Ice fishing is among the most fun and popular winter sports, and can be a healthy activity for the entire family. These days more children participate in ice fishing than in any other type of fishing. It's an excellent way of encouraging family togetherness in the outdoors, but there are some essential points to keep in mind so your ice fishing adventure can be not only fun, but safe.
Ice fishing is accomplished by drilling holes in the ice over a body of water and catching fish through those openings. It most commonly occurs on the frozen lakes of the northern hemisphere, particularly in Canada and the northern United States. It can be done on frozen rivers or streams, but fishing at these locations requires extra care, as the moving water below can weaken the ice. The best places to ice fish when children are involved are frozen lakes, where the water remains still and the ice can grow thick. continued below ...
Many kinds of fish can be caught through the ice, including walleye, northern pike, and whitefish. Walleye are ideal since they can grow to lengths of up to 31 inches and can easily be seen in the water thanks to their color and light-reflecting eyes. Northern pike are highly sought because of how aggressive they can be when hooked, making them very exciting to catch. The northern pike can grow to be up to six feet long and can put up quite a battle.
If one is a complete novice, hiring a professional guide for the first few ice fishing trips is a good idea. An experienced professional can help keep you safe while allowing you to experience the sport and decide whether or not this is something you would truly enjoy. If you decide to keep ice fishing, you will have valuable experience with equipment, fishing techniques and safety procedures to draw from, enabling you to make fewer expensive and dangerous mistakes.
Speaking of equipment, the proper gear is important. It will be cold out there, so dress in layers, obviously. Try to err on the side of wearing too much, since you can always take a bit off it you get too warm. Don't forget waterproof gloves.
Once you've protected yourself against the cold, the next priority is to keep safe on the ice. Never, ever risk walking out on ice that is less than four inches thick. Ideally, the ice you fish through should be at least six inches thick. Only travel on the ice on foot, never in a vehicle. Test the thickness of the ice as you walk using a spud bar, a long heavy metal rod with a chiseled end. If the spud bar pierces through, it indicates that the ice is not safe. Back off carefully and return to dry land. Other safety equipment you should carry with you includes a length of rope (at least 25 feet) with a 2x4 tied to one end, to throw to someone who has fallen through the ice, and an ice pick with a rope attached to pull yourself out in case you fall in.
Once you're on the ice, keep moving. Don't stay at one spot for than ten minutes, as fish generally won't bite for much longer after your hole is drilled. You can return to previously drilled holes in about an hour; the fish that were there before may have returned by then.
Those who experience ice fishing for themselves agree that it is one of the most exciting outdoor sports. It is unlike any other type of angling. Moreso than other kinds of fishing, it is more about the camaraderie with your fellow fishermen than the solitude of you and the water. It allows you to enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, and offers the opportunity for a great adventure. And with some common sense and preparation, it can be done safely. When will your ice fishing adventure begin?
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