While most people associate fishing with warm summer days and sitting by the lake, fishing can be enjoyed in colder weather as well. Ice fishing is the winter version of fishing. With that being said, ice fishing is much more dangerous than regular fishing, and it is important to know the basics of what you’re doing before you try it out.
The typical season for ice fishing is between December and March due to the thickness of the ice being at it’s sturdiest. Before you hit the ice, try to find a fishing area that is known to be a common place where people go and where fish are caught. It can be devastating to be outside all day with no bites, especially in the low temperatures. If the location is somewhere that many people go you will also know that the ice there is safe to go out on. Of course, something to always consider as a priority is your safety. Before walking onto any frozen ponds or lakes, examine the ice layer and be sure that it is at least 4 inches thick. Some people will risk going onto thinner ice however; there are other elements that can make that very dangerous.
Once you find your spot it is time to set up your area. Some ice fishermen like to just set up a display of their gadgets in a secure fashion and let the pole do the work while they stay inside somewhere nearby, and others like to sit on the ice. When choosing your spot you should allow yourself at least a 15-foot distance between where you settle down and land. Use an ice auger to make your hole. Slowly chisel away until you break water and remove all the extra shavings so you have access to your hole. As for your fishing pole, it should be at least two to three feet long. Depending on what kind of fish you are trying to catch will impact your decision on what bait to use, but for the most part a swivel lure will work just fine. If you plan to sit out on the ice while you fish make sure to pack warm clothing and food for the duration that you’re out there. It may be a good idea to learn how to treat hypothermia as well, just as a precaution should anything happen to you or any members of your party.
You will want to drop your cast to be about three feet from the bottom of the pond or lake. As a tip, it might be helpful to churn the water to wake up whatever fish are down there to get them hungry and excited. Hold your pole and jig the bait under water to attract the fish, and for those of you who fish during the summer, you’ll notice that this is a similar technique. There’s no saying how long it will take to get your first bite, so patience is always key when fishing. Also, being that it’s winter the fish will be moving a lot slower than normal. A good rule of thumb is to not jig your bait too quickly because they will not be able to keep up with it or think that they can get it. A good strategy may be to rely on a bobber to get their attention so that they can meander up to the bait at their own pace.
Written by the staff at Quality RV. Quality RV is one of the top RV Dealers that the state of Missouri has to offer. They service the whole state including St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia and the Lake of the Ozarks.