Part 1. Gearing Up to Go Fishing
- Some people prefer to take a fishing course before trying out ice fishing. Some of them are even free.
- Make sure you know your state’s regulations before any type of fishing to avoid a fine. Certain fish species are off limits, size limited, or catch-and-release only.
- Popular species for ice fishing are Walleye, Trout, Crappie, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Pike, and Sunfish. Check around to see if anyone knows where these fish are swimming around. If you don’t know anyone, ask the local bait and tackle shop.
- Online forums are a great resource for finding good ice fishing locations.
- Once you have a location in mind, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. That way, if they do not hear from you when you expect to be back they can call for help.
- Make sure you know what time the sun goes down. Walking across the ice can be dangerous at night and it is easier to get caught in the dark during short winter days.
- There are other things to consider beyond knowing how to use your first-aid kit. You should not fish alone. Be careful where you step on the ice, make sure the ice has a blue tint, is not cracked, and is very thick. The people in your party should spread out as you walk across the ice, rather than all walking together in the same spot. If you are going to be somewhere remote, you might consider investing in a GPS device.
- If you want to verse yourself in safety beyond the basics consider taking an outdoor safety course.
- Your first layer will be a thin moisture-wicking layer. Make sure your bottom layer is not made from cotton. Polypropylene, high-tech polyester, or wool materials work best. This is true for your shirt, pants, socks, and glove liners.
- Your second layer should be a thicker layer. A wool sweater or fleece would both work fine.
- Your top layer will be a waterproof or down jacket. It will protect you from the cold temperatures and any possible rain.
- Make sure your boots are warm and waterproof. If you plan on doing a lot of walking to get to your fishing spot, break your boots in before your trip.
- Bring a warm hat to wear (like a knit beanie), and gloves or mittens. You want to make sure your extremities are warm.
- A lot of people will bring a pair of goggles to protect their eyes in case there is a snow blizzard.
- Metal spikes that wrap onto the bottom of your shoes can make your trip along the ice a safer one. They help grip the ice better than just walking with the soles of the boots alone.
- Many ice fishers bring an ice spud with them to check the ice as they walk along it. They use the rod to tap the ice in front of them, listening to make sure it is safe to take another step.
- Ice shanties can provide a lot of comfort while you are sitting out there for many hours. They are small shelters you can set up near your ice hole that help protect you from the wind. It is also nice to have a chair to sit on so you do not have to stand all day.
- Some ice fishers bring hand warmers just in case the temperatures dip. You can find hand warmers at most outdoor gear shops.
- You will need an auger (or ice chisel) to drill your ice hole once you find a good spot. This tool drills through the ice into the water below.
- An ice scoop is handy for removing excess ice from your hole once you have drilled through it. This is how you get a clean ice hole to fish in.
- You will need a rod and reel to catch your fish. Some rods and reels are better for ice fishing. Check your local outdoor store and ask someone if they have any special sets for ice fishing. If not, any rod and reel will work.
- Bring bait, tackle, and a tackle box. You will need this gear to lure your fish. If you are not sure how to use bait and tackle, most tackle shops will explain it to you.
- Most fish aren’t as aggressive in the winter, so use lighter tackle for ice fishing.
- Common tackle ice fishing are jigging rods, hooks, ice flies, jigs, and tip-ups.
- Common live bait in ice fishing are minnows, leeches, and night crawlers.
- If you aren’t sure what to use, ask someone at a local tackle shop.
- Bring a bucket in case you catch something! You can bring a bucket for yourself, or one big enough to share with your fishing party. A lot of people will carry their food out in the bucket and then carry the fish back in it.
Part 2. Setting up Your Hole
- Four inches of ice thickness will support one ice fisher and their gear. Of course, you do not want to go fishing by yourself, so you should make sure your ice is at least five or six inches thick. You can measure the ice after cutting it, or check the ice fishing reports from your wildlife district office.
- If you mess up your hole, just start over in another spot nearby. It is very common for an ice fisher to drill several holes in a day. You can spend a day practicing using your auger until you are comfortable using it.
Part 3. Fishing in the Ice
- This is a good time to play games with your fishing pals, converse, or just enjoy yourself in the great outdoors.
- If you do not get any bites on your line after a few hours, drill another hole. You can drill another hole in the location you are in, but you will fare better to move to another location at least few hundred feet over and drill a hole there.
- If that does not work, try using live bait if you are not already.