The weather and the water may be icy, but seasoned fishermen know, with the right bait and technique, the bites are bound to be blazing under a frozen lake.
Recognized as a specialized sport, ice fishing appeals to both men and women. Most anglers are hopeful there will be plenty of fish to fry following a day on the ice, but others say it's about being safe and having fun with family and friends.
"On a bright sunny day, it's a nice way to spend an afternoon in the winter," said fisherman Michael Rebovich in an interview with Suite101.com. "It's a challenge but it's relaxing at the same time. The best of both worlds."
A father of four in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Rebovich recently competed in an annual ice fishing tournament at Prompton Dam in Wayne County, PA . He watched his nephew take home a cash prize for hooking an award-winning pike.
Practice Proper Ice Fishing Technique
Here are the basic rules of ice fishing that when followed could result in a fresh-water fish feast.
- Never fish on ice less than four inches thick. Ice can be traveled by foot between four and six inches thick, and by winter ATV between six and 10 inches thick. Fishermen should be a safe distance apart and always travel in single-file lines. Ice should be measured with an auger, a tool used for piercing and boring holes.
- Never fish alone. Any seasoned ice fishermen will say he or she relies on a friend for safety. A companion can call for help and attempt a rescue with a rope or other survival gear.
- Never drink alcohol while ice fishing. Alcohol increases the risk of hypothermia and inhibits sound judgement.
- Dress in layers. Ice anglers should wear clothing including long underwear, shirt, pants, coat, snowmobile suit, hat and gloves, insulated boots with ice grippers to help prevent slipping, and face protection with either a mask or sunglasses if the sun is at its peak.
- Wear a lifejacket. In the event of a fall through the ice, a personal floatation device under a coat keeps the head and shoulders above water.
Ice Fishing Gear and Shelters
Following the rules listed above, a fisherman can begin the search for his or her catch of the day. Depending on the weather, ice fishing enthusiasts can fish in the open air or set up portable houses, commonly called ice shanties or shacks. No matter the choice, an ice sled is an easy way to transport rods and reels, ice picks, bait, safety equipment, etc. across the ice.
Fishing from a shack is generally recommended early in the ice fishing season. A person fishing in open-air on thinner ice is backlit from the sunlight and a clear indicator for the fish below to stay away. A shack, however, simply looks like a blunt object and fish are likely to approach.
Later in the season when snow is covering the ice, anglers are likely to drill plenty of holes to find healthy schools of fish below. With thicker ice and snow cover, fish are not likely to see or hear anything above.
With careful consideration of the elements and surroundings, ice fishing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in the winter season and keep fishing skills sharp until the Spring thaw.
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