2023 Ice Fishing Guide, Tips and Tricks

Ice fishing is in full swing now. When cold winter comes, no one is more excited than ice fishers. Because they can spend the day fishing on the ice. Ice fishing season is shorter than other seasons, that’s why fishermen would grasp any chance to stay on the ice and experience the fun catching. If you just start to ice fish this year and don’t want to miss the ice season, there are certain things about ice fishing you should know.

Why do people go ice fishing?

Of all the sports, why some people just love ice fishing? You might be confused, as sitting on the frozen lake for hours seems no fun at all, not to mention you have to endure the extreme coldness. Ice fishing is one of the best ways to enjoy the winter outdoors. For ice fishing lovers, winter is just another great opportunity to have fun. Some people go ice fishing just for fun, some people consider it a sport. The most common reason for people to go ice fishing is to catch fish, to enjoy this unique style of fishing.

Ice Fishing Safety Guide

Ice fishing can be dangerous, but with proper precautions it can be a safe and enjoyable sport. Cold weather makes ice more brittle, so when you are walking on it, take small steps and place your feet carefully. Wear warm clothes and gloves to stay warm while ice fishing, and always have an ice pick on hand in case you fall through the ice. If you consider going ice fishing for the very first time, how to keep yourself safe comes first before enjoy yourself. Here are some safety tips you should learn before getting out on the ice.

1. Check the thickness of the ice layer and keep an eye on temperature changes

If you want to go fishing on the ice, checking the thickness of the ice layer is a must. 4 inch of thickness is a safe boundary for ice fishing. If the ice thickness is less than 4 inch, better stay away as it can be very dangerous. If you want to drive your car or truck over the ice, the ice should be as thicker as better. Always keep an eye on temperature changes, if the temperature rises dramatically, the ice might melt and ice fishing can become dangerous.

2. Always go with a friend or partner

As ice fishing can be dangerous, it is important for you to not go alone. It's much safer to have a buddy when ice fishing. If things go wrong on the ice, you can look out for each other and call for help.

3. Be familiar with your ice fishing gear

Ice fishing requires more tools than any other types of fishing. Except for ice fishing rods and reels, you will need an ice auger to drill the hole, ice scoop to clean excessive ice, and so on. You should master the basic techniques of using these tools and equipment.

4. Keep you ice shed or ice camp well ventilated

When you go ice fishing, you will pay more attention to how to stay worm. But remember that enough air circulation is just important as well. Keeping your ice shed or ice camp well ventilated can provide enough oxygen inside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

5. Bring as more equipment and necessities as possible

Apart from fishing tools, there are many other essential things to take. For example, enough clothes to stay warm, mobile power supply to charge phone, food and beverage to restock energy. It is also recommended to wear a floating suit, in case you fall into the water. Overall, it is never too over to be cautious.

Ice Fishing Tips and Tricks

Ice fishing differs from any other types of fishing on many aspects. It doesn’t demand too much on casting skills, since you just drop the line into one single hole. The key is to locate the perfect spot and find the fish. Here are some tips and tricks for your ice fishing.

1. Bring you ice fishing rods, reels, and lures

Remember you are going ice fishing, so these fishing tools are essential, ice fishing rods, reels, and ice fishing lures. Ice fishing rod is not like other types of fishing rods, so they are irreplaceable. Get ready with your ice fishing rods and reels. Lures are necessary as well. Most ice anglers would fish for trout, crappie, and bass. You can prepare as more fishing lures as possible, including live baits. In case some lures don’t work and you still have replacements to try.

2. Find the ideal spots

Finding the right place for fish is important, the ice allows full access to the whole lake, but you will have to drill one hole after another. These spots are possibly where fish like to stay. Firstly, the steep drop offs that next to the weed beds. They offer good shelter, enough oxygen, and good resources of prey for the fish. Secondly, muddy bottoms. Little prey creatures like to build their homes at muddy bottoms throughout the winter. That’s also where bluegill and panfish that feed on them go. Lastly, you will have to switch to another spots if you fish for minutes yet no action. Generally, find places where oxygen, creatures are enough and provides good shelter.

3. Jigging tips and techniques

There are several jigging tips for ice fishing. In the first place, you should drop you fishing line into the ice hole and let the hook sink to the bottom. Jigging works effectively for small fish like panfish or bluegill. Then you can slightly raise your lure up. Jig up and down, side to side. But do not make it quickly, because fish are sluggish in winter. If they find the lure is hard catching, they won’t bite any more.

Ice fishing maybe fun and interesting, but it can be dangerous at the same time. Take some precautions before going will make your ice fishing trip safe and let you enjoy the thrill of the sport. Catching fish can be difficult under cold weathers, learn the right tips and techniques will be a lot helpful.