Winter Fishing Tools

Winter fishing is not just ice fishing but any fishing that takes place during winter. However, ice fishing requires more tools to get the job done. The temperatures and ice necessitate more protection and mechanical assistance than needed for fishing on a pond on a summer morning. Winter fishing tools are more than just a matter of a pick and reel; your tools extend from specialized bait to a shelter that can keep you alive.

Tackle

Fishing at any time of the year requires tackle -- the bait, hooks, lures, lines and wires that you use to tempt and catch the fish. In winter, when temperature affects where the fish go, fishing can benefit from certain types of baits in certain conditions. According to Jack Lewis of the Ultimate Bass Fishing Resource Guide, the warmer waters of South Texas, for example, can stay above 60 F, making a spinnerbait a useful tool in catching bass. Jody Holubek, also of the Ultimate Bass Fishing Resource Guide, notes that colder waters, with temperatures in the 40s or 50s, force bass to seek deeper water, in which jigging spoons are a better choice. Check with area fishing organizations regarding the behavior of the fish you want to catch and what specific baits might be best.

Safety

Bundle up well in warm clothing and thick boots. Bring several layers so you can warm up or cool down as needed. Ensure that you always have a compass and remember life vests if you plan to fish from a boat. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources advises that, if it turns dark or the weather suddenly turns bad, you can lose your sense of direction if you can't see the shoreline. When you get to your fishing spot, determine the necessary compass heading to point you in the right direction, should conditions make the shore invisible.

Getting Through the Ice

Use a chisel, also called a spud, to cut through ice by hand; use a drill-like auger to get through very thick ice. If bits of loose ice are cluttering the opening, remove them from the surface with a skimmer, which looks like a perforated ladle. Once you catch a fish, haul it from the ice with a gaff hook, take out the fishing hook with a hook disgorger and clean your hands on rags. Retrieve bait from your bait bucket using a special dip net; you can use another bucket as a seat to prevent direct bodily contact with the ice. Snowy areas may require a snow shovel to uncover ice. Remember to bring your fishing pole and renew your fishing license ahead of time.

Shelter

Sitting on a frozen lake or river in subzero temperatures means you will be both cold and vulnerable to sudden winter storms and cold fronts. Many ice fishermen use shanties, or small huts, as shelters. These can be semipermanent structures that can sit on the ice throughout the season, or they can be temporary foldable shelters. Some states, such as Alaska, require shanties to have heaters or stoves. Check with your state's fish and wildlife department about state requirements for your shanty and whether you need a permit or a registration for it.

Cautions

Be extremely careful about going on the ice or into rough waters. Check with the park service, police or other authorities who handle ice and water safety in your area; inquire about local conditions and do not go out if they advise against it. Don't guess about the thickness of ice or assume that an entire lake is safe just because the area closest to shore looks solid.