Ice Fishing Techniques

Fishing fanatics who live in all-season climates don't have to put down their poles with the arrival of winter--they can continue their passionate embrace of their sport by following these ice fishing techniques. With the right location, the right equipment and the requisite amount of patience, ice fishing offers memorable outings for the young and old alike--and perhaps even a tasty meal! These tips come from the experts at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Wisconsin Division of Natural Resources, and writers at Fish & Game Magazine.

1. Safety first. While various bodies of water all offer possibilities for ice fishing, ice does not freeze to a standard level of thickness. Look for clear, blue, hard ice. Stay away from moving bodies of water, spillways, dams and the like. Always check ice conditions. Rules of thumb abound; New York's DEC suggests that two inches of ice will support a single person; Wisconsin's DNR says look for four inches. You'll need more than ten inches of ice to drive on.
2. Wear the right clothing. Dress in layers; if you get too hot you can always remove one or two layers. Above anything, wear a hat, gloves and warm, thick socks. Make sure you wear the right clothes to stay dry next to the skin--use an under layer such as polypropylene. Avoid cotton if you can.
3. Gear up. The basic equipment set will include an ice auger for drilling a hole in the ice; a skimmer or scoop to remove slush hole; some type of shelter and chair; a propane heater, flashlight, compass and sled. Then you'll need the standard ice fishing gear, a gaff hook to pull the fish out of the ice, a jigging rod and a tip up, which signals when a fish has taken your bait. A fishing license is an absolute must.
4. Do your research. Find out where ice fishermen tend to congregate; if they are having success, chances are you will too. But don't drill too close to another's spot. Drill the basic hole and then chip away to open it wider. With your jigging rod you will have to bounce it regularly (hence the name "jig."). Make sure to mark your hole as a matter of courtesy so others do not fall in. Clean up well when you're finished.

One good tip for ice fishing newbies from the New York DEC: If this is your first outing, choose a reasonable day -- not one that's bitter cold and windy, but one later in the season when they days have started to get longer.

With the right amount of common sense, preparation and logic, ice fishing can be both a great challenge and great fun, and even for the entire family.