In my last article I discussed Muskie fishing, so I thought it was time to highlight another tradition of the northern reaches of the United States: ice fishing. Ice fishing is the practice of catching fish through a hole in thick ice on frozen lakes and streams. It is an extremely popular sport in the upper United States and Canada, as well as many other frightfully cold places. To make ice fishing a little more tolerable, “ice anglers” often sit in a heated cabin or shanty on the ice, which include some basic amenities. Other ice anglers brave the cold, and sit in the open air.
If you are considering going ice fishing for the first time this coming winter, there are things you are going to need to know. If you plan to be successful at this endeavor, know that ice fishing gear is highly specialized.
You will need:
1. Ice saw, auger, or chisel. You will need this to cut a hole in the ice. If you forget this valuable tool, you might as well call it a day.
2. Fishing rods with large guides, a sensitive tip, and some backbone. According to invoman.com, you will need this, along with reels, a line, a bobber, and a split-shot.
3. Fingernail clippers to cut the line.
4. Bait. It’s freezing cold. You’re mistaken if you think the fish are going to bite just anything. Crappie minnows would probably be good, solid bait.
5. A fishing license. Depending on your jurisdiction, you may need a specialized permit or license. Be sure to check well in advance of your ice fishing expedition.
6.Hand warmers, five layers of clothing, thermoses of warm coffee, hats, gloves, etc. This is the component that will mean the difference between heaven and hell. Your trip will be absolutely miserable if you do not bring enough winter gear. You can count on getting splashed with the frigid water and chunks of ice.
Even while writing this article my limbs started to lose feeling, and my body started to shiver. Maybe it is because when I was younger, I was forced to go ice fishing on Monona Bay in Madison, Wisconsin. The temperature was at 0 degrees Fahrenheit, and my enthusiasm measured even lower. We were in a tiny tent, in the middle of a wind-swept lake for six hours. Being with two amateur ice fishermen, it was an experience I was sure never to repeat. I did catch a fish, and it was rewarding, but the mind-numbing wait for the catch was not worth it.
If you ever find yourself having the desire to go ice fishing, go right ahead. But be sure not to forget anything on the list, or you could be sorry. On the frozen tundra of the north in the winter, the climate is anything but forgiving; so follow the motto of the Boy Scouts and “Be Prepared,” and be sure to let me know how it goes.
