Ice Fishing Tips For Beginners
Copyright 2006 Not Just Fishing!
Did you hear the one about the guy who went ice fishing and
came back with 50 lbs. of ice?
Well, if you found yourself here your at least one step
ahead of this fella, that is unless you intended to bring
home some ice. Ice fishing is actually a very simple sport
but must be practiced with some caution.
WHAT you say?
Seriously before you set out to catch any fish on "hard"
water there a couple of things you should be concerned
about. Firstly, make sure you are equipped with the proper
attire. Setting out from home on a nice sunny day is fine
but once you approach your destination things may have
drastically changed or may change without notice. This
would also be a good time to check the weather channel or
newspaper for the up to date weather forecast.
Secondly, remember to check the ice conditions wherever you
go, there are local ice hut operators or locals who are
willing to help make your trip safe.
A friend of mine told me once, "You can always take it off,
but its pretty hard to put it on if you haven't got it!" My
advice, purchase a good floatation suit. They are warm and
if you happen to break thru the ice it will probably save
your life.
A warm dry set of gloves, preferably without fingers is a
must. This way all the fingers share the warmth. A full
face belaclava is also required as well as sunglasses.
Scarfs can help but be cautionary of the vehicle you are
using to get you out to your favorite spot. You don't want
to have it get tangled up in a chain or track.
Several layers of clothes are a benefit for when you have
the luxury of taking them off. Another good idea is to have
a fishing buddy. They are not only there to enjoy the day
with you and help make the fishing story a real tale but if
an emergency arises they are the only support you've got.
We still have a few small things to do before setting out.
Make sure your transportation is trustworthy, a general
maintenance check will do, tell someone where your going
and how long you expect to be gone and last but not least,
a simple thing like a compass, so you don't get lost.
Okay, are we having fun yet. Now that we have got all the
scary stuff done, its time to leave, right .... WRONG ! You
forgot the gear.
A general rule of thumb regarding gear is to choose the
equipment you will need to match the fish you are seeking
(e.g. the larger the fish, the heavier the tackle).
Of course you won't be able to get to them if you don't
have a hole. So depending on the ice and your wallet or
both, you are going to need an ice spud or handgas auger.
You can purchase both but if you just happen to have a
friend that welds you can get him to make the spud up for
you out of a 6' x 2" piece of flat steel and round bar.
Don't forget to weld a "T" on the top and grind the flat
bar down to a chisel point.
If you are in good shape and have the time the hand auger
is great but if you intend to fish several spots and don't
want to tire yourself out making holes get a gas auger.
Look for an auger with at least a 6" cut just so you can
get the big ones thru the hole.
Next, you'll need an ice skimmer. I suggest the aluminum
one because if you are in a hut with a stove just warm it
up a little and touch it to the hole and voila ... instant
skim! Also, tie a light chain or rope on it just in case it
falls down the hole.
Well, your almost there. You can't catch anything without
some type of jigging rod. They come in all types, sizes and
styles but look for one with which you will be comfortable
with. This may take a few outings to discover, so see if
you have a buddy who will lend you his or hers. Another
general rule of thumb, a light rod for perch and panfish
using 2 to 4 lb. test, medium action for trout, walleye,
whitefish, etc. and 6 to 10 lb. test.
If you are energetic an have a second hole you can also use
a tip-up. They range in price from several dollars to
around twenty-five bucks. Well, this should get you
started. The rest you can learn from patience and
experience. Good Luck and Good Fishing!
P.S. One last thing... remember to take a light lunch with
you, just in case they decide not to bite or your fishing
technique is off for the day. I can remember a few times
when we had to have "fish lip soup", it wasn't very filling.
Well, seeing as you have made it this far. I guess an
obvious question would be "When is the best time to go ice
Fishing ?" Everyone I know wants to get out there as soon
as possible. It is probably because the fishing seems to be
a little better or more likely they just want to be the
first one to haul one out of the hole.
It is true that the fish are relaxed and in the best
feeding spots because they haven't been hassled for several
months. Trout in particular spawn in the fall and can be
found in deep water at this time. You can find them on
bars, shoals, rocks and fingers. Perch, pike and walleye
tend to look for shallow , weedy lakes because the oxygen
level tends to be a lot higher.
Once the little villages spring up and the anglers take
their toll the catches tend to decrease but don't despair
they are still out there. You just have to work a little
harder.
So you need a few pointers because your just not catching
your limit.
Well what is it that you do in the summer time, whether you
are fishing from shore or boat if your not getting the
bites ?... You move.
I do it all the time, it's not hard if you've got your own
sled and make sure you've got a power auger, you'll need
it. In order to be mobile you really need to be prepared.
This includes a portable shelter, flotation suit, auger,
sled or 4x4, fish finder and GPS. Give yourself about 10 to
20 minutes per hole. That's enough time to find your depth,
scratch the bottom for debris, rocks, sand, etc., set up
your fish finder and locate fish and at what depth. It also
allows you to try your technique to see if they are
interested. If you happen to have the hydrographic map of
the lake or fished it before it helps. Try making
calculated moves, such as holes, shoals, weedbeds.
If you can afford it, get yourself several rods and rig
them up with different presentations. Not only do you
become a quick change artist but it saves tying on
different lures when the weather isn't friendly.
Jigging is really an art form. Not to fast and not to slow,
kind of a rhythm thing. Keep in mind it is okay to jig hard
at first, you want to attract them, get them interested.
Once you've done that slow down to a twitch by using only
your wrist or trolling from one side of the hole to the
other. Alternatively you can raise the rod tip a few inches
and lower. Stir up the bottom a little.
Make sure your rod is short, stiff and with big eyelets.
It's hard to fish in a hut that's only 4 x 6 with a 3' rod.
You only get one chance to set the hook, so if it moves you
don't want the rod to bend. Having your line get frozen
because of clogged eyelets just isn't any fun.
PAY ATTENTION! No, I'm not trying to wake you up from your
daydream but feeling a hit is not the only way to get fish
out of the hole. If you see the slightest movement, either
side to side or up or down, set your hook! Remember, if
your sending your lure down and it stops and your not where
your suppose to be, you probably have one on the line.
Now, if you want to get them up the hole your going to need
to hook 'em, so keep your hooks sharp. The easiest way to
test is when you push the point thru the minnow, if the
point doesn't go in easily either sharpen it or replace it.
Speaking of hooks, size is important. The smaller the bait
the smaller the hook. Also, If your using a large hook on a
small bait you restrict it's movements and could possible
even spook your game.
Timing the hook set is crucial when using minnowbait. It is
well known that most fish attack from the side, so don't
try to set the hook at the first sign of movement or tug.
Allow the fish time to swallow the minnow. Okay, so you
lost your patience, had him and lost him. Don't be in a
hurry to change your bait, put the line back down the hole.
Remember, he just lost supper and if he's hungry he'll be
back. Wait a couple of minutes and if you don't get a
response your welcome to change your bait.
Iain Loveman is an outdoor enthusiast that enjoys fishing,
boating, camping and rving. If your looking for information
on Ontario marinas, ice hut operators, fishing equipment,
and much, much more you can visit us at
http://notjustfishing.com
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