How to Rig an Ice Fishing Rod

For many anglers, fishing is a year-round avocation. In places where the water stays open all year, anglers can use the same equipment all the time. But in northern climates where water freezes and ice covers lakes and rivers for extended periods of time, different equipment is required. If they learn how to rig an ice fishing rod, fishermen can continue to catch fish, even after water bodies are covered with ice.

Things You'll Need

• Ice fishing rod
• Spinning fishing reel
• Thin-diameter fishing line
• Ice fishing lures

Instructions

How to Rig an Ice Fishing Rod

1. Select an ice fishing rod. In doing so, consider the main species you plan to target. Light-action rods are best for small fish, while heavy-action rods are better suited to large fish.

2. Locate a spinning reel that matches the ice fishing rod, in terms of both size and line capacity. Keep in mind that the smaller the reel, the less line it will hold. This is not a concern if you plan to use thin-diameter lines and a light-action rod. But heavy-action ice fishing rods call for thicker diameter line, so the reel must be large enough to hold a sufficient amount.

3. Attach the reel to the rod. If the rod has fasteners that hold the reel, tighten them around the reel base. If not, use electrical or hockey tape to attach the reel to the rod.

4. Select fishing line based on what size the rod and reel can hold. Two- to 4-lb. line is sufficient for light-action rods, while 10-lb. test (or heavier) line works with heavy-action ice fishing rods.

5. Thread the line through the tip of the rod, all the guides and then onto the reel. Tie the line to the reel using an overhand knot, then cut the tag end. Then begin reeling until the spool is full of line.

6. Select a lure based on what kind of fish you plan to target. If you are using a light-action ice fishing rod, select a small, light lure. Heavy-action rods do a better job of handling heavy lures.

7. Tie the lure to the end of the fishing line.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a variety of lures on hand. It is easy to take one lure off and tie another one on, which could make the difference in catching or not catching fish.

• By definition, ice fishing rods are used on ice. Always practice extreme caution when traveling on ice. Check the fishing regulations before going ice fishing.