Ice Fishing Tips

For those diehard fishermen out there that just can't get enough fishing done during the warmer months, ice fishing is a great way to extend your fishing season. Here are some ice fishing tips to prepare you for what equipment you are going to need before you head out into the frigid weather.

 

Freshwater fishers often have a very limited fishing season, especially the more north you get. Ice fishing allows you to fish pretty much all year round. About the only time needed to stop fishing is during the transistion to winter when the ice has yet to thicken on the lakes. But, once the ice is thick enough, you can get right out into the middle of the lake and drill a hole to fish in. All you really need is just a small amount of equipment.

 

Clearly one of the most important tools you will need that differs from what you carry during your usual summer fishing expedition is an auger. An auger is essentially a large drill. As it turns, it bores a large hole through the ice. If you are just starting off, you can start with a cheap manual auger. They can typically bore through about a foot of ice. However, if you are a seasoned ice fisherman or are needing to bore through up to three feet of ice, then you probably be served well to buy a powered auger. An ice skimmer is also a useful tool that will scoop out ice that collects in the hole that you are drilling.

 

While not completely essential, it is usually best to purchase an ice fishing rod. They differ from your typical fishing rod. They are generally lighter and much shorter. Because of this, they tend to cost less. Due to the cold temperatures of the water, fish are much slower to move and react in the winter months. When fish strike during cold temperatures, it often requires a very sensitive rod to feel that you have a catch. Ice fishing rods are made more sensitive to help pick up on these gentle bites.

 

The winter months can be brutally cold and to add to all that, when fishing out in the middle of a lake, the winds can be very frigid. To protect yourself, it is usually ideal to bring some type of ice shelter or shanty. They are very much like tent, except they are usually more rigid so that can withstand the strong winds out in the open. There are many varieties, but they all have holes in the bottom floor so that you can drill your fishing ice hole. Shanties are usually fairly cramped when it comes to space inside and this is another reason why ice fishing rods are so short.