Why Not Try Ice Fishing

If you love fishing and are an avid fisherman, but you’ve never tried ice fishing you should! Ice fishing fills that fishing urge during the winter months and it adds a bit of a challenge that isn’t found in warm weather fishing. So why not try ice fishing?

You’ll need some special equipment and supplies for ice fishing. You’ll want a fishing rod that has a large guide and a sensitive tip. Use a micro spinning reel with 8 pound test. Worms, fatheads, and minnows make good bait. Don’t forget a bucket to sit on. Use it as a seat, then use it to carry some of your gear. Bring your compass, needle nose pliers, bobber stops, hook sharpener, and a mix of split shots. Dress warmly and bring along hand warmers. Be sure you have your fishing license on you.

You are going to need something to break through the ice and that’s where an ice auger comes in handy. If the ice is thick enough to drive on you can get your auger to your fishing spot that way otherwise use a sled. Bring a gaff just incase you land the big one. You are also going to need a small collapsible shovel. Ice picks and cleats are great investment that every fisherman should have.

Now you’ll need some equipment to keep yourself comfortable while you fish. A shelter is important. You should also bring along a propane heater, a flashlight, a lantern, and some matches. Don’t forget your cell phone, and if you should always leave a travel plan with someone. GPS and a fish finder are handy tools that are well worth their cost. Bring along a spud bar so you can check the thickness of the ice and you will need some type of ice anchoring system.

It’s a good idea to bring along some feed to keep your energy levels up. You burn a lot more energy in the cold. You should also have a good supply of drinks. Hot drinks can be kept in a thermos to warm you up. Hand towels come in handy and sunglasses are needed especially for those bright days.

Perch, crappie, northern pike, walleye, and trout are all popular ice fishing catches. What you have access to will depend on where you live.

The best way to ice fish for perch is to use a small spoon or jig. Let your line ride about 6” off the bottom. The hardest part about catching perch is finding them. Once you find them, if they are biting you’ll be catching them in no time flat. They can be quite aggressive during the winter months and you may find them grabbing your bait on the way down.

Northern pike is said to be one of the most exciting species to catch. They are aggressive and feisty and will take just about any bait you have to offer. Either jig or use tip-ups and drop your line somewhere between 1 and 5 feet. Northern Pike have a good set of teeth so be sure to use large sharp hooks. When you catch one watch out for those teeth because they can do some serious damage to your hands. The saliva in their bite commonly causes infection so make sure to keep your hands clear or wear a thick pair of gloves.

Ice fishing crappies is the most popular form of ice fishing because they put up a nice fight. However locating them can be a challenge. They are a schooling fish but the trouble is they don’t stay in one area rather swimming throughout the lake. But at least if you find one you’ll know there is more. Try using a small bobber, shiner, or minnow. Use a light action rod and make sure you use a small hook.

Deep water lake trout feed during the day and are usually caught using a tip-up. You’ll need plenty of 30 pound line on your spool. Use smelt for bait. Later in the season you’ll find the trout in shallower waters and an airplane jig is a favorite with ice fisherman for catching trout.

So if you are looking for a winter recreation and you enjoy fishing during the summer why not give ice fishing a try?

Aura Mirchandani is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit ArticleClick.com. Article Click is a free content article directory.