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Better your ice fishing with these simple tips.

02.28.2009 · Posted in Home and Garden Articles

Ice fishers do not mourn the arrival of winter. In fact, they look forward eagerly to the day when the ice on the lake will be strong enough to support them and their gear. Weather cold enough to send most of us in to a warm fire means it is time for ice fishers to put their shacks on their sleds and head for the lake.nnIce fishing requires the same patience and skill that fishing in warmer seasons requires. It also requires warm clothing, special tools for drilling holes in the ice and, in some cases, a small building to sit in while fishing. All of these necessities, however, will not by themselves turn you into an ice fisher.nnIt would seem obvious that ice fishing would be a favorite among people who live in the northern most states of The Union. It does indeed prosper there but many would be surprised that there is also good ice fishing much further south. Colorado might not be much of a stretch for ice fishing but there are also several excellent sites in the mountains of Arizona.nnIce fishing in isolated areas does not mean you will not need a license. In fact, it is important when applying for your license to make sure you are going to a lake that is open for ice fishing. Secluded lakes may be privately owned or may be preserves where ice fishing is not allowed. nnJust as there are different locales for ice fishing, there are also different types of fish to be found in those locales. Ice fishers often bait their hooks looking for walleye. Right before sundown and just before sun up are good times to test the ice fishing waters for these fish.nnAs with any cold weather sport layering your clothing is the key to staying warm but not getting too hot. The layer closest to your body should absorb perspiration and pull it away from your body. Several warm layers go on top including multiple pairs of socks and gloves or mittens. Finish off with water repellent jacket and pants on top of everything.nnYou will need an ice drill and a skimmer to open up a hole for your fishing and keep it unencumbered. An ice chisel to start the hole is also a good idea, particularly if you are fishing on ice that is not extremely thick. Fish caught during ice fishing season may be heavier and harder to get out of the hole. Take along a big heavy duty hook to pull your catch out of the water.nnHearty souls may choose to sit out in the open while ice fishing. A lot of ice fishers find that bringing a portable ice shack with them increases their enjoyment. Shacks allow ice fishers to stay on the ice for longer periods of time. Some ice fishers have semi-permanent shacks that are large enough to accommodate several people at one time.nnAll ice fishers have their own favorite tackle and strategy. The type of rod you choose will depend on the type of fish you are after. Perch can be quite large so choose big hooks and strong rods. Many times you will be able to catch perch in the middle depths of the lake. nnIce fishing is a great way to make a seasonal hobby into a year long avocation. Still, even for those who do not enjoy fishing during other times of the year, ice fishing can hold a special allure. Many folks eagerly wait the day when the lake freezes over so they can haul out their gear and ice fish.

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