Ice Fishing

Driving by frozen ponds, rivers, lakes and bays in the winter, you might observe the frozen surfaces dotted with shanties and pop-up shelters Hardy anglers who prefer to fish in the open on the frozen surfaces are scattered in-between.

 

Mess of perch.(2)

Perch through the ice.(4)

Why in the world would these folks subject themselves to this? There is a great fishing experience waiting under these waterways. Winter fishing on the ice is much different from open water fishing. First, the gear used is as light as possible. Tiny poles, ultra-light thin line, tiny bobbers, or spring bobbers, and bait that would make many frown in disgust.

 Ice fishing requires patience and a little skill, the bites are usually very light, and when you do hook a large fish, you must bring them up on the extremely light gear. All species can be caught ice fishing; most areas around our town produce perch, bluegill, pike, and sometimes a trout or salmon (depending on the body of water). If the pan fish are biting, you will often catch many throwbacks, too small for the frying pan! If the weather is not too bad, it is a great experience for young anglers, they might not bring home a bucket of keepers, but they will have a great time while practicing catch and release, and experiencing the outdoors

Ice fishing does require that you travel onto ice-covered bodies of water. It is important that you verify the safety of the ice, and carry a few simply items with you to assure your safety if you fall through unexpected thin ice. Every person on the ice should have some type of pick attached to his or her sleeves; these will help you to pull yourself out of the water onto the solid ice. 

Using picks to get out of water (1)

Rope to throw to someone who has broken through ice would also be a great addition to your gear. Basic safe ice is 4 inches for walking and ice fishing on, thicker if you intend to bring A.T.V.’s, snowmobiles, or vehicles on to the surface. Most sources will state this as basic safety thickness, the thicker the better! The most important thing to remember is that ice is unpredictable, and if you are on a bay or lake, be aware of your surroundings at all times. The news always seems to have at least one or two stories a year about groups that end up floating away from the main ice.

This is the type of ice auger I use.(3)

You might not want to gear up this close to the end of winter, but take advantage of clearance sales that will begin soon on gear, to be ready next season. Keep it simple to start; a hand ice auger are available for around $40.00. Poles and tackle will set you back around $20.00 during these clearance sales. Ask around to see where you might want to stake your claim on the ice next year. The next decent day you have available, wander out on the ice and ask a few questions. The anglers are usually willing to share a secret or two!

Picture Credits:

(1)http://www.outdoorblog.net/outinmichigan/2011/11/26/ice-safety/

(2)http://www.ontariofishingforums.com/cms-content/uploads/2009/01/cooksbayperchicefishing2.jpg

(3)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_fishing

(4)http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photos-perch-ice-fishing-image17604968

(5)http://www.outdoorblog.net/outinmichigan/2011/11/26/ice-safety/