A few tips to be ready when the hardwater arrives this winter.
Many freshwater anglers enjoy the sport all four seasons. But are you ready when your buddy calls to announce he’s found safe ice and says to meet him at the lake at 5 a.m. the next morning? Unfortunately this is what drives us to scurry through our fishing gear and get ready last minute.
One of the best times to prepare for this another ice fishing season is at the end of the previous year. As ice retreats in the spring we typically hang up our tip-ups and jigging rods, tossing ice gear into a 5-gallon bucket, with outdoor wear stashed in the back of a spare closet. But entering a new year we often aren’t ready to quickly get on the bite. End of the ice season is the best time to examine all your gear, spooling up with fresh ice line on tip-ups, and making sure they are in top shape. The key is looking for wear and tear, cracks, or any other damage that could cause you to lose the big one through new, safe ice. Have them all in one bucket to pack and ready to go as the new season approaches. If you didn’t do it in the spring, now’s the time!
Many ice anglers use a combination of tip-ups and active vertical jigging. Better late than never, but be sure to clean and lightly oil all jigging reels just as you would any other reel prior to the start of the run. Re-spool with fresh ice line; remember that lighter line can easily get nicked or chafed when working fish through a jagged hole in the ice. This is not the time to save a dollar; horsing a big ‘ol pike through the ice is not the time to be worrying about your line!
Depending on your location, an ice hut or tent can be invaluable. Setup the hut in the fall in the backyard; check that all hardware is in good shape, and patch any rips or tears in the fabric so that you’re ready to ice fish at a moment’s notice this winter. Also be certain your “Heat Buddy” is in good working order, and that extra propane is on hand. A good warm hut is a must when on the ice for long periods. Many heater units can also double as a cook stove making it easy to heat up a can of soup or other hot meal.
Many anglers invest in sonar units for the ice. From high end flashers, to portable units that fit in the palm of your hand, displaying data on your cell phone. Be sure they are fully charged and operational. If you use a navigational App such as Navionics, you should be marking areas of interest throughout the year, like that rock pile or bed of stumps in deeper water that may hold fish year-round. That makes it easier to get to the right spot once things freeze over, reducing the need for further prospecting.
Lures and tackle are obviously a major part of planning a day on the ice. Keep a tackle box exclusively for your ice gear with plenty of extra hooks, weights, jigs, spoons and the like. Check lures for any hooks that are bent or corroded and replace. Organize your tackle box so getting setup on the ice is quick and you do not need to waste time searching for your gear.
I don’t think we can talk about ice fishing without touching on safety. Ice fishing comes with its own set of inherent dangers. A good day on the ice does not need end with a rescue or a worst case scenario. Common sense and preparation can avoid most negative situations. Remember, waders are not for use not the ice; they will fill with icy water if you should fall through and getting yourself back up on top will be nearly impossible. Get yourself a good pair of ice pants or coveralls that will keep you warmer and help should you ever need to deal with a fall-through.
Always use a spud-bar to test ice thickness as you walk your way out. Thickness can become dangerous within a few steps. Be sure you are always walking on a safe thickness (4 inches at minimum). Ice awes should always be on your body and quickly at hand should you fall through and need to use them. Of course, it’s always best to fish with a buddy, should the worst ever happen.
Be safe, enjoy, and “Go get on ‘em!”
