Pick a trip
Come along on the ice or see how Bryan sets up his gear.
Fishing with Bryan Prokuski
Come along for summer kayak trips, days on the ice, and a look at what happens below the surface. Sometimes Bryan’s kids join him, too.
Latest video
Five of Diamonds for northern pike and bass
About Bryan
Bryan fishes Minnesota year-round. He takes his kayak out for Mississippi River smallmouth in summer and films pike, walleye and perch under the ice.
Field notes
Short picture guides from the ice.
Underwater camera setupBryan’s early-ice video
Follow Bryan on a scouting trip as he brings an underwater camera out on early ice in Minnesota.
-
Get the camera ready
Continue on YouTube at
-
Feed out the cable
Continue on YouTube at
-
Check the monitor
Continue on YouTube at
What is jigging?Ice fishing basics
When you jig, you lift and lower your rod tip to make the lure hop under the ice. That motion helps draw fish in.
Start near the bottom. Lower a small jig or jigging spoon through the hole. When the line goes slack, you’ve reached bottom. Reel up a little so the lure hangs above it.
LiftRaise the rod tip a few inches. LowerBring the tip back down and let the lure fall. PauseHold the rod still for a few seconds.
Try a couple of lifts and drops, then pause to give a fish a chance to bite. Watch your rod tip and line for a tap or sudden slack. If nothing bites, try smaller lifts, a longer pause or fishing a little higher.
Watch a jigging spoon in action at 7:15 ↗
See the Minnesota DNR’s ice fishing guide for perch for more on jigging.
Walleye or yellow perch?Two fish side by side
Start with the tail on one and the bars on the other.
WalleyeWhite on the lower tail tip. Yellow perchDark bars across yellow sides.
See the Minnesota DNR guides to walleye and yellow perch.
