Been trying to get out all winter for a little #icefishing. Finally got a chance to get out with my longtime friend Eric Fieldstadt (Great fishermen and photographer).
If you’ve never been ice fishing, you might be wondering why anyone in their right mind would want to walk out onto a frozen lake or pond and start drilling holes. The answer is simple… Addiction to Fishing!
There were about 15 people out on the ice when we arrived. The action was slow in the early morning but picked up as it got later. Several Crappies, Pickerel, Bluegills, Perch, and even some Bass were caught. Some guys set up “tip-ups” rigged with live bait while they jigged.
We met a lot of nice folks out on the ice. Everyone was friendly, courteous, and just out there to have a good time.
Eric and I spent our time only jigging, but we moved around a lot more than most of the guys out there. We used a variety of ice jigs and some little spoons tipped with small cuts of salmon skin. In the end, moving around produced a lot more fish for us… plus you tend to stay warmer when you’re moving around. 😉
If you’re thinking about giving ice fishing a try, there’s still a lot you need to know before you set foot on the ice. I would always recommend you go with at least one other person and preferably someone with ice fishing experience.
Be prepared, dress warm, and be sure to carry some safety equipment. A good general rule is 4” or more of newly formed ice is safe for one adult to stand on, but there are other things to consider. Not all areas will have the same ice thickness.
Here’s a couple of resources that can help you:
Know When Ice Is Safe
Ice Fishing Basics
