Ice fishing for beginners of all ages

Here are some tips on ice fishing. First of all, you don’t need a lot of fancy equipment. All you need to get started is a set of five dump trucks and a hand auger. An ice fishing shelter is optional to keep the wind out.

A set of basic tipups with line will cost around seventy-five to one hundred dollars. Tipups are a simple affair where you place your poles crossed on the ice with your reel below the waterline. Unless there is a lot of snow on the ice, this shouldn’t be a problem, as the water will even out to the top of the 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. These lines are usually 18 to 25 pound test. Fill your spools to within 1/4 inch of the brim, for that big one that wants to run. After you’ve done this, it’s time to add a leader. I normally use 8-14 pound test monofilament. If you are in a lake with a lot

Big fish go with heavier leaders. I use a swivel between my squid line and the leader. This gives the bait a chance to move without twisting the line. It also makes it easy to change hooks, just buy the leaders pre-tied and hook them onto your swivel, add a sinker and you’re ready to go fishing.

choose bait

Don’t know what the fish are biting? A stop at your local bait shop will give you some great advice on what’s working. It’s a good idea to choose a couple of different types of bait. You never know what they’re biting today. Pick a dozen of two different types to get started. When I hook the bait on the hook, I like to hook them right behind the dorsal fin. Most fish will bite the hook from the rear, so you’ll want to place the hook where it will be most useful. Be sure to check if you can use live minnows or dead minnows. Check the regulations in your region.

In the lake

You are now in the lake with spikes in hand and you need to get to the fish. This is where your auger comes in. Whether you opt for a manual auger or an electric auger, you need to find a place to fish. A good place to start is around the spots, as fish use these spots to find bait fish throughout the year. If you know of a deep hole within walking distance, head there without further delay. The fish will hang on the edges of the hole looking for bait all year long. Fire up that auger and let’s drill some holes. Drill a couple to start with and after you get a couple of tipups, drill the other three. Be sure to check your state regulations as some places restrict the amount of tips. If you don’t get any flags after a while, don’t be afraid to move.

That’s all for starters. Make sure you are dressed for the weather to make your day more enjoyable. Don’t forget the kids, they are good runners when the bait bucket runs out with the last dump in the row.

Stay warm and good fishing.

Safety is very important, so make sure you have the proper outerwear, including a good pair of gloves. Frostbite and hypothermia can be a serious problem for ice fishermen.

As in everything, remember, safety first. Make sure the thickness of the ice is good (at least 3-4 inches). If possible, go with a friend or where there is a group of fishermen nearby. Even experienced anglers can find themselves in sticky situations if they let their guard down.

Another safety product is a set of ice picks worn around the neck on a lanyard. 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 you do fall through the ice, it’s the easiest way, besides someone else throwing you a rope, to get out of the hole.