Ice fishing differs in many ways from normal fishing, but there are similarities, too. In both cases, a fishing line with bait on the end is put into water with the hopes of catching fish. With ice fishing, though, there's the obstacle of surface ice that must be cut through to reach the water. The temperature also can be quite colder when ice fishing. With that in mind, there are some things to remember when preparing tackle for ice fishing.
Ice Preparation
In addition to an auger to cut through the ice, people going ice fishing should bring something to scrape ice out of the hole once it begins to form. A simple ladle or a hand garden tool can function in this regard and fit in the tackle box, too.
Plastic Bait
According to avid angler Steve Ryan, bluegills and other pan fish eventually grow tired of live bait. Bring plastic bait and use the plastic if the live bait isn't meeting with success.
Brightly Colored Jigs
Sometimes fish will inhale and exhale bait so quickly that it is difficult to set the hook in the fish's mouth. A brightly colored jig helps to know a fish is interested in the bait and allows for the bait to be monitored by looking down the ice hole.
Chum
Chum can be added to the tackle box and used in cases when the fish aren't biting. Chum brings interested fish closer to the fishing hole. Chum can be made from grinding up minnows and wax worms. The chum can be ladled down the ice fishing hole to draw the interest of fish and bring them closer.
Hand Warmers
Hand warmers that are operated on battery power are an addition to a tackle box that provide relief from the cold. If hand warmers are not available, a few simple chemical heating pads can be stuffed into mittens or gloves to keep hands warm.
Styrofoam Bait Bucket
With the low temperature and the ice covering the water, an insulated bait bucket can help keep the bait unfrozen. The low temperature will help keep the bait fresh, and the insulation will help keep the bait from clumping together in a frozen lump.
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