Ice Fishing for Beginners

Ice fishing is a family sport that all ages can enjoy during the winter months versus just sitting around bored indoors

. Just as in the summer time fishing in the winter is great way to get outdoors and enjoy the day while also getting some physical exercise. To help you get started fishing the hard water this season here's some quick information that will help you get started.

The first piece of equipment to purchase is of course an ice auger. You'll need this to drill holes through the ice and both hand and powered augers are available. Hand augers work just fine in ice that is less than 20 inches, any thicker and you're going to have to build up some endurance. Once the ice is thicker than 20 inches a power auger comes in real handy. Both gas and electric models are available gas versions being available in 2 or 4 stroke models. While battery technology has certainly advanced over the years my preference is still gasoline. In most cases a 7 or 8 inch auger is plenty big for panfish and walleyes. If you targeting trophy pike a 10 inch auger would be best.

A fishing rod and reel combo designed for ice fishing is almost a must for fishing through a hole in the ice. These rods are only a couple of feet long and utilize reels designed for accommodating 2 to 6 pound test fishing line. Spring bobbers are typically used versus a regular float as any depth can be fished with having to adjust a float or mess with a slip bobber rig. Lighter action rods are best for panfish with medium action rods working best for larger fish such as walleye or pike.

Tip ups are another form of a rod reel combo that is used by ice fisherman to target larger fish such as pike, walleye, or trout. With this set up no rod exists, just hardware to hold a spool of line just beneath the waters surface to prevent it from freezing along with a mechanism to raise a flag when a fish takes line by running with the bait in its mouth. In almost all cases some type of live bait is used such as large creek chubs or suckers.

Smaller fishing lures are most often used in the winter time as the cold water greatly slows a fishes actively levels. In many cases live bait such as minnows or wax worms are used to tip the lure making the combo more attractive to fish. These lures of course are available in many different colors and sizes just as summer time fishing lures are and choosing the right lure can make all the difference between catching a limit or just a few.

Ice fishing shanties or shelters are a must when staying on the ice for extended periods of time. Most models are portable and very light weight and are designed to accommodate anywhere from 1 to 6 anglers. Ice fishing shelters make this type of fishing much more comfortable as heaters are also most often used inside of these little houses.

Good clothing and boots are also critical to enjoy a day of ice fishing. Purchase the warmest boots you can afford as your feed will most likely be on the ice all day, even in most portable shelters. Wool clothing and socks are also good choices. Jackets and bibs that are generously insulated and block the wind are also good choices.

Packing a good lunch along with a warm drink will also help keep you more comfortable

Ice Fishing for Beginners

By: Jeff Matura

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