Best bait for ice fishing for pickeral and largemouth bass?
April 4th, 2010Best bait for ice fishing for pickeral and largemouth bass?
Ice Fishing 2008 : Advances In Technologies, Gear And Tactics
April 4th, 2010
Since the dawn of mankind fishing and catching the largest and most fish has always been on most men’s mind. So it is with ice fishing in the Northern U.S. states and Canada. In an effort to catch “that big one” as well “more fish” new technologies and techniques have advanced and evolved. Many of these techniques and tactics are thought fresh, copied and some say even “stolen” from the ice fisherman’s fall/spring / summer “open water” fishing cousins and some even say “competitors”.
To begin with and to note with caution – the first rule of ice fishing is to return home intact with your catch, or sometimes lack of catch. Safety is more than paramount.
Always remember that even though you feel safe on the ice – that in one flash you can be in the most dangerous, deadly frozen environment on earth. Ice cold water is the most deadly water on earth to all human beings on earth and ice fisherman.
It never hurts to play it safe. Remember first of all that “first ice” is “dangerous ice”. Ice can be inconsistent during the first phases of freezing. Even though the ice looks safe – it may not be in certain icy patches. Best to wait till the ice is good and solid.
It is always best for safety for ice fisherman to fish in groups – rather than alone. However spread out the weight of your fishing party and gear. As a rough guide ice fisherman should keep 50 feet apart on the fishing ice. As for general ice thicknesses for safety concerns they are as a rough guide – 4 inches of ice thickness is base minimum.
If fishing with support vehicles – ATV’s or snowmobiles then 5 inches of ice thickness is the base minimum ice thickness recommended for safe and sound ice fishing.
The advances in ice fishing technologies in 2007 seem to focus on the concepts that ice fishing is a different sport and a “different kettle of fish” than its summer sport and needs to be adapted for that.
Summer fishing seems to be more of a stay put in the boat or on shore type of fishing. The feeding and resting habits of fish seem to be located in certain spots and holes.
Whether this is for temperature, water flow and geography and nutrient flow is a good question. Even though it is most cold in the dead of winter, you might think the fish the ice fisherman is hunting in the dead of winter simply lie dormant on the lake or river bottom. This is not so. The fish act entirely differently during the cold winter ice periods.
Ice fish seem to be more mobile than fish during the warmer time periods. They move around more. True their overall travels may be less over the lake regions, however in their limited areas they move around a lot more. An ice fisherman pegged down to only hole in the ice, in one specific location is at a major disadvantage.
Modern technologies and materials, adapted from the space race are being used and applied for the successful ice fisherman.
First of all, small one man portable ices fishing huts or shelters have been developed. Incredibly light, easy to carry and setup these small, portable one man fishing huts allow the successful ice fisherman to quickly and promptly move his camp – for greater ice fishing success.
How does the ice fisherman know where to move his gear? After all a change is not always as good as a rest.
Again modern technology comes into play. Sonar fish fishing equipment has been specifically targeted with the ice fisherman in mind. Older “flasher “type sonar fishing gear is best for this purpose. Instead of the newer, more expensive LCD graphing gear, flashers give an immediate, real time fix on the fish and their movement and motions.
Fish can be more than promptly spotted, their locations gauged the ice fishing holes can then be quickly and promptly dug in the correct places with real time, rather than more dated and less accurate and timely information.
As well there are additional benefits to the ice fishing specific fish sonar locaters.
The winter ice fisherman is a better position to both judge the location, motion as well as feeding and general habits of the fish that being tracked.
Generally with ice fishing predator fish strike upwards to grab the bait. The flasher sonar’s tip off the fisherman as to exact depth of the fish in question so that the fisherman’s bait can be placed correctly above the fish.
Standard practice now is those Ice fishermen generally drill several fishing holes. The ice fishing sonar kit can easily be moved from spot to spot to get a quick fix of where the fish are and are not. Successful catches rather than empty catches are now the norm.
Lastly the Ice fishing specific sonar “flasher ” fishing gear are not only less expensive than the newer “LCD” sonar fishing types but also more trouble free and easier to operate in the frigid cold weather. LCD screens generally work on heat principles so that the very cold weather is not an issue with the “flasher” types.
At the end of the day – the successful ice fisherman can boat of two things- good companionship and a healthy rewarding catch of fish for the event.
Simple Ice Fishing Equipment
January 27th, 2010
Choosing the right gear and equipment for ice fishing is a relatively easy task. There are several key pieces of gear that are essential for fishing out on the ice. The most obvious ones are a fishing pole with lines and hooks and something to cut through the ice. If you forget to bring these pieces of gear then you are not going to be able to go ice fishing at all. So be sure to bring them.
