ice fishing tips

The bond between the lake and fisherman is not broken when the snow puts a frosty blanket over the water. In the winter people who live in some of the colder regions of the country are preparing for the ice fishing season. Ice fishing is a charming sport in that people who do it often feel as though they are slipping into character. As you put on the several layers of warm and dry clothing, you can't help but feel as though you are playing the role of some experienced, seasoned fisherman who is about to conquer the hostile environment of the winter's ice and snow.

So you think you can plod out onto the ice, drop a line and start hauling in the fish? Think again. There are many small details involved in ice fishing that the novice might not have thought about. There is so much more to this sport than waiting and trying to keep warm until 'the big one' tugs on your line! There are a few steps in the process, from the moment you make the hole in the ice to the moment you release the fish from your hook. Your goal is to have a successful day, not sit out there shivering in the wind because you have nothing better to do.

Once you have arrived at the lake, it is a good idea to make a pattern of the holes that you want to drill. Generally, the experts say to start your first hole about 10 feet from the shore. You should then drill about four to eight holes in a line. You may want to drill several lines of holes that create a grid or fan shape in order to thoroughly cover the structure on which you are working. Be sure to do all of your drilling when you first arrive. As you might imagine, fish are frightened by the noisy drill. Do the drilling once, and they will return to the spot before you know it.

There are two basic approaches to ice fishing, active and passive. The active approach is jigging (done by hand or with a wind-operated tip-up), while the passive approach is done by using a set line. Most ice fishing is accomplished using set lines. A set line is exactly what it sounds like. It is a line sitting still with a minnow on the end waiting for a bite. If you use this method, you are able to fish more than one hole at the same time, as well as do other things, such as cook or make a fire.

A set line will usually be rigged with a single small wire hook tied to the end and a split shot attached six to eighteen inches up the line. A minnow is hooked and the line is sent to within inches of the bottom or into the strike zone. You may also use bear paws to add dropper lines to your main line. This lets you fish at multiple depths. Once you've put the lines down the hole, all you have to do is wait for a hit to set off a flag.

Here are a few ice fishing safety tips: Watch your step. Avoid ice fishing near feeder streams or known springs; brush, logs, plants or docks; multiple ice cracks or ice that is popping or otherwise audible; and dark-colored ice that may be weak. Spread out. Too many people congregated in one area may be more than the ice can safely support. Disperse weight and fishing holes.

When bringing the fishing line in by hand, it is vitally important not to give any slack. To prevent this, grab hold of the line at the surface of the ice with your free hand. Start pulling before your occupied hand is extended as far up as it will go. When the fish is still a few feet below the surface, judge how green the fish still is. If the fish is still very active, it may be harder to get the fish's head through the hole. It is wise to decide before the fish gets to the ice whether or not you are going to attempt to bring the fish through. Once you've got a fish that far, he's all yours. These are the basics of ice fishing and you will learn more 'on-the-job' lessons. Grab a few friends, dress warm, be safe, and go find yourself a frozen lake with lots of fish.

Toni Grundstrom is a freelance writer and writes at: http://cabinfeverreliever.wordpress.com/