Fishing is one of the few sports that can be enjoyed year round. There are slight equipment moderations necessary but for the most part the sport can be as inexpensive or as elaborate as each individual chooses to make it. Most local lakes and reservoirs provide angling reports to give fishermen an idea of what is being caught where and what bait and lures were used. Fishing and game regulations apply year round and licenses are required.

Ice safety is the first and foremost priority during the winter months. Ice fishing with an experienced angler for the first few trips will ensure beginners gain the strategies to stay safe and have an enjoyable adventure without mishaps occurring. There are a few tried and true ice tips to remember. Blue or clear ice should be at least 4” thick to hold the weight of one person and 5” thick to hold multiple people. The ice should be at least 8” to hold a snowmobile or ATV and 12” thick to hold a light vehicle. If the ice is cloudy or opaque, these depths should be doubled.

It is also important to remember that water does not freeze evenly and though adequate depth may be frozen in one area, an area close by may be shallower. Ice covering flowing water is weaker and ice later in the year around springtime may look thick and strong but warmer temperatures will render it weaker and prone to breakage. Lookout for open water and holes in the ice as these areas pose potential hazards.

Layering proper clothing is essential to provide adequate protection against the cold weather and wind. Clothing closest to the body should be made of cotton or polypropylene to wick away perspiration and prevent a chill. Wool is a great insulator and should be worn on top followed with wind resistant jackets and pants. Coveralls not only insulate from the cold but barricade against the wind and elements. Hats and gloves that supply warmth and wind protection in addition to insulated water proof boots complete the ice fisherman’s wardrobe. In addition, boot cleats simply slide over boots and provide safer footing on slippery ice. If intending to fish without shelter, a face mask to protect the face and neck is advised.

Shelters are found at mass merchandisers to sporting goods outlets in various sizes and price ranges. Many times wooden or plastic shanties are available in the location of the lake or reservoir and can be rented. A floorless tent provides adequate protection form the weather and is relatively inexpensive. Small propane or butane space heaters keep shelters nice and cozy or a small hibachi grill heats food and provides warmth. Small stools, folding chairs or an upside down 5 gallon bucket are all the furnishings needed.

A simple sled or toboggan will carry all the necessary supplies to the fishing sight if a vehicle is not going to be used. A 4-6 inch ice auger is needed to burrow through the ice and a skimmer is suggested to clean out the hole. An ice chisel with a safety line attached is used to make the hole larger but no more than 12” in diameter. Skimmers consist of a wooden handle with a strainer on the end and are located in the food prep sections of many stores.

A compass is a small inexpensive device but comes in handy if darkness or a white out occurs and is a recommended safety precaution by experienced anglers. Taking a bearing from the fishing hole to the exit path will ensure a safe return to shore should visibility become a problem.

Regular fishing rods can be used but special shorter ice fishing poles are located in sporting good outlets. The bait, lures, jigs, hooks and rapalas taken along will depend on the type of fish being caught in the area. 10-15 pound fishing line is strong enough whether attempting to catch small panfish or larg pike and walleye. A simple bobber or float will alert anglers when a fish has taken hold.

Tip ups are used in place of a conventional rod and are manufactured with spool lines to attach leaders and hooks. When a fish is caught a flag raises alerting the angler. Models start at around $10 but elaborate versions are available that replace flags with lights and incorporate hole covers and line lubrication to prevent freezing.

Needle nosed pliers to retrieve hooks and small fish dip nets to scoop bait are little essentials that come in handy. Gaff hooks make hoisting a slippery wet fish out of the hole a breeze.