An ice fishing pole is significantly different from most other fishing tackle. Ice fishing poles are short, usually less than three feet long. They are classified as ultralight gear and frequently have a very small spinning reel. This is because the fishing line is not cast, but is dropped through a hole in the ice. Ice fishing poles are generally rigged with a lure or live bait. This rig is worked up and down in a pumping action in the water to attract fish. Once hooked, the fish is reeled straight up out of the water and through the hole in the ice.
Step 1
Thread the line downward through the guide in the tip of the pole. Feed the line through the rest of the guides. Open the bail (the curved wire guide on the fishing reel) by pulling it back to the vertical position.
Step 2
Use an arbor knot to tie the line to the reel spool. Loop the line around the spool. Tie an overhand knot in the end of the line and around the main portion of the line to form a large slip knot around the spool. Tie another overhand knot in the end of the line and pull the main line to tighten the knot.
Step 3
Close the bail and place the large spool of line on the floor. Crank the handle of the reel to wind line onto the reel spool. Stop when the amount of line on the spool nears the edge of the reel spool.
Step 4
Cut the line off at the large spool of line on the floor. Leave enough line between the end of the line and the pole to tie on the fishing rig.
Step 5
Use a knot, such as a Palomar or improve clinch knot, to tie the rig. Tie on a snap swivel to the end of the line. Tie another length of line to act as a leader. Add a weight to the snap swivel to help keep the rig in place, if necessary.
Step 6
Finish the rig by tying on either a lure such as an ice fly, teardrop lure or minnow jig, or a number 10 or 12 bait fishing hook for panfish, a number 3 hook for walleye or a 2/0 to 6/0 hook for northern pike.
Tips and Warnings
- When purchasing an ice fishing pole, select a pole that has at least four guides. A cork handle will be warmer in your hand and more sensitive to light strikes.
Things You'll Need
- Ice fishing pole and reel
- Fishing line
- Scissors
- Swivel
- Fishing weight
- Fishing hooks or lure
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