|
Here's a few things I learned about ice fishing (not all first-hand).
1.) Regardless of where you fish, and how many times you've fished that place in the past, always check the ice thickness as you head out. I check at 5 foot intervals.
2.) Ice that makes noise can be alarming, but if the air is below freezing, it usually means that ice is being made, and the noise is created by expansion (freezing). I saw people RUN off 10-12 inches of ice after hearing it pop and crack. My favorite noise is that echoing "pong, pong, pong...." sound caused by cracking ice on the other side of the pond.
3.) Fish the western shore as the season progresses, because the sun is still lower in the sky, and the western shores won't warm up on sunny days like the eastern shores can. I fished one of my favorite spots last year on a pond that was half open. The east shore was open, but the west still had 6 inches out to about 75-100 feet from shore.
4.) Bring more than you think you'll need. Extra food, beverage, bait, tackle and especially clothes.
5.) If at all possible (based on their desire to go) bring a kid ice fishing.
I took my nephew 2 years ago, and now he's itching to get back out there again.
6.) Most important. Tell someone where you'll be going, and know when it's time to quit. Don't push your luck
|
Threaded Mode