Happy New Year to all of our readers and followers! The snow event we received at the end of December brought with it the January cold. Last weekend the ice was thick enough, in some places, to head out. Fortunately, for everyone’s waist lines and sanity the Christmas season has come and gone leaving some quality time to get caught up on Rippin’ Lips.

Farm Ponds of Warren County

In northern New Jersey, some winters, we will have ice and others we will not. Last winter, there was no ice. Taking a peek at the long-term weather, it is difficult to tell how long the ice will last this year. That being said, smaller, shallow ponds freeze more quickly than larger bodies of water. The farm and horse country of northwest New Jersey is host to thousands of little ponds. Every farmer, former farm or country estate seems to have a little body of water. These puddles are often stocked with Bass and large ones at that.

Bass Under the Ice

In the past we have dedicated some page space to the optimal temperature for Bass. The winter is by no means ideal for this species; Bass slow down their movement and tamper their aggressiveness, though they still must eat.  Early ice provides for more action than late ice, especially when there is no snow cover. In a farm pond or other man made structure the Bass congregate in the deepest area.

Venturing Onto the Ice

All outdoor activity carries with it certain risks, you should be fully aware of these before venturing out. We recommend carrying certain minimal safety equipment with you. The MKFF crew carries a rope and a set of picks for extraction. Additionally, it makes it easier to walk and you less likely to fall if you use a set of cleats.

Tip Ups

Traditionally, anglers target fish under the ice using a tip up or by jigging with an ice rod. New Jersey allows you to have five (5) set ups in the water at one time. This could be any combination of rod and tip ups to the maximum number. A typical set up includes tip up, ice line, swivel, two to three feet of leader and a circle hook. A medium shiner, hooked through the back with shot sinker, up the leader, one foot from the hook, does the trick. Before hooking the bait, use a sounder attached to the hook, find bottom and pull up to be at the weed level. Once the level is set, attach your bait, lower it in and set the tip up.

Hooking the Fish

A circle hook, as described above, is set in a different manner from the traditional fishing hook. The hook “sets itself,” leaving the angler at risk of pulling the bait out of the fish’s mouth. We adopted a method; in short, once the flag went up, allow some line to run out, once the run slows, pull on the line until taught. The fish will be hooked and you will begin working the fish back through the hole.

Check Back For More

If the winter weather conditions hold we will be back at it, attempting to catch more and bigger fish. If not, MKFF will hit the trap range next weekend. Either way, catch you next time.