In the winter, when the top layer of the pond or lake is frozen, it is the time to go on an ice-fishing trip. Unlike ordinary fishing trips, you have to be extra cautious while ice fishing.

Ice-fishing safety

Before embarking an ice-fishing trip, make sure that the ice is perfectly safe for you to walk. It is not safe to go alone on an ice-fishing trip. To check the thickness of the ice, it is advisable to carry a chisel, and check the ice thickness, as you move ahead.

Ice fishing equipments

To go on an ice-fishing trip, you need a fishing rod and reel suitable for ice fishing. Ice-fishing compatible fishing rods are stronger and shorter than ordinary fishing rods. You need bait, such as fatheads, wax worms and crappie minnows. To drill a hole in the ice, you need an auger. You can opt for a power operated or a hand operated auger. Hand operated augers are suitable for drilling holes in thin ice sheets.

Catching fish

Anglers often do not prefer early winter ice fishing trips. The thin ice is not only unsafe for walking, but the fish can easily detect the angler. If you want to fish in the early winter, fish from a shelter, which would prevent the fish from noticing your presence. To hide yourself from the fish, you should opt for a black colored shelter. Also, remember to maintain complete silence while fishing. In the early winter, you have to wait silently for a long time to allow the fish to be lured to the bait.

Ice fishing in late winter is comparatively less troublesome. The thick ice will hide your presence from the fish, so you can fish in a more relaxed manner. However, you can catch greater number of fish during early winter. The fish during this time swims in the clear shallow water beneath the ice.