Ice fishing is a sport that you either love or hate, and it is generally dependant on how much you like cold weather. While the days of freezing over an open hole on the lake have been superceded by cozy little portable cabins, there is still an element to this type of fishing that is very rough. If you are interested in trying ice fishing, or you need to find a few ways to improve your take, here are some great hints to get you started.
1. Bait is key.
Since the water is going to be dark under the ice, you have a slight advantage with your hole since the bait will be more visible. The best bet is to go with slightly larger chunks of dead bait, so that you can ensure the fish will be able to spot it. They will be hungrier and they are much more likely to go for something that looks like a decent meal.
2. Colorful lures.
The brighter and flashier your lures are, the greater your chances are of catching fish under ice. They’ll be naturally drawn by the light from the hole you’ve drilled glinting off the lure and you’ll get a lot more attention in less time.
3. The line matters.
You can’t use the same kind of line for ice fishing that you would for normal fishing. Mono line is usually the best, but you may need to experiment a little to see what works in your area, or on a specific day.
4. Patience is vital.
Ice fishing is not for the faint hearted and you will need to be very patient. It takes time and you may not be successful for a few hours. Make sure that you bring plenty of warm clothing, particularly if the day is very cold out. It is not much fun if you’re freezing to death.
5. Fish finders help.
Although many ice fisherman are against fish finders, this is the easiest way to locate fish under ice. If you don’t have a lot of free time on your hands, or you just want to speed up the process, a fish finder is incredibly valuable. Try to find one that uses sonar since this will be most effective under ice. You’ll need to drill small holes so that you can drop the sensors down under the ice, so make sure to bring a smaller auger with you.
6. Always check the ice before heading out.
A lake may look completely frozen, but there may be cracks that are not visible. If there has been any sort of a thaw, tread cautiously. If possible, check with lake management or other ice fishers before you head out. It is all too easy to get trapped under ice if it gives way underneath you.
Ice fishing may not be for everyone, but those that do give it a shot are generally hooked. This is a different kind of fishing, but with practice, you can be successful.
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3 comments ↓
That last tip is a great one. Ice can be deceptive. Always make sure you test the sturdiness of the ice before you trust yourself to it.
One thing I’ve never tried is ice fishing. It’s on my “to do list”
I love ice fishing season! For some strange reason, the lure of peering down through an ice hole, putting up with the weather pattern of the day, and socializing with your ice fishing buddies appeals to me as soon as colder weather comes. Thanks for all the reminders and useful tips on ice fishing. All you have to do is find some cooperative fish!
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