Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is a very broad term. I say this because, there are so many different types of fish that can be caught under the ice. People frequently go fishing on the ice for crappies, trout, pike, sunfish, walleyes, yellow perch and many other fish species. The type of fish you try to catch will determine exactly how you go fishing for it. It will tell you what ice fishing rods and ice fishing traps to use and what ice fishing tackle to use.

This being said, fishing on the ice can be a very fun experience. The basic ice fishing equipment you will need is an ice saw or auger to cut into the ice. You'll also need something to keep the hole open as the water can start to freeze up again while your fishing. It would be pretty heart breaking if you had a fish but couldn't get it up through the hole because most of it had frozen up on you again.

If your a beginner, you might want to skip getting an ice shanty, ice fishing camera and power auger for now and just get the essential ice fishing supplies. Head out with a bucket or an ice fishing chair to sit on and see what you can catch. If you end up enjoying ice fishing, you can always upgrade your ice fishing gear. You can get all sorts of electronic gadgets to help you find more fish in a shorter period of time. Additionally, you might want to look at ice fishing houses and ice fishing shelters to sit in while you fish. These shacks can be great and can even provide you with heating and a bathroom. Being able to fish on the ice and stay warm at the same time is a great feeling. Look into the wide selection of ice fishing sleds or make your own homemade ice fishing sled to drag all your ice fishing equipment out onto the ice.

Ice Fishing Safety

Although this type of fishing is very fun, it can also be extremely dangerous. You should always check weather conditions and make sure that you are fishing on a frozen lake, river or stream. Although you can do this type of fishing as far south as Maryland, you do have to make sure you go at the right time of year. If you fall through the ice, you will not have a good fishing experience.

Always wear appropriate ice fishing clothing and make sure you go fishing with a buddy to help you in the event of unforeseen trouble. Also, make sure you bring a rope and some spikes. If you fall through the ice, you may be able to pull yourself out using the spikes.

Catching Fish

Now that you are safely on the ice and have used your saw, pick or auger to break through it, you need to focus on actually catching fish. Make sure you take a few good ice fishing lures with you, unless you are confident in your ice fishing bait selection.