Ice Fishing 101

If you are a beginning ice fisherman, this is the article for you. It all starts with the rod. I'm sure you have seen ice fishing rods before, but if you haven't they are much smaller than regular fishing poles. They are usually about 2 or 3 feet long. There are a few different types of reels to choose from. An extremely small version of the open faced reel is a good choice, but the older type that looks like a wheel works just fine. The best line size to use is 4 lb. line. This will give you the sensitivity you need to feel every bite. It also allows your small reel to function much better. The best lure in my opinion is a small jig tipped with a wax worm. This has produced the greatest number of fish over time, and almost any type of fish will bite it. Another thing that you will need for your first outing is an ice auger. Hand augers are relatively inexpensive and work well for cutting your ice fishing hole. Some people prefer a motorized auger. It is really up to you. Those are the basic necessities for ice fishing, but there are a few more things that most ice fisherman won't leave the house without. First, is some type of sonar. This allows you to see what depth you are working at, and it also can point out some fish that might have been missed otherwise. Another thing is fishing tent. There are a number of different styles and sizes to choose from. These keep the harsh conditions of winter outside. You can also operate your poles without gloves because your hands won't freeze in the process. These are the ice fishing basics. If you are going out for the first time, make sure you take someone with you. It is never safe to go ice fishing alone. Good luck!