To cut through the ice you are going to either need a saw, an auger which is motorized or not, or some vicious temper to punch your way through a couple inches of ice. If you are humping it out to the ice or walking a long way then I recommend not bring a motorized auger. This is a heavy piece of gear that will weigh you down and provide for a miserable time trudging to your ice fishing destination. If you are walking or just want to save the environment by not using any gas then I suggest that you cut through the ice with a ice saw. This will be much easier to bring along on your hike to the frozen heaven that you are going to be experiencing.
Another piece of ice fishing equipment that you are going to need if you actually want to do some ice fishing is a rod with line and some hooks. There are different kinds of ice fishing rods with different features depending on the kind of ice fishing that you want to do. One style of ice fishing rod is called a tip up. The tip up is designed to “tip up” when you get a strike. That way you won’t have to hang on to your rod for hours on end. For those ice anglers out there that want to keep a firm grip on their rod then I suggest getting a strong pole with a flexible tip. The line you use is completely dependant on what kind of fish you are after. Heavy fish require heavy lines. That seems to make sense.
One thing that I also want to mention is the warm clothing that you definitely want to bring. The only problem with ice fishing is that it is usually pretty dang cold outside when you do it. So you are going to need to bundle up nice and warm. I suggest a parka, two layers of gloves and mitts and the biggest warmest boots that you can possibly get your hand on or feet into. Snow pants are also a great piece of ice fishing gear to keep you nice and warm.
If you are going to be heading out on ice of any kind you also have to think of safety. Ice fishing may not be the most extreme sport out there but it still kills several people every year. Some people fall through the ice and die of hypothermia while a very few ice anglers get lost out there while hunting for rivers and streams to fish on. This requires you to bring a few pieces of gear that could possible save your life. These pieces are ice picks that help you to haul your self out of the ice if you fall through. These are generally just two spikes that are worn around the neck or near the sleeves of your jacket. Another piece of safety gear that you want to bring on your trips is a buddy. There is nothing better than having someone to look out for you, especially while you are freezing cold and wet. I also suggest that you bring a map and compass of at the very least you are going to want a general knowledge of the area.This these tips and suggestions you can have a wonderful time on the ice. Now get out there and enjoy your winter paradise.
Justin Lock is an author, webdesigner, motorcyclist, photographer, and of course an ice fishing maniac. If you want to know more about him or find a full list of ice fishing gear you should visit http://www.icefishingpro.com
Can you go ice fishing in your backyard?
January 24th, 2010and NO, this is not a redneck question. can you just walk in your backyard and cut a hole in the ice and fish? Whats your favorite kind of fish that you catch?
Ice Fishing Outfits – 4 Tips To Keep Yourself Warm And Protected
January 12th, 2010
rm instead of putting on a single bulky bit of clothing. The layers will help to insulate the heat within and keep you warmer. The layer closest to you will be to keep the body dry, the next one is to withhold the heat and is like insulation and the next one is to resist the outside elements like the moisture and the wind. The different layers of fishing gear for ice fishing is essential to prevent the body temperature from plunging too low and causing hypothermia which could be dangerous. This could set in because of the long hours spent on icy locations.
No doubt you will have a tent or shanty for protection, but never the less it is better to go fully prepared just in case there is a blizzard or any such emergency and you cannot get back to the vehicle or the shore.
Ice fishing gear which is an absolute must:
1. Under layer that is moisture wicking – you can get the moisture wicking gear from any sports store which sells them for wearing after a work out at the gym and are just as suitable for wearing when you are out ice fishing too. The fabric which is polypropylene in fact draws the dampness away from the skin, and prevents dampness which is often there with cotton clothes. If your skin gets damp you will feel much more cold and uncomfortable and there are chances of falling ill too.
2. The insulating layer – many of the older fabrics work well as an insulating layer as part of your ice fishing gear. You could use fleece, wool or down for this heat holding layer. However, if you use fleece or wool you would need something with a blend of nylon to protect you from the moisture and wind that could get in through these fabrics. The modern micro fiber is very popular as it is both warm and lightweight, and water resistant above all.
3. The layer to protect you from wind and water – you could use leather or nylon as the outer shell for preventing the moisture or the wind from getting to you. Nylon is also very light and easy to carry with you and you could take along an extra piece too if required, as an emergency gear. These nylon windbreakers easily fold into a pouch and are easy to pack and carry along with you.
4. Protection for you feet – you should opt for boots that are rubberized and water proof and have a felt liner which you could remove. This along with socks that are moisture wicking are a great protection against the moisture and also keeps your feet warm. You could have an extra pair of these felt liners in case your feet get too moist.
You could also carry along with you scarves, goggles, woolen hats with ear miffs and face-masks to keep your head warm and dry. For your hands to be kept warm you should have gloves, mitts, gloves and hand warmer packets which are a must for your gear when you are fishing in the ice.
