An introduction to icefishing
December 5 2009
| Written By - Doug Leier - 12/5/2009 | |
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Link to Original Article here |
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For some readers ice fishing just might be literally fishing for ice--those of you living in the south or along the coasts may never experience the exhilaration and personal satisfaction of braving the elements of cold, snow and wind. With the goal to simply attempt at pulling a fish through a hole in ice which at times may be as thick and strong enough to hold a full sized pickup. Some hard-water anglers will exclaim, "anyone can catch a fish in the summer", but catching a fish in winter is true fishing. I'll save the debate for another time and place, but suffice it to say there are legions of anglers who prefer thawing out fingers and keeping their toes warm over swatting mosquitoes or sunburn. So if you've never had the opportunity or desire to try your luck at hard water fishing the first requirement is having ice and if your Christmas plans or winter travel finds you in a northern outdoor wonderland, don't sit around debate here's a rundown on the basics of ice fishing.
Safety in all excursions will remain my first priority, no matter if you catch a limit of fish or a lunker of your life, an accident, such as falling through the ice will supplant any memory First understand areas with current and in lakes with ice under six inches thick, you need safety items. It's a good idea to keep these items with you on every trip, regardless of ice thickness. I've been ice fishing in every situation and condition imaginable and haven't fallen through in more than 20 years, but we still keep these safety items with us.
- Spud bar: A spud bar is a long heavy metal rod with a chisel end. Before the advent of augers, guys used spud bars to make a fishing hole. If you try that now, you revert back to being a moron, since banging a metal rod on the ice will spook fish and make everyone around you very mad. As you walk out on to the lake slam the spud down ahead of where you are stepping. If it bounces off the ice, keep walking. If it pierces through, then slowly back up. Keep spudding your way out to the spot you intend to fish and you will never fall through.
- Twenty-five feet of rope with a 2x4 attached: Use this to toss out to someone who falls through.
- Ice picks: A few companies make these with a thin rope attached. Keep them around your neck so that if you happen to fall through, you can grab them quickly and use them to pull yourself from the ice.
- Ice cleats: Metal cleats that fit over your boots are the safest way to travel on the ice, anyone who has ever slipped and landed flat on their back will tell you that falling on ice isn't fun at all.
I'm not trying to scare you into thinking ice fishing is any less safe than open water, it's just there's different issues to keep in mind. In summery you need a life jacket and in winter this safety list is keeper. In terms of cost like many other outdoor recreation choices it's upto the individual and your own budget. You don't need a $40,000 boat to catch a fish, a simple rod and reel along the shore will suffice, but if you've the means and interest to invest more time and money, then feel free to let your imagination wonder and for ice fishing it doesn't cost much to get you started. Next is an equipment list.
- Ice auger: An auger is a big drill that makes a nice hole for you from which to fish. A good auger is important. I prefer a five- to six-inch Strikemaster Lazer for panfish, it cuts quick and makes a clean hole. For walleye a eight- to 10-inch blade is better. Keep in mind that the bigger the auger, the harder it is to drill. Also, the more holes you drill, the more fish you usually catch.
- Plastic scoop: Get a red and black plastic scoop, you'll need it to get the ice chips out of the hole.
- Bucket: You'll need a five gallon bucket as a seat and to hold all your gear.
Rod: A nice quality ultra-light rod and reel combo will catch you more fish since you will be able to detect bites better, plus it will put more fun in the fight. Frabill makes some great ones. Their Arctic combo sells for under $35. It has a nice light tip that will let you detect strikes, plus you'll have a lot of fun pulling in fish on this little gem. Get the ultra-light size for panfish and spool up with four-pound Cortland Ice Line. Try their light action for walleye/bass with six-pound line.
Jigs: My personal favorite jigs are made by Custom Jigs & Spins. Ratfinkees, Demons, Shrimpos, and Ratsos are great for all species. Panfish will prefer size 12, 10 and eight hook sizes on the jigs while walleye/bass will attack the size six and fours. Get an assortment of fluorescent and glows for stained water and darker colors like black, green and red for clear water.
Bait: Waxworms and spikes (maggots) are top choices for panfish. Large fathead or medium roach minnows are used for gamefish.
I can imagine some anglers would prefer to never harbor a thought of ice fishing. Indeed it's cold and the elements of nature can freeze up equipment, snow can impede travel on and off the lake and for the entire trip, but it's a different experience and for even others, the lack of pressure and solitude of ice fishing is even...dare I say it..is referred? Yes, to some it is.
