How to Get Started Ice Fishing

Drilling a Hole for Ice Fishing

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Just because it's winter-time doesn't mean that you can't participate in some of the same hobbies you love doing in the summer. Fishing is a great example of a hobby that can be pursued in the winter as well as in the summer. So what exactly do you need before you start ice fishing?

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Fishing gear
Warm clothing
Ice pick
Ice drill

How to Get Started Ice Fishing

Step1

Buy your fishing gear. Much of the gear that you would use for regular fishing can also be used for ice fishing such as your rod, bait, hook, and net. The extra gear that you will need includes equipment to cut your hole in the ice. An ice drill to start your hole, as well as an ice chisel to widen your hole once you have your basic hole started, are both essential pieces of equipment that you will need to buy or rent before you go ice fishing.

Step2

Buy your thermal gear. As the name "ice fishing" states, you will be on ice. Make sure that you buy clothing that will not only keep you warm, but also keep you dry. Grab gear for your head, ears and feet and not just a jacket for your body. Snow pants are also a great investment. Also, nothing is worse than wet socks in cold weather, so be sure to invest in waterproof shoes.

Step3

Check the depth of the ice. Ice covered lakes claim the lives of many people every year. Ice must be at least four inches thick if you are traveling on foot and five inches if traveling by ATV and eight to 12 inches if you're driving a car or a small truck on the ice. If the ice looks iffy, don't try it. You can usually check with the local bait shop if you are unsure of your own measurements.

Step4

Find a fishing buddy. Never ice fish alone. There are too many dangers, even beyond falling through the ice, to consider fishing without a fishing buddy. Hypothermia and frost bit can become very deadly very quickly and accidents can also happen just as easily on ice as they do on land. Having someone else there to help you, or to get help for you, can be a potential life saver.