How To Ice Fish

One great way to add some spice to those long winter months is to learn how to ice fish. If you are a fisherman at heart, there is no reason to give up fishing just because the temperature turns south. Ice fishing can provide the same type of thrill and excitement as regular fishing. Of course, as is probably evident, going ice fishing is not as simple as just going out and cutting a hole in the ice. A few tips and hints on how to go ice fishing can come in handy.

To learn how to ice fish you will need:

• Bait (Minnows are excellent)
• Fishing Pole (Ice fishing poles are short)
• Ice Auger or Ice Saw
• Folding Chair
• Ice Shanty and Heater (optional)
• Warm Clothing

1. Find a safe spot to go ice fish. Just because the weather is cold, and the lake seems frozen, it does not mean that the area is safe. The ice should be solid at the shore; if there is any sign of shore line melting do not go out. Also, make sure you check the ice thickness as you make your way out onto the lake. Every five feet or so, stop and use an ice chisel to ensure the thickness is at a proper length; the thickness should be at least four inches.
2. Dress Warmly. Even if you have a heated ice fishing shanty, it is still going to get cold. Make sure you dress warmly. Wear insulated boots and socks and water proof gloves and coat. Also, if you start to feel the least bit uncomfortable, seek shelter. Risk of suffering frost bite is very high when you go ice fishing.
3. Set up your spot. If you plan to ice fish for a long time, you may want to invest in an ice shanty and maybe even a heater; this helps decrease your risk of suffering from over exposure to the elements. Of course, you can still enjoy the benefits of ice fishing just by sitting on a simple folding chair.
4. Drill your hole. Using an ice auger or ice saw, drill a hole in the ice. Try to remove any floating pieces of ice; these can severe your line. You can also drill multiple holes. This enables you to fish multiple areas at one time.
5. Drop your line in the water and begin to ice fish. Using minnows, bait your hook. Use a lot of weight. This will ensure that your hook makes it near the bottom of the lake. Because the water is cold and frozen, the bottom is where all the fish hang out.