OUTDOORS WITH BABE WINKELMAN

Panfish and Pheasants
By Babe Winkelman

[December 20, 2014]  Fishing - Plastics for Panfish - Over the past few years, small, soft plastics have really taken off in popularity among anglers, especially during the winter months. With old man winter officially here, many lakes across the Midwest have been glazed with ice, ceasing growth of aquatic plants due to the lack of sunlight penetration.

With insects and minnow hatches taking place during the growing months (spring and summer) panfish seek out smaller and less plentiful food, such as plankton during the winter. This is where small, soft plastics have gained popularity as they tempt and entice panfish better than minnows, jigs, or other larger profile lures.

Throughout my years of fishing I can count numerous times where panfish would decline me no matter the lure I threw at them. Often I was using a jig or small spoon that was far too heavy or large. With the use of tiny jigs paired with plastics, panfish have no problem inhaling these types of baits and are far less caution when approaching them as they imitate plankton. A 2-4 pound monofilament test matched with the tiny jig plastic combination gives me an action that is irresistible to panfish when jigged.

This presentation can be utilized anywhere in the country and I would not consider it just an ice fishing technique. Add some small to tiny jigs and plastics to your arsenal and give this technique a try today. I will bet panfish will not be able to resist this combination, helping you put more fish in the frying pan. For those of you venturing out on the ice take great caution this winter and stay safe.

Hunting Department
Chasing Roosters In December

As Pheasant opener has come and gone, the preferred destinations that many hunters flocked to early in the season are now left barren. Many people over look the excellent opportunity of chasing roosters in December presents. With temperatures hovering around freezing or below, pheasants tend to group up during this time period. Crops have been harvested and most areas in the country have received a blanket of snow, pushing pheasants to reside to other areas with better cover. This means a well thought out game plan before hitting the field should be put in place.

From the opening of the season, pheasants receive heavy pressure and gunfire, meaning a vast amount of pheasants has been harvested. There are still plenty of roosters to be had, but a different approach needs to be taken as many of the uneducated birds have fell wayside to gun shot leaving the clever and battle scared birds as survivors. This means you need to be smart when chasing roosters in December.

It is in my years of experience that I have found to be more successful when hunting in a smaller group of hunters. Hunting in a large group presents a number of challenges, such as miscommunication and pushing pheasants in the wrong direction. When I talk about a small group, I am talking about 4 to 5 hunters accompanied by a dog as it allows for a stealthy approach, increasing your chances of being fruitful by days end.

Other considerations to keep in mind are keeping noise to a minimum. Make a lot of noise and you will find the birds are long gone. By learning to utilize hand signals in your hunting party you increase your odds of being successful. Another consideration is do not rush. Be patient and take note of what the birds are doing around you. By locating escape routes and patterns you can better coordinate with your hunting group where to set your blockers.

Before you step foot afield to chase roosters this December, come up with a concrete game plan that your entire hunting party understands. Cold weather might require you to bundle up and add an extra layer, but the adrenaline rush you get from flushing bunched up roosters will leave you shaking in excitement, not from the cold. Get out there today and be greeted with fewer hunters and more pheasants.

[By BABE WINKELMAN, Babe Winkelman Productions]