How to Ice Fish
When winter comes, many people choose to hibernate and stay snug in their homes, but for those who love the icy outdoors, there’s one fun activity they can do: ice fishing. Ice fishing is a fun sport, but you have to learn the basics before you can start catching fish from icy waters. Here are some tips to remember.
What You’ll Need:
Fishing equipment (rod, line and reels)
Ice fishing shelter
Spud bar
Auger
Scoop
Skimmer
Gaff hook
Bucket
Bait
Stool or chair
Sled to carry your gear
Snow boots
Warm clothing
Snacks
Cooler
Procedure:
Secure a fishing license. Many territories require ice fishers to have a license before allowing them to fish.
iced fish
Determine where you’re going to ice fish. You’ll need to go north and find a frozen lake with fish in it. Consider places like Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan and Vermont. Once you picked a territory, obtain a travel map and see which lakes in that state are visited for ice fishing. Set a date for your trip.
Get your ice fishing gear and equipment. You’ll find these in sports and recreation store. Aside from the usual fishing gear, you’ll need these materials:
Auger - screw-like device used for cutting into ice
Spud bar - used for checking ice thickness
Scoop - ladles slush from the hole
Gaff hook - used for pulling fish through the small hole
Ice fishing shelter - Shelters for ice fishing are available in different types, such as an ice shanty, made from plastic or wood, a small tent, or even an ice fishing house made to accommodate several people.
Dress up for ice fishing. Wear thick winter clothes and waterproof, insulated snow boots, to avoid frostbite. Waterproof gloves are also important, so you can move your hands and fingers easily. A hat, scarf and earmuffs are also appropriate.
Locate a good spot on the frozen lake where you can make a hole. Use the auger or chip away with a spud bar. A hole with a six to eight inch diameter will suffice, so no one will fall in accidentally. After drilling a hole, widen it with an ice chisel and use a skimmer to clear any ice. Be very careful when walking on ice.
Get your fishing line, then bait the hook. Use bait such as small fishes (chubs, shiners, and minnows) or small insects (wax worms, grubs, and fly larvae).
Set up your stool, then put the line in the water. You now have to wait for a catch. Every now and then, use the skimmer to remove the ice forming on the hole.
When you get a fish on your line, pull it up, the same way you do during regular fishing. Use the gaff hook if you’re having trouble getting it through the hole.
Remove the hook from the fish’s mouth, then transfer your fish to a cooler.
When you’re satisfied with your catch, pack up your equipment, clean the area, then leave with your fresh fish!
Some Reminders
Always be mindful of other fishers’ personal space. Avoid drilling a hole too close to another fisherman.
Avoid making too much noise while you’re ice fishing.
Mark your hole. Use a large branch or any marker, so no one will fall in accidentally after you left.
Always keep an eye on children or pets, if you’re bringing them along.
Winter will be enjoyable if you know how to ice fish. Try this sport, and you’ll be kept busy all throughout the cold season!