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Ice Fishing Tackle
Rods/Reels/Line - The biggest
difference in equipment between ice fishing and conventional
open-water fishing is the rod itself. While most conventional fishing
rods are between 5 and 7 feet in length, ice fishing rods are
typically 30 inches long or less. Smaller reels with less line
capacity are needed to match these downsized rods. Because water is
clearer in the winter, most ice fishermen use a green or clear
monofilament line in the 4- to 8-pound test range. For toothy species
like northern pike and walleye, heavy leaders can be attached at the
end of the main line.
Tip-Ups - A simple ice fishing
rod and reel is adequate for fishing depths of 10 to 15 feet. However,
when fishing deeper water, consider using a tip-up. A tip-up is a
device placed over the hole in the ice, from which a baited line is
uncoiled off a spool, lowered to the desired depth, and once a fish
strikes the bait, a spring-loaded flag “tips up” to alert the angler
of a strike. The angler then reels in the line and fights the fish by
hand.
Baits/Lures - Much like rods and reels, baits and lures
used for ice fishing are generally smaller than those used in open
water. Most lures fall into the “jig” category, with a weighted head
and small hook molded into a single unit. Jigs will range in size from
1/64 ounce to more than 1 ounce, depending on how deep and which
species the angler pursues. Jigs can either be fished alone, with soft
plastic or feathered bodies; tipped with live or natural bait, such as
minnows or maggots; or a combination of the two. Jigging spoons and
other lures that can be fished vertically are also widely used
Miscellaneous Equipment - In
addition to terminal tackle, the angler should have other gear in tow
for a day on the ice. Most importantly, a gas- or hand-powered auger
is needed to drill holes in the ice, and a strainer is handy for
scooping ice shavings from each hole. Other necessary items include:
Foam or insulated bait bucket
Bait net
Fishing stool (5-gallon buckets work
well)
Ice picks (for safety)
Some optional equipment can make for a
more enjoyable outing:
Portable propane heaters
Portable depth-finder or other sonar
device
Lantern
Thermos with hot liquids
Getting Started
To begin ice fishing, cut a hole in the
ice with an auger or ice-spud. (Check state fishing regulations to see
if rules exist on the size or number of holes you can make.) Drop a
line with a weight on the end to help determine the depth of the
water. In general, the best depth to start ice fishing is close to the
bottom. A good rule of thumb is to look for fish in their typical
summer locations. Most fish will be found near some type of cover or
structure, such as weed line edges, offshore humps, points and
drop-offs. A portable flasher or other sonar device can be a valuable
tool in pinpointing where the fish are.
Staying Warm
Warmth is a necessity when ice fishing,
as actual temperatures on the ice will normally be colder than air
temperatures on land. Because ice fishing involves a lot of sitting,
fishermen need to dress as warmly as possible to avoid a quick end to
an ice fishing trip. Here’s a list of recommended clothing and
outerwear for ice fishing comfort:
Long underwear
Flannel or wool shirt
Loose-fitting jeans or pants
Wool socks
Insulated or fur-lined boots
Coveralls or insulated pants
Heavy coat with a hood
Stocking cap
Warm gloves (bring two pair in case
one gets wet)
Make sure to layer your clothing and
that it fits loosely, which provides better insulation. Portable
shacks and shelters (where legal) can shield the angler from the
elements. They can be purchased through dealers or constructed at
home. In northern states, many ice fishermen set up semi-permanent
shacks or shelters on a body of water for the entire season. Be sure
to check ice-fishing regulations as some states regulate the use and
placement of ice-fishing shelters.
Safety
Before ever stepping out on the ice,
there are many safety issues to keep in mind. Ice is never completely
safe. Four inches of solid ice is the minimum for safe fishing.
Always wear a life jacket.
Have some rope attached to ice picks
in the event of a fall.
If more than one fisherman is present,
each person should walk a short distance from the other. If one falls
in, others can get help.
If going alone, take a cell phone.
Write a trip plan and leave it at
home.
Vehicles need at least 8 to 12 inches
of ice to drive safely. If driving onto the ice have a bailout plan if
it becomes necessary to leave the vehicle.
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*Uncle
Ducky's Charters & Fishing Vacations:
906-228-5447
Marquette County in the Central Upper Peninsula of Michigan is blessed
with several small inland lakes that are excellent ice fishing in the
winter months for a variety of fish. The nice thing about small lakes is
that they are not quite so hampered by wind and its much easier to get to
the best fishing spots. Rainbows, Browns, Splake, Northerns, Perch,
Walleye, and Crappie are the species we primarily target through the ice.
We have all of the gear, poles, tip-ups, Shelters, heaters, sleds and
everything you'll need for a great time.
