When you’re targeting fish during low-light conditions, adjusting your presentation can make a big difference. Fish tend to become more active and less cautious as the light fades, but their feeding behavior also shifts, meaning your lure choice and technique should shift with it.
Ice anglers have long known that the most productive times of day are the first hour after sunrise and the final half hour before sunset. Glow baits capitalize on these windows by making your lure easier for fish to see from greater distances. Today’s market offers a wide variety of glow spoons and ice jigs, and while they shine during dawn and dusk, they’re also effective during the day in murky water, overcast conditions, or deep water where natural light fades quickly.
One of the latest ice-fishing trends is high-intensity glow spoons, which use glow sticks rather than traditional phosphorescent paint. The advantage is constant illumination—there’s no need to “recharge” the lure. However, glow sticks tend to dim as they sit in cold water. A simple fix is to warm the lure in your hands or give it a quick breath every 15-20 minutes to boost brightness.
Traditional glow lures painted with phosphorescent coatings still have a place in your tackle box. They do fade, so recharging is essential. Small LED lights work best and can refresh the lure in seconds.
Glow ice jigs come in a huge range of sizes, shapes, and glow patterns. The ongoing debate between lead/tin versus tungsten continues. Lead/tin offers a slower, more natural fall, ideal for subtle, finicky bites. Tungsten is heavier for its size, allowing your jig to reach fish faster.
Many newer jigs now feature multiple glow colors, increasing visibility and giving fish more to key in on. Since no single glow color works best in all situations, having two glowing shades can double your chances of triggering a strike.
Line choice matters just as much as lure choice. During daylight hours, use two-pound fluorocarbon for its low visibility. Under low-light conditions, switch to four-pound line.
Contact: Dave Duwe’s Guide Service, 262-728-8063
