Battle the fish or battle the elements? It’s the age-old question that comes up every year when the surface of your favorite pond, lake or river turns to ice. Sure, catching fish in the winter months is a thrill — just wondering what will come up through that hole you dug while you reel is like unwrapping a gift — but the thought of parking yourself exposed on a 5-gallon bucket with a rod in your hands while getting hammered by snow, sleet and wind? Well, that can force the hardiest of anglers to give up before the day even starts.
Thankfully, today’s advancements in ice-fishing equipment, tackle and apparel can make just about any day on your local tundra feel like paradise.
So if you’re a novice to the sport — or even an experienced seasonal fisherman who’s curious about getting outside when everyone else is hibernating — here are some basic items you’ll need to ensure your time in the deep freeze is productive and fun.
Gimme Shelter
The days of homemade wood cabins, mounted on sleds (think: “Grumpy Old Men”) is largely gone. Today, affordable and easy-to-assemble ice shelters dot ice surfaces everywhere. These structures, engineered in flip-down (“clam style”) and squared or hexagonal front-access designs, can be setup or collapsed instantly and provide a safe haven from whatever Mother Nature throws your way.
Ranging from 1- to 8-person capacities, ice shelters are made with rugged, multi-layer fabrics that offer breathable, thermal insulation. Pair it with a portable space heater and you’ll fish in creature comfort, regardless of the brutal temperatures and conditions outside.
Drill, Baby, Drill
Unless you enjoy doing major cardio with a pick ax or a shovel, it’s essential to invest in an ice auger. These screw-action tools come in manual or power designs (electric, propane or gas), and offer a range of diameters. Manual augers are the most cost effective for newcomers to the sport. They commonly drill 4- to 8-inch holes in the ice. Power augers can drill 10-inch holes and are more efficient, but also heavier and need to be serviced periodically.
Plus, have an ice skimmer handy to keep the hole clear, and overlay a rubber floor mat with a cut-out opening around the hole to retard ice buildup. Continue reading at Dick’s Sporting Goods – http://protips.dickssportinggoods.com/improve/the-basics-of-ice-fishing/