1. Buy Basic Gear
Avid fishermen don't want to wait for warm weather to enjoy their sport. If you're a fishing enthusiast, but live where there's extreme winter weather, you might want to try ice fishing. You'll require your regular fishing gear, plus some extras you'll never find in the summer fisherman's boat. At least one of the fishermen in your group will need an ice saw or auger to cut a hole in the ice. If you plan on doing a lot of ice fishing, you'll want to invest in a power auger to speed up the process. If the ice is thin, you'll also need ice chisels, also known as spuds, to chip away at the ice. A spud bar can check for ice thickness. Add your fishing rods and reels, a line weighted for ice and an assortment of ice fishing bobbers and lures. A good fishing shop can help you choose the right lines and bobbers. You'll also need a small folding chair. Some ice fishermen prefer a large paint bucket turned upside down for sitting. Other handy ice fishing helpers are a flashlight, propane heater and a GPS in case you get lost. You can haul all your equipment on a toboggan or sled. And don't forget your fishing license.
2. Ice Fishing With Style
Ice fishermen who like to fish in luxury often bring along an ice shanty. This is a heated building you can drag onto the lake using a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle, or it can be a permanent building you leave at the lake year round. The permanent ice shanties can be a wonderful home on the ice, complete with beds, stoves, bathrooms and satellite television. But even the portable ice shanties usually have heat and bunks for sleeping. If you fish with a group, a nice ice shanty certainly makes for a more social experience.
3. Dress for Warmth
Ice fishing means cold weather. Dress in layers, so you can adjust your clothing as the temperature and your activities change. Wear long underwear made of silk or polypropylene, a synthetic fabric that wicks moisture away from the skin. Choose wool, fleece or down for your next fabric. Top off everything with waterproof pants and jacket. Add warm gloves and a wool cap that protects your ears. Since ice fishing can be a windy sport, some fishermen like to wear a face mask and neck warmer. For your feet, wear insulated, waterproof winter boots. If your feet get cold and wet, you're likely to be miserable.
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