The concept is quite simple, make enough good noise - noise that attracts fish and the beasts will come calling. To best accomplish this concept, naturally drill two holes in the ice with about a foot separating the two. Next set up one pole with say a buckshot spoon for instance. If the bite is off the deadly spring bobber is a key. Position the live bait pole in a rod holder and go to jigging on the commotion maker.
Crappies are an ice angler s staple sport.
Fishing mainly on the St. Croix River I frequently run into suspended crappies on outings, these fish can be quickly worked by downsizing your noisemaker and swapping a minnow for a waxie on the sacrifice pole. Simply set your lures directly above your sonars marks and hope they like what they see. There are many variations to this set up, and a sharpie will adapt to the day s particular bite. For instance, during an off day, a day where fish show up and then leave the party, the noise maker is likely scaring fish off. When this happens just call them in, maybe thirty seconds worth, and then reel up and slowly entice the called in fish with the live bait.