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Many people have never
experienced fishing beyond what goes on at the lake during the
summer. Avid anglers know about a whole other world of fishing
waiting for them once the temperature drops. Ice fishing is a
fantastic winter sport and an excellent family activity. It’s cheap,
it’s easy, and it’s fun to do. Here is some basic information about
ice fishing in the winter:
Dress warmly, more so than usual. Ice fishing takes place in the
open, which means that winds will be noticeable and can be a factor
in comfort. You should have plenty of layers beneath a windproof
coat – it’s best to need to take off layers than not have enough
from the start, as cooling down is easier than warming up. If the
temperature is not very cold and no wind is present, you will
probably be able to take your coat off and remove a few layers.
Waterproof boots are a good idea, as are thick, waterproof gloves. A
good pair of mitts and a spare set (just in case) are fine too. A
neck warmer and a hat are a must. Also, watch out for sunburn – the
reflection of the sun’s rays on the snow and ice can pack a double
whammy and leave you with a red face. Your eyes will also take a hit
from the combination of sun and snow, so wear sunglasses to avoid
eye damage.
There is not much equipment involved in ice fishing. If you choose
an outfitter, they will supply you with everything you need from
drilled holes to lines to bait. Many people like to purchase their
own ice-fishing equipment for convenience’s sake, but it’s best to
give the sport a couple of tries to see if you really enjoy it
before heading to the store. If you do decide to buy your own
ice fishing equipment, here is what you will need:
An ice auger for drilling holes will be your biggest expense. There
are hand-cranked models that can cost about $100 or gas-powered ones
that ring in around $300. Hand-cranked models may be attractive for
small budgets but they can be very tiring to use and demand a
certain amount of strength and stamina. It will also be difficult to
open a number of holes in a short amount of time. Gas-powered models
are easier and faster, cutting through ice very quickly, but they
can be heavy to manipulate, though there are smaller models hitting
the market each year.
Beyond the ice auger, you will need lines. There are traditional
stick models that are very simple in construction or rod and reel
models. Both models can be jigged manually to attract fish or can be
affixed in the snow or on a rack so that you don’t have to provide
hands-on attention. Fishing lines are not a big expense and
lower-end models cost less than $10 each. Flags and gimmicks of
higher-end models don’t really affect results.
The last few accessories are very cheap (less than $10 each) and
easy to obtain. You’ll need a bucket to hold your bait (usually live
minnows), a net for scooping, an ice spoon to remove slush from
holes when they start to freeze over, and a second bucket to turn
over for an impromptu seat. Small hot pads tucked into your mitts or
pockets will help to keep fingers warm, as putting minnows on hooks
usually requires bare hands in frigid temperatures.
When you head out for your day, bring a lunch and some snacks as
well as something to drink. The fresh air will leave you hungrier
than usual. Avoid drinking alcohol, as it’s quite easy to go
overboard in the cold air and not notice the effects of one too many
until it’s too late. In addition, alcohol tends to lower the body’s
temperature and makes it difficult to stay warm.
Be sure that the ice is safe to walk or drive on. Test the thickness
and keep an eye out for water or any suspicious areas. The
recommended thickness of ice for walking on is 6 inches. If you are
planning to drive a vehicle onto the ice, wait until the thickness
is well over 10 inches. Never drive fast on ice, even when thickness
isn’t an issue, as ice is flexible and the weight of a vehicle
creates an air bubble in front of the car. An automobile moving too
quickly can drive over the air bubble. With no water support
beneath, the ice can easily break beneath your vehicle.
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Ice fishing is a fantastic winter sport and an
excellent family activity. It’s cheap, it’s easy, and it’s fun to do. Here is
some basic information about ice fishing.
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