Ice Fishing

Of all the kinds of fishing, ice fishing seems to require the most specialized accessories. Not necessarily the most expensive, just very specific to this sport. Ice fishing also requires a very different set of knowledge. There are several basics that a fisherman needs in order to successfully ice fish. He needs some way to make a hole in the ice, a fishing pole of the appropriate size, bait, something comfortable to sit on, and some form of protection from the elements. A fisherman will also need a skimmer, a device used to scoop out slush and ice, to keep his fishing hole open.

To accomplish these basics, there are some high-tech and low-tech ways of doing it. In particular, one of the first challenges to ice fishing is making the hole. Many fisherman much prefer power augers over any other method. Alternate options are to use a hand auger or chipping through the ice with an ax or bar. Augers come in different sizes. They typically make holes between 8 and 20 inches wide. A ten inch hole seems to be a preferred size. Further, comfortable seating gear is a must. Fold-up lawn chairs make for cheap comfortable seating equipment. Protection from the wind and cold is also essential. This comes in a couple primary forms. First, and the most economical, is simple but good protective winter clothing. However, sitting out on a flat sheet of ice over a lake or pond with nothing to stop the wind, can get cold very quickly. With this in mind, many ice anglers devise, build, or buy, some form of shelter. Tents, plywood, sheets of plastic, or homemade or bought ice shanties, usually fill the bill.

Ice fishing tackle is somewhat different from conventional fishing gear. Ice poles are generally much shorter than freshwater poles. Ice fishing poles are usually between 16 and 28 inches long. The poles need to be short in order to fit inside of ice fishing shelters. if a fisherman is fishing outside, using a regular size rod can work. Ice fishermen often use fish finding equipment to locate fish and to measure the water depth. Ice fishing bait is usually used in conjunction with small jigs and brightly colored lures. The bait is often crappie or shiner minnows, wax worms, and fat heads. Typically, these ice fishing rigs are fished just off the bottom, 3 feet below the ice, or 10 feet below the ice. Four to eight pound test is usually used. There are several varieties of fish that are most commonly fished through the ice: Northern pike, perch, walleye, pan fish, crappie, trout, and lake white fish.

Ice fishing, like all forms of fishing can be immensely enjoyable. However, to really enjoy ice fishing a fisherman needs to be fully prepared for the cold, the ice, and the fish.