Facts About ice fishing

When the hard water arrives, look out, fish! The icemen cometh!

Ice fishermen comprise a surprisingly large and growing group within the angling fraternity. That may come as a surprise to many. The idea of cutting a hole in the ice to drop a tiny bait on the nose of a fish may seem like finding the proverbial needle in the haystack. But with a little thought, planning and the right equipment, finding and catching fish through the ice can be surprisingly easy – and incredibly fun!

Of course, ice fishing doesn’t usually find Mother Nature at her most hospitable! But if the prospect of facing winter weather seems a deal breaker in itself, you owe it to yourself to check out the cold weather apparel options and the compact creature comforts like ice shelters and portable heaters and stoves that the icemen bring to the wintry landscape today! No wonder so many little villages of ice shelters pop up on popular lakes each ice fishing season!

And if you are still wondering why ice fishing continues to gain in popularity, well, once you taste a meal of freshly caught perch or crappie caught through the ice, any lingering doubts will disappear in a rush of mouthwatering delight!

But, make no mistake, ice fishing requires thought, planning and preparation not only for success and comfort but for personal safety as well. Every year, many ice anglers face the embarrassing and sometimes painful consequences of poor planning, bad judgment, and taking to the ice with ill-advised clothing and equipment. Don't be one of them!

Friendly waters

Don't be too ambitious in your first few ice fishing adventures. Small familiar waters are the best place to begin. If possible, find out where your target species gathered on those waters late in the open water season. The odds are the fish are still in that area.

You can also take a "small waters" approach to the big waters in your area. Fish commonly congregate in bays, harbors, backwaters and channels off of larger rivers, lakes and lake systems just prior to ice formation. These areas – generally shallow – are the first to freeze, and they are often early season hot spots for a variety of species. You may find a multitude of anglers gathered at such spots. Be courteous and respectful. Don't crowd other anglers. But don’t be intimidated either. You can learn a lot by studying the area and watching other fishermen. The ice fishing fraternity tends to be friendly, too. So don't be afraid to ask a few questions.

Another advantage to fishing popular areas is safety. Follow the paths that others have taken to safe ice. Avoid areas with slush or other signs of thin or soft ice. Look out for others, and others will look out for you.

Ice fishing essentials

Ice rods and reels
You may feel like a Munchkin the first time you pick up an ice fishing rod, but the 24- to 36-inch rods designed for the hard-water game will make sense when you hover over a six- to eight-inch hole in the ice. Ice rods come in different styles, lengths and actions to match different types of lures, baits and presentations and the different species you will target. Longer rods measuring 40 to 48 inches have come into play more in recent years not only to wear down larger fish but to create more distance between angler and the hole when targeting wary fish in shallow water. Ultralight reels prevail, and those designed for ice fishing tend to be significantly less expensive than corresponding open water reels. Round “straight line” reels resembling those of fly fishermen have gained popularity in recent years, too. Species like bluegill, crappie, redear sunfish and perch are the primary prey of most ice anglers, and the equipment you will need for them is simple and inexpensive. Shakespeare offers ice rods and ice fishing rod/reel combos in its popular Ugly Stik series. These rods offer the same combination of durability and sensitivity that have characterized the brand since its inception. If you are investing cautiously in ice fishing equipment - just dipping a toe to test the ice water, so to speak - Shakespeare also sells a very economical ice rod under its Wild Series sub-brand.

Auger and accessories
Ice augers are spiral cutting tools to make holes in the ice. Hand augers have become very reasonably priced in recent years, and those with so-called "lazer" blades do cut through ice more efficiently than those with conventional blades. Augers come in a variety of sizes to create holes ranging from four inches in diameter to 8 inches or larger. Smaller diameter augers are easier to use, but the hole they create may be too small to bring a large fish through. Gasoline or battery powered augers take much of the physical labor out of hole cutting and allow the angler to cut more holes and fish more water. They do require a more substantial financial investment, however. Make sure you have one or more strainer-type ice scoops along as well to scoop ice shavings and snow out of the holes.

Seat/bucket
Five-gallon buckets are versatile pieces of equipment. You can use them to carry gear, rest rods, and keep your fish. They make great seats, too, as you patiently work a productive hole. Your local tackle dealer will have bucket caps designed for your seating comfort or tackle storage needs.

Rod holders
Rod holders are useful tools. Some fit conveniently on the rim of a five-gallon bucket. Others are stand-alone models that elevate your rod and reel just off the ice for easy positioning over the hole. Try both designs and determine which serves your needs best.

Pliers and forceps
Carry both needle-nose pliers and small forceps to remove hooks from fish and to secure split shot to your line.

Sled or other conveyance
A flat-bottomed plastic sled is a good way to convey your equipment. Choose one large enough to carry your essentials with a little extra space for a last minute addition. Pack the sled carefully, and be mindful of your load as you walk the ice and snow. A snowmobile or ATV will give you access to much more water and facilitate your travel. But you will have to be even more mindful of what you pack and how you pack it. Keep in mind, too, that these vehicles add to your overall weight and risk on thin ice!

Think light: light line and small baits

Cold water fishing calls for light line, small baits and slow "in-your-face" vertical presentation to the fish.

Line
Downsize your fishing line for ice fishing. In open water, line of 6- or 8-pound test may qualify as "light, " but ice anglers commonly scale down to 4-, 3-and 2-pound test with 1-pound line a serious option as well. Fish below the ice are sluggish, and they will not put up as hard a fight as they will in warm water conditions. More importantly, the small baits you will be using display freer and more enticing action on a light line. Choose lines like Berkley Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon Ice, Berkley Trilene Cold Weather, or Stren Ice or a superline like Berkley Fireline Fused Micro Ice. These lines remain limp and supple in the cold, and they reduce coiling.