Image by Mark Sardella via Flickr

Careful planning and preparation is all it takes to make ice fishing the greatest time of your life or the worst.   Easy?  Take a look at the following tips and see how prepared you are to catch those fish!

Buy early

Make a list of the supplies you used last season and replenish them early.  Make sure you get all those Glo-Buster Bluelights or Lindy Tazers.  All you need to remember is four words: wise up, stock up.

Check the hole on the ice floor

Simply put, make sure the hole is clean.  Chips or chunks of ice could cause entanglements in one’s fishing line and could make you catch fish or literally break your chances of getting any, as these could sever the line therefore losing your chance of getting that trophy of a lifetime bluegill. Remember to keep the hole clear of any barrier.

Fish more, get the big four

The bait you simply cannot go on without:  wax worms, minnows, assorted PowerBait, maggots. It is best to keep these bait separated and as much as possible alive using coolers such as a small Coleman.

Clean `em all up

Inspect and clean the rods and fishing reels you are going to use.  Q-tips are best for taking out the nicks in every nook and cranny of your ice rod.  Non-freezing oil for lubing fishing reels is advisable. 

Heat up

Do not forget to bring those heaters and pounds and pounds of propane cylinders.  One cannot fish comfortably if he or she is as cold as the fish under the ice.  Ice fishing should be fun and feel comfy too. 

House up

The ice is harsh and cold but it doesn’t mean you have to feel that too.  Ice tents should be cleaned out as well by putting over a light coat of lubricant at the joints.  If there is any wear or tear, it is best to contact the manufacturer in order for them to send out the appropriate repair kit, as deemed necessary.

Gear Up

Better be safe than sorry, make sure you get a set of lifeguard spikes as well as a safety rope. Also, to feel less of the cold and at the same time be cool, pick up a fishing coat from the Carhartt Extremes Arctic Jacket.  Avoid frost bits on your toes and feet, the best shoes are the Irish Setters Versa Trax to keep you warm all over.

Jerry J. Jansen
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Sometimes we tend to simplify the dangers of ice fishing, thinking of all of the fun of catching “the big one” after drinking a case of beer with friends while downplaying or omitting altogether the inherent dangers.  Life-or-death situations can and do occur and often without notice, so it is imperative to take sensible precautions prior to driving or walking on frozen water in search of the perfect winter catch. 

Those who wish to participate in an ice fishing expedition should be in reasonably good physical condition and able to swim or to at least remain comfortable staying afloat.  Should an emergency occur, such as your fishing partner falling through the ice, your physical condition and their ability to float could be critical.  The ability to remain calm in case of emergency is crucial as well.

When selecting clothing, consider not only the elements of cold, wind and snow, but also your mobility should you fall into the water.  Waders or hip boots can fill with water, creating additional weight and restricting movement. These should, of course, be avoided at all costs. Waterproof, ankle-length footwear which laces up is a good choice.  Keep in mind what would enable swimming and floating with ease when selecting what to put on.  By layering your clothing, you retain the ability to lighten yourself easily should the need arise.  A wool hat is a necessity to retain body heat. You should also remember to wear a personal floatation device.

Check ice conditions before venturing out on any frozen surface.  Ice thickness should be no less than six inches and should be determined in more than one area, as ice thickness can vary.  The ice fisherman’s rule of thumb is “Thick and blue, tried and true.  Thin and crispy, way too risky!”.  Always go out on foot before driving a vehicle on any ice surface, probing with an ice chisel in front you as you walk.  Should the chisel ever go through, do not continue forward. Instead, carefully turn around and head back toward shore to return another day.

Loud booms and cracks may indicate nothing more than contraction and thermal expansion on a larger lake. However, on a river this sound signal may indicate imminent breakage or movement of ice.  Always remain acutely aware of your surroundings when walking on any frozen surface.  A group of individuals should proceed in a single-file line, leaving about ten feet between each person.  Only after an ice cover has been accurately inspected should you drive a vehicle on it.

Ice conditions vary from region to region. Before venturing out on any frozen surface, take time to familiarize yourself with the area and to put simple precautions into place.  If you are unsure about something, ask the advice of someone whose experience you trust.   Above all, never go out on the ice alone and never go out on any ice whose safety is in question.  By following these suggestions, your ice fishing expedition is guaranteed to be safe, if not fish-filled.

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Jerry J. Jansen
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