Fundamentals of Ice Fishing – Learn to Ice Fish Easily and Safely
Comfort is key. When moving on ice, it is important to ensure that you are always carrying a pair of ice awls around your neck. Remember to adjust the awls so that they are easy to grab when you need them, but that they don’t get in the way as you are using an ice auger. An ice pick is also a good tool to have for testing the ice. In addition to the above two things, ice fishers should also always carry throw lines with them. You should also attach studs to the soles of your shoes to prevent slipping on the clear spring ice. Explore our range of winter fishing equipment here.
How to find the best ice fishing spots?
Before a fishing trip, you should try to find out about good spots in the area you are going to fish in. One good option is the Sailmate navigation app. You can also look out for previous holes in the ice to help you find fish. Places with a significant number of old holes are well worth trying. Clear patches of ice without snow can also attract fish.
Equipment That Will Ensure a Smooth and Successful Ice Fishing Trip
Newcomers to ice fishing should equip themselves with a few basic items. Vertical jigs are the easiest and most reliable lures for beginners. Bait the hook of the jig with fly or may fly larvae. You can also add a mormyshka or color hook attached to a piece of line (leader) behind the vertical jig.
Balance jigs are perfect for those targeting large perch, zander, and pike. Balance jigs are simple to use. Lower the lure to the bottom, bounce it up and down a couple of times, and lift the jig up slightly. After the lift, make a few quick pulls and keep an eye on the line as the jig completes its little loop. Once the line has returned to the middle, repeat the process.
Mormyshka is a good option for when the fish are picky. In the right spot, the small bounce of a mormyshka can provoke choosy fish to attack.
Ice fishing container or chair-pack is a key piece of equipment for ice fishing. The backpack allows you to carry both your packed lunch and equipment in addition to your jigs.
Ice auger should be chosen based on the species of fish you are targeting. A 5” ice auger is perfect for beginners. An ice auger of this size also allows you use slightly larger balance jigs without worrying that the fish will escape if the hook hits the bottom edge of the hole in the ice.
How to Use an Ice Fishing Jig
Let the jig fall down to the bottom and reel it in a bit. Now you know that the jig is near to the bottom. Start twitching the jig on the bottom, then lift it higher with short pulls or tugs for added attraction.
Keep an eye on your line or the tip of the rod to see whether the fish bite. When you notice a bite, quickly pull up the line next to the hole in the ice, remove the fish, and lower the jig back into the water immediately.
Ice fishing is a wonderful pastime, particularly when the sun is shining, and you can enjoy your time on the ice. Ice fishing is covered by the public right of access.
Tight lines!
