| Get better at ice fishing with these easy tips. |
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| Written by DarrenSuddarth | |
| Saturday, 28 February 2009 | |
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Ice fishers do not mourn the arrival of winter. In fact, they look forward eagerly to the day when the ice on the lake will be strong enough to support them and their gear. Weather cold enough to send most of us in to a warm fire means it is time for ice fishers to put their shacks on their sleds and head for the lake.
Ice fishers do not mourn the arrival of winter. In fact, they look forward eagerly to the day when the ice on the lake will be strong enough to support them and their gear. Weather cold enough to send most of us in to a warm fire means it is time for ice fishers to put their shacks on their sleds and head for the lake. Ice fishing requires its devotees to go out on a frozen lake in the dead of winter. To participate in the sport a hole must first be dug in the ice through which to fish. Throughout the entire fishing expedition the hole must be kept clear of any ice which might interfere with catching fish. Many cold weather destinations depend on ice fishing for a large part of their economies. More than one-quarter of the fish landed in Wisconsin are caught during the ice fishing season. An increasing number of ice fishers are seeking out lakes that are not cluttered with other fishers. Use the long off season to investigate a few of the more secluded ice fishing lakes. Always let someone know where you are going to fish though and make sure that the ice on the lake will be thick enough to support you and your equipment. Ice fishing in isolated areas does not mean you will not need a license. In fact, it is important when applying for your license to make sure you are going to a lake that is open for ice fishing. Secluded lakes may be privately owned or may be preserves where ice fishing is not allowed. Just as there are different locales for ice fishing, there are also different types of fish to be found in those locales. Ice fishers often bait their hooks looking for walleye. Right before sundown and just before sun up are good times to test the ice fishing waters for these fish. Obviously, taking to the ice to fish requires special gear. Clothing will be one of the most important parts of your equipment. Dress to ice fish just like you would dress to go out in extremely cold weather. Wear multiple layers and do not forget to cover your head, ears, and neck. The ice does not come pre-drilled with holes. Ice fishers open up the ice with their own augers. Do not cut an opening any wider than one foot across. Once you have drilled the hole. Keep ice from collecting in it by using a long handled skimmer with a woven basket to scoop chips out of the hole. Hearty souls may choose to sit out in the open while ice fishing. A lot of ice fishers find that bringing a portable ice shack with them increases their enjoyment. Shacks allow ice fishers to stay on the ice for longer periods of time. Some ice fishers have semi-permanent shacks that are large enough to accommodate several people at one time. All ice fishers have their own favorite tackle and strategy. The type of rod you choose will depend on the type of fish you are after. Perch can be quite large so choose big hooks and strong rods. Many times you will be able to catch perch in the middle depths of the lake. Pulling out the fishing gear when old man winter is well on his way may at first seem out of place. One trip to the ice turns many a skeptic into a lifelong ice fishing enthusiast. Therefore, when there is a decided nip in the air, pull your waders on over a few pairs of thermal underwear and head off to the lake to ice fish. About the Author: For more great lessons on becoming a better ice fisherman, visit our site. We'll show you the best ice fishing tips and tip and lessons out there! |
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