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Fishing can be an all-season activity, but fishing in the winter over ice requires a different skill set and gear. If you’re drawn to the ice for a unique fishing experience, here’s what to know and what gear you’ll need to get started safely and successfully.
Whether you’re an experienced angler wanting to extend your fishing season or a total beginner, you’ll soon be ready to hit the ice after going through this comprehensive guide.
What Is Ice Fishing?
Ice fishing is a winter sport in which fish are caught through holes drilled into bodies of water partially frozen during cold weather. At first, this type of fishing was a critical survival skill for those in climates that experience significant freezing.
However, it’s now evolved into a recreational activity that combines winter outdoor adventure with the skill and expertise of fishing.
It’s an enjoyable activity for solo fishermen, angler groups, or even families – plus, if successful, you can head home with freshly caught dinner.
Ice Fishing Safety
Safety is the top priority when fishing on ice. Frozen waters are risky – a wrong step onto a thin area can put you in danger of hypothermia, so understanding the correct safety protocols can keep you out of dangerous and even life-threatening situations.
Before heading out, always go with a friend or tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return home.
As you make your way onto the ice, pay attention to its thickness, which is your primary safety indicator. Certain thicknesses can support different weights, so you’ll need to consider the size of your group and the total weight of your gear to know what thickness can safely support you.
You want at least four inches of solid and clear ice for solo fishing. For small groups with light gear, 8-12 inches of ice is preferred. And don’t drive any vehicle on less than 12 inches of support.
These are minimum requirements, so it’s critical to understand how temperature fluctuations, changing currents or tides, and springs can affect the stability and reliability of the ice you’re on.
Remember that thickness can change quickly, so re-check the depth every 150 feet as you cross frozen bodies of water.
Another safety necessity is knowing how to spot rotten ice, which indicates a weaker area that can crack or suddenly give way. Look for water pooling on the surface, cracks spreading out from where you’re standing, and white or gray spots that indicate rotting conditions or weakness.
What Is the Best Ice Fishing Setup for a Beginner?
Ice fishing equipment can be overwhelming for summer-only anglers or complete fishing beginners. Start with a basic setup of simple, high-quality gear.
Rod and Reel
Your rod and reel will help you catch a fish and successfully bring it to the surface. Beginners should look for a medium to light action rod about 24-28 inches long for versatility. Ice fishing is not all about rod length. You want better control in a confined space, allowing you to notice subtle bites.
For the reel, your best bet is an ultralight spool with a 4-6 pound test line that can easily handle cold conditions. It should also have a smooth drag system that won’t freeze up.
Look for combo sets created by manufacturers specifically for ice fishing. These are a great value for those new to the sport.
Bait and Lures
Your choice of lures and bait should match your current fishing conditions and target species, so research what certain fish prefer. For example, if you want to catch bass, pike, or walleye, you may prefer using live bait fish like minnows or shiners.
Since these are predator species, they’ll likely be drawn to the natural scent and movement of live prey fish. Panfish species, like crappie or bluegill, prefer a smaller presentation like maggots or waxworms.
Consider purchasing a