Gearing Up for Ice Season: FishLab’s Guide to Hard-Water Action
There’s nothing quite like the buzz of the first ice. That unmistakable crunch under your boots, the crisp morning air, and the anticipation of drilling that first hole, it’s a feeling that never gets old. Across the Midwest, anglers are getting ready for another unforgettable season chasing walleye, perch, crappie, and lake trout through the ice. And as always, success starts with having the right gear on the ice.
At FishLab Tackle, we’ve got your ice arsenal covered. From fluttering spoons to compact plastics, these baits are designed to mimic the forage species your target fish can’t resist when the water temps plummet. Let’s break down some of the top performers and how to put them to work this season.
1. Bio-Shad Indiana Tailspin – The Flashy All-Rounder
When you’re looking to call fish in from a distance, the Bio-Shad Indiana Tailspin is your go-to. The spinning blade throws off irresistible flash and vibration, making it perfect for stained water or when you need to trigger aggressive strikes.
Best for: Walleye, perch, and crappie
Technique: Drop it down and work it with short, sharp rips to imitate a fleeing baitfish. Let it flutter back on the fall, that’s when most strikes happen. The other option is a deep drop and a straight retrieve. Fish can't resist the action.
Rigging Tip: Tie directly to your main line or a small snap swivel to let the blade spin freely.
2. Flutter Nymph (2 1/2”) – The Subtle Finisher
Sometimes less is more, and that’s where the FishLab Flutter Nymph shines. This 2 1/2” finesse bait is a deadly option when fish get finicky in clear or heavily pressured water. Its subtle undulating motion mimics insect larvae and small invertebrates that panfish and perch love. Each wing acts as individual swimbaits and brings in a ton of secondary movement.
Best for: Walleye, Perch, crappie, and bluegill
Technique: Fish it on a tungsten jighead or drop shot rig. Use delicate lifts and pauses to tempt bites.
Rigging Tip: Pair with a light fluorocarbon leader (3–4 lb test) for a natural presentation.
3. Bio-Minnow Vertical Jig – Deep Water Dominator
When the bite goes deep, the Bio-Minnow Vertical Jig is your weapon of choice. Its compact body and erratic action make it perfect for vertical jigging over structure or suspended fish. These baits have a metal tail section that you can bend and mold to your desired swimming action.
Best for: Walleye, lake trout, and whitefish
Technique: Jig it aggressively to trigger reaction strikes, then hold it still. The flutter on the pause is what seals the deal.
Rigging Tip: Add a stinger hook to catch short strikers, especially when targeting lake trout.
4. Bio-Shad Flutter Spoon – Flash, Fall, and Finish
Few baits can compete with the Bio-Shad Flutter Spoon when fish are keyed in on dying shad or minnows. Its wide, slow fall imitates wounded baitfish perfectly.
Best for: Walleye, perch, and trout
Technique: Lift the spoon 1–2 feet off bottom, then let it flutter naturally back down. Watch your line, hits often come on the fall.
Rigging Tip: Experiment with adding a minnow head or waxworm for extra scent and profile. Don't go to big or you'll deaden the flutter action.
5. Guppy Blade Bait – The Heavy Hitter
When you need to get down fast and cover water, the Guppy Blade Bait brings flash and vibration that’s impossible to ignore. Perfect for aggressive fish and active feeding windows.
Best for: Walleye and lake trout
Technique: Snap-jig it near bottom or work it mid-column when fish are chasing bait schools.
Rigging Tip: Vary your cadence. Sometimes the smallest change in rhythm can trigger a bite window.
Dialing in Your Ice Game
Getting ready for the hard water isn’t just about the baits, it’s about fine-tuning your presentation and reading the conditions. Watch your sonar for suspended fish, adjust your jigging cadence based on activity level, and rotate through your FishLab lineup until you find what triggers the bite.
No matter what species you’re chasing this winter, the FishLab Ice Collection has you covered. From subtle finesse plastics to hard-hitting metal baits, we’re here to help you make every drop count this season.
So, charge those auger batteries, pack the thermos, and get ready to make your mark on the ice. The season is just heating up.
Ready to build your hard-water arsenal?
Explore the full FishLab Ice lineup at fishlabtackle.com
