Even the hardiest fishermen often neglect catfish during winter months, but ice fishermen angling for panfish are often surprised by the hefty weight of a large catfish on light tackle. This is not an uncommon occurrence during winter in lakes with good catfish populations. For the best luck fish near the bottom with minnows, small insect larvae, or cut bait and do not move the bait. A reel and heavier than normal ice fishing tackle is required to consistently land catfish through a small panfish hole in the ice.