Here are a few tips on ice fishing. First of all, you don't need a lot of fancy equipment.A set of five tipups and a hand auger are all you need to get started. An ice fishing shelter is optional to keep the wind off you.
A set of basic tipups with line will cost around seventy-five to a hundred bucks. Tipups are a simple affair where you set the cross sticks on the ice with your spool below the water line. Unless there is a lot of snow on the ice this should not be a problem as the water will even out to the top of your hole. I know you're saying, how do you keep the line from freezing? This is accomplished through the use of braided line, sometimes called squid line or ice fishing line. Theses lines are usually 18-25 pound test. Fill your spools to within 1/4 inch of the rim, for that big one that wants to run. After you have done this it's time to add a leader. I normally use 8-14 pound test monofillament. If you are on a lake with a lot of
Large fish go with heavier leaders. I use a swivel between my squid line and leader. This gives the bait a chance to move around without twisting the line. It also makes it easier to change hooks, just buy the pre-tied leaders and hook them on your swivel add a sinker and you're ready to go fishing.
Choosing Bait
Don't know what the fish are biting on? A stop at your local bait shop will get you some pretty good tips on what is working. It's a good idea to pickup a couple different types of baitfish. You never know what they are biting on today. Pick up a dozen of two different types to get started. When hooking the bait on the hook I like to hook them just behind the dorsal fin. Most fish will take the bait from the rear, so you want the hook where it will do the most good. Make sure to check whether you can use live minnows or dead minnows check the regulations for your region.
On The Lake
Now you're on the lake with your tipups in hand and you need to get to the fish. This is where your auger comes in. Whether you opt for a hand auger or a power auger, you need to find a place to fish. A good place to start is around points, as fish use these spots to find bait fish year round. If you know of a deep hole within walking distance, head out there without further delay. Fish will hang on the edges of the hole looking for baitfish all year. Get that auger powered up and let's drill some holes. Drill a couple to start with and after you get a couple of tipups set up drill the other three. Be sure to check your states regulations as some places restrict the number of tipups. If you don't get any flags after a while, don't be afraid to move.
That's just about it for getting started. Make sure you are dressed for the weather to make your day more enjoyable. Don't forget the kids, they make good runners when the bait bucket is out by the last tipup in line.
Stay warm and good fishing.
Safety is very important, so be sure to have the proper warm clothing, including a good pair of gloves. Frostbite and hypothermia can be a serious problem for ice anglers.
As with everything, remember, safety first. Make sure the ice thickness is good (at least 3 to 4 inches). If possible go with a buddy, or where there is a group of anglers close by. Even experienced anglers can find themselves in some tricky situations if they let their guard down.
Another product for safety is a set of ice picks that are worn around the neck on a cord. The ones I use are called Picks of Life, which float, and have retractable point covers. Hopefully a person will never have to use this device, but if they fall through the ice it is the easiest way, other than having a rope thrown out by another person, to pull out of the hole.
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