subject: Ice Fishing Basics [print this page] While talking about ice fishing, it can be important to reiterate reliable ice thicknesses. I recognize this info is "old hat" to skilled ice fishermen, but it's nonetheless well worth bringing up for anyone who might be newer to the sport of doing some fishing on a frozen lake. The regular 4 inches thick of ice being risk-free to support a person's body weight is an excellent rule of thumb to use whenever ice fishing. Several individuals say at least six inches to be completely sure, but four inches is actually all that is required. The subsequent suggestions are being listed in no arrangement. Make use of the ideas that feel appropriate for you, throw out the rest, but all of the following ice fishing hints are successful.
There are a couple various tactics you can begin ice angling. The primary is you use an auger and drill your own hole, setup your equipment, and sit for a while, holding out for the some fish. You can also utilize holes cut by other fishermen before and just break ice that has formed since the previous use. You will need to be able to split the thin coating that has frozen before you can dip your bait. Some people making use of this kind of technique choose to leave rapidly if they don't have strikes.
Go fishing when the fish are most productive. Do this by watching the elements and lunar cycles then preparing your ice fishing outings appropriately. The weather and lunar cycles possess an incredible impact on the feeding habits of fish in the winter and making use of this info to your benefit can be a huge help whenever ice fishing for trout. When angling on the ice the warmer portions of a day are usually normally more productive than the cooler parts .
Another tip for ice fishing is to downsize the lures. Whenever angling on the ice you want to employ baits and also hooks which are small. Small jigs (like twister tail or marabou) topped with fish chunks is recommended. The chum can be in the form of minnows or worms or maggots (that are accessible pretty much everywhere you go). Utilizing fish on the barbs of your hooks is always a good idea.
Smaller jigs topped with live bait tend to be effective, using traditional twisted tails or marabou, tipped with meal worms or red rigglers can be really effective when fishing through the ice. Its important to not supply a lot of motion to the lure. As a point in fact moving the rod every few moments will do the job. Fish are really slow under the ice and a great deal of movement may "spook" the fish.
If you just started ice fishing its good to begin close to clusters of anglers. Ice fishermen like to interact socially when ice fishing as it ads to the enjoyment. Since angling is relatively noncompetitive others will not mind having you in the location. Most will be content to discuss ideas and what types of bait and gear they use . One of the only exceptions may be if you're at a private pond or if a competition is taking place.
It may be difficult to find fish through the ice sometimes. Bear in mind fish in the winter season behave varied than during the summer months. Fish will generally stay in a more compact part of the pond during the winter season to conserve strength. The competition for meals looks to be the main element to eating habits when fishing. Countless anglers don't take into account the noise of cutting ice holes and setting up sheds will bother the fish. After you stop to angling and cease all noisy motion the fish will return .
Little spoons can be very effective when angling on the ice for fish. The movement you utilize when using spoons ought to be held to a minimum. You can also tip the hooks with fish chunks, and earthworms.
A fundamental pole is what you will want if you are starting out ice fishing. The line may be between three to 6 pound test . Poppers are a useful item for fishing so have several in your tackle box. You'll furthermore want a selection of fishing lures, hook varieties, weights, lines and various other basic fishing tackle. Pick up the bait you want to use on the way fishing .
The bottom line is that while fishing for trout through the ice these ideas have served me over ages and they may do the same for you as well.