Ice fishing tournaments don’t have to be about dropping lines and hoping for the best. Stepping onto the ice with a winning mindset makes all the difference, and confidence is your best companion out there. As an angler ready to compete, you need to come prepared, do your research, and dare to be bold. This blog post will break down the essentials, from pre-fishing prep to maintaining your cool under tournament pressure. Let’s gear up and get into the strategies that can elevate your game and set you apart on the ice.
Mindset: Confidence Wins Tournaments
Fish your strengths and your confidence baits. Tournaments are a less-than-ideal time to experiment with lures or techniques for the first time. Fish with what you know works for you, and give it a good amount of time before you switch up to something new and different.
Bonus Tip: The large tournament field area is going to hold every fish species in the lake. Pick a lure you are confident in that can catch any species at any time.
Prep: Show Up Prepared
Tournament day is all about efficiency and execution.
- Make sure you are organized, and all of your equipment is dialed in.
- Re-tie all your lures on fresh line if needed. Also, check your leader and tie new knots.
- Check your hooks! Sharpen or replace any that are dull or bent.
- Make sure your batteries are fully charged.
Bonus Tip: Pre-rigging your baits in your tackle box can save you a ton of time on the ice. For example, pre-rigging jig heads and scent in your tubes so you can easily switch them out if a fish breaks your line or you snag it in a bush.
Research: Take The Time To Know Your Depth
If allowed, set up your fish finder as soon as you get to your hole. Find the bottom depth and study your fish finder while you are waiting. Take note of fish movement and depth. Why??? When the tournament starts, there will be so many fish finders going all at once that the chances are, you will not be able to read fish, let alone your jig, on the screen due to sonar interference.
Bonus Tip: Mark your fishing line with a Sharpie at 10-foot intervals to accurately gauge how much line you’ve let out. This technique is invaluable for “fishing blind,” ensuring you can confidently position your lure in productive zones, even after losing sonar guidance due to interference. Large fish often shy away from sonar noise and hug the bottom, where they’re easily spooked. Experiment by turning off your sonar temporarily to potentially increase your catch rate, as the quieter environment may coax more bites from wary fish.
Be Bold: Stand Out In The Crowd
Although tournaments are not a great place to experiment with new baits or techniques, there are ways to stand out in a crowd.
- Colors: Use flash lures like gold & silver or glow/UV lures.
- Scents: Artificial scents, worms, mealworms, scented corn, etc.
- Sound: Using lures that rattle or knock
- Movement: Using lures that flutter or using a jig and pounding the bottom can create movement and entice fish to react.
Bonus Tip: Consider using an aggressive jigging strategy when others are playing it safely. While subtle movements are the norm, bold, exaggerated jigs (Rip & Chase) can create a disturbance that mimics distressed prey, grabbing the attention of larger, more competitive fish. Aggressively lift your lure quickly and let it drop quickly on a slackline. Repeat instantly, do this 5 or 6 times in a row, then wait. You can also give your lure tiny flutter/twitching movements when it settles back down.
Execution: 3, 2, 1, Lines In!!
You are prepped, you’ve done your research, you are ready!
Don’t let the pressure affect your execution! Anglers often get caught up in the ‘little things’ during a tournament, and the added pressure can easily distract you from your goal. Stay focused. Don’t worry about what you can’t control, focus on what you can.
Bonus Tip: Create a mental checklist and run through it periodically throughout the day. This list should include key aspects like checking bait condition, monitoring line tension, and re-scenting your bait if needed.
Remember that ice fishing tournaments are about more than just the catch; they’re about enjoying the great outdoors, making memories, and challenging yourself. Whether you’re aiming for the top spot or just out to enjoy the day, the strategies we’ve discussed—from being well-prepared and making smart, bold choices to keeping your execution sharp under pressure—can make a world of difference during your time on the ice. In the end, embrace the challenge, get to know your fellow anglers, and, most importantly, have fun out there!
We hope you’ve found this information helpful! Be sure to check out our other Blog Posts, YouTube Channel, and Online Courses as well as our Guided, On The Water Trainings and our lineup of premium fishing products in our Tackle Shop!
If you have any questions visit our Contact Us page, or email us at info@gsofishing.com. We are here to help. – Team GSO Fishing