would traditionally put a whole waxworm - a Fiskas 4mm jig - I would use a 1/32 Oz jig, which would significantly decrease the subtlety in my presentation. There will always be a place for the traditional tungsten jig; however, that place is increasingly being encroached by the VMC tungsten fly.
2. Micro Tungsten Jigs.
Radical change in ice fishing, especially in regards to fishing for panfish. Often during mid-day hours, panfish are very hesitant to strike even the most delectable looking waxworm, so it is paramount to my success to have a micro tungsten jig, tipped with a small piece of waxworm or a single spike, to coax these lethargic fish to bite. In the aforementioned conditions - usually when fishing around 10 feet of water - I will opt for a 3mm tungsten jig made by Fiskas: usually a dark, natural looking color to contrast my bright worm.
Paul 01.05.18
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