Ice fishing tips for having fun

Ice fishing and being safe and warm on the ice isn't something most people know about unless they live in the northern part of the country. Down south they all go huh? What's ice fishing?

Many people have never experienced fishing except 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 and these ice fishing tips will make it even more fun.

First, dress warmly, more so than usual, even if you have a fish house. 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 and a windproof coat. That way you can remove layers as i's best to need to take off layers than not have enough from the start. 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 warm hat are a good idea too.

Also, watch out for sunburn as the reflection of the sun on the snow and ice can pack a double whammy and leave you with a red and raw face. It's really bright on the ice when the sun is out so a good pair of sunglasses is also advised.

There is not much gear 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 buy their own ice-fishing gear for convenience, but it's best to give the sport a couple of tries to see if you really enjoy it before heading to the store.

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 ice augers 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 propped 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 ice fishing lines cost less than $10 each. Flags and gimmicks of higher end models don't really affect results but do make life on the ice a bit easier.

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.

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 at least 4 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