Abhishek is an avid Fishing enthusiast and he has got some great Fishing Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 116 Pages Ebook, “Fishing Mastery!” from his website http://www.Fishing-Masters.com/772/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.
Where can I buy a auger for ice fishing?
December 25th, 2009Where can I buy a auger for ice fishing?
Would you be able to help with gift ideas for ice fishing?
December 1st, 2009My hubby loves ice fishing, I would like some small gift ideas for him, under $25. I do not fish and have no idea what most of the stuff on GanderMountain.com is used for! Can you help me with some stuff you would like to receive?
What gear do I need for ice fishing?
November 25th, 2009The lake that I will be fishing on usually gets at least two feet and most of the time three feet of ice. What tips for fishing can you give me?
Ice Fishing Tents – Good Reasons To Use Them
November 22nd, 2009
When ice fishing there is no need to have a permanent ice fishing house or shanty, as an ice fishing tent is collapsible and easy enough to set up, an option that is good for most anglers. You will find that it differs to a camping tent, as there are some fishermen that just take a traditional tent even though they are not suitably constructed.
Before you decide on which is the best model to buy for your ice fishing tent, you should look at many key factors that are important. Most tents are designed to fit one to two people, while there are tents that can fit from four people up to six at the most. The tents are usually shaped traditionally or designed to be hexagonal, which makes it suitable for you to be seated circularly around the fishing holes. Once seated, it is usually difficult to get to the exit of the tent which is a door or flap on one end, a disadvantage. It is also difficult to heat these tents as the heater is usually placed on the opposite side of the entrance, so the heat doesn’t get to circulate properly. Smaller tents are cosier when there are just the two of you, but when you need a bigger tent for more people it can be a cause for concern when it get bitterly cold and heat is needed.
Ideally, the best ice fishing tent to buy is one that is easy to erect and is collapsible on a lake, so as to cope with snowy or windy conditions. The ideal one is an all-in-one fibreglass frame which is collapsible and folds in together, eliminating the need to put up tent poles that have to connect to the correct part, which can prove difficult in bad weather conditions.
The bottom of the ice fishing tent should be strongly reinforced. The holes you find are usually preset, with fasteners so that you can close off any unused holes. You anchor the tent with pegs, so that it can be secured to stop it blowing away. With the tent being light it can be move about even it is very calm, with no wind.
Some anglers enjoy spear fishing during the winter months, so the tent should be tall enough to allow for standing around with room to move about. The hexagonal tents work out best for this sport. You can find ones that easily fold down so they can be stored in a backpack type package, with arm straps to allow for easier transport. The larger ice fishing tents can be packed up and moved about on ice fishing sleds.
Abhishek is an avid Fishing enthusiast and he has got some great Fishing Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 116 Pages Ebook, “Fishing Mastery!” from his website http://www.Fishing-Masters.com/772/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.
Ice Fishing Rods – 2 Tips To Select The Proper Rod
November 10th, 2009
Selecting the proper ice fishing rod is essential as you would not want to have problems with your tackle while you are on the water. You should take your time to select the rod as this is one of the most important parts of your fishing gear and will help you in getting your fish.
1. What do you need in an ice fishing rod?
Unlike summer fishing rods the ice fishing rods do not have to be very flexible or strong as you do not have to cast them. However, you should select one that is strong enough to withhold the pull of the fish which might be big and strong. In an ice fishing rod you will have to look out for a drag that is going to be vertical and not the same as a traditional rod. So you have to ensure that it is strong and does not snap off at the end.
Normally most anglers who are very much into ice fishing favor a ice fishing rod that is 28 inches and with a average action and is thought of as a jigging rod. This sort of a rod will be ideal for trout, whitefish and walleye. A rod with a lighter action is suitable for smaller varieties of fish like perch, and a heavier one will be more suitable for the bigger fish like pike or some of the weightier lake trout.
2. Why do you want flexibility in your rod?
If your ice fishing rod does not have enough flexibility and is stiff, you will not feel the bite of the fish on the bait. A sluggish action rod is usually stiff and will have little bend or flexibility. Fish will nibble at the lures and bait during winter and will strike less, and it is essential to feel the fish nibbling on your line. Again if there is too much of flexibility in the rod it will not be very ineffective in hauling the fish towards the top of the lake.
For the use of jigging and artificial bait, the fishing rods are normally mega or fast action rods which allow the fisherman to feel the catch on the line and set the hook. Rods that are made of graphite give a firmer and stronger resilience to reel in the catch with not much bending or the risk of breaking. However, the angler should remember that in very cold temperatures the graphite will become brittle and fragile, so it is wiser for fisherman to get ice fishing rods that are made of fiberglass. They may have to forfeit on sensitivity but get a much more durable tackle.
Abhishek is an avid Fishing enthusiast and he has got some great Fishing Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 116 Pages Ebook, “Fishing Mastery!” from his website http://www.Fishing-Masters.com/772/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.