Ice Fishing 101

Depth, speed, and color

Depth is the most important consideration. Many fish are suspended a few inches to a few feet from the bottom. Depth varies from day to day. Fishing sonar & depth finders immediately locate the main school. Larger fish are often above or below the main flow.

The presentation, and jigging:

• Tip-ups allow fishing holes to be monitored from a distance. When fish bite, a flag "tips up" and signals the catch.
• Pounding is rapid vibrating/wiggling of the wrist, making fishing lures seem alive to trigger bites.
• Spinning occurs after the fishing line suddenly becomes still - fish do not bite what is spinning.
• Snappin' is done by loading up the rod and snapping up with force. Erratic movement attracts curious fish.
• A smooth jigging motion creates a natural circling/swimming motion that attracts fish. Airbrushed lures with blended colors and glow-in-the-dark lures work well in deep or dirty water and at night.

Bare basics

Layered clothing, thermal gloves and socks, and insulated boots are a necessity. An ice shelter keeps out wind and harsh weather elements.

A "spud" bar cuts through ice up to a foot thick. Hand-powered ice augers easily handle moderate ice conditions. Gas-powered augers provide speed and convenience. Use the appropriate-size auger for your fishing needs.

The power of the ice fishing rod (graphite or fiberglass: heavy, medium, light, and ultra-light) is the force needed to bend the blank. Match the power, as well as lures, to the species being targeted. Long ice fishing rods provide leverage but are difficult to handle in ice fishing shelters.

Beer bellying up

Most fatalities are caused by hypothermia, causing loss of use of limbs, unconsciousness, and heart failure. Survival time in the water varies from 20-90 minutes. Victims wearing a lot of clothing, who remain still with head and neck out of water, body tucked - and ironically who have added weight - are slower to succumb to hypothermia. General first aid consists of shelter, dry clothing, and hot liquids. Alcoholic beverages reduce heat production and cause further heat loss.