Ice fishing can be a great way to beat cabin fever and it can be one of the best times of the year to catch fish. However, to take advantage of ice fishing opportunities some gear is essential to make the experience comfortable and productive.
Clothing
The key to staying warm is layering. Begin with a base of silk or synthetic underwear and add layers. Wool garments provide excellent insulation and will maintain warmth even when damp. Outer layers can include sweatshirts and jackets covered by heavy parkas, bibs or coveralls. Spend as much money as you can afford on a good pair of boots — many are rated for temperatures well below zero — because you will be standing on the ice. There are varieties of hats that will keep your head and ears warm; consider a fur hat — nothing beats fur for warmth and style. And be sure to carry at least a couple pairs of gloves or mittens.
Safety
Some safety equipment should be included in every ice angler's kit. The best tool for checking ice thickness is an ice chisel or spud bar that can be used to strike the ice and evaluate ice conditions every step of the way. Commercial or homemade ice picks should be worn around your neck in case the worst happens and you need something to grip the ice to pull yourself out of the water. Ice creepers or ice cleats are great for keeping you on your feet. Do not forget that wearing a life jacket is a good idea until you are sure the ice is safe. Make sure you have a long piece of rope in case of emergency. With warmth and safety taken care of, a person can concentrate on catching fish.
Ice holes
A spud bar can be used to make holes, but ice augers make the job easier. Hand augers are relatively inexpensive and would be the best investment for beginning ice anglers. The most important thing about ice augers is to keep the blades sharp. Purchase an extra set of blades in order to ensure you have at least one set of sharp blades on every trip. Once a person is ready to make a greater investment in ice fishing equipment, gas-powered augers make the job even easier. An ice-skimmer is essential for scooping ice chunks from holes.
Rods and reels, hooks and bait
Beginners can use their open-water fishing rods and reels, but specialized, shorter ice fishing rods that allow anglers to sit closer to their ice holes while fishing also are available. Think small and light for most ice fishing tackle. Fish metabolism rates are slower during the winter so light lines with relatively small hooks, jigs or spoons tipped with wax worms or maggots are the best ice fishing tools for most species of fish. Use heavier lines and larger baits for pike and other large predator fish. You can borrow a child's sled to haul your equipment onto the ice. Do not sit by the fire suffering from cabin fever this winter. Get on the ice and catch some fish.