Ice fishing is popular with sportsmen in the north. It's an excellent way to get away from it all or spend some relaxing, quiet time with a few fishing friends. There are a plethora of lures, baits and fishing tools to choose from. Get the basics and get started with ice fishing.Instructions:
Get Prepared Step 1
Dress warmly. Wear layers to keep your body temperature warm.
Step 2
Visit local sports shops and fishing equipment stores to find out what is biting, what bait to use and where to go.
Step 3
Get a license to ice fish.
Step 4
Pack your bag. You'll need a fishing line and pole, bait bucket, ice auger, bait, lures, bench, a towel, a depth finder, food and water. You might even consider a waterproof heater.
Step 5
Call for ice conditions before you walk out on the ice. It is not always as thick as it looks. The ice should be at least 4 inches thick and hard frozen. Snow depth on the top doesn't count.
Go Fishing Step 1
Find an ice shanty near other fisherman. The locals usually know where the fish are biting.
Step 2
Dig a hole using an ice auger. Skim out as much of the ice chips and remnants as you can. Floating ice can break your line.
Step 3
Use a dip net when baiting your line. It will keep your hands out of the water.
Step 4
Weigh your line down so you can fish close to the bottom of the lake. The water in a frozen lake is warmer at the bottom and most types of fish congregate there.
Step 5
Wait quietly and patiently. Fish not biting? Move down a few yards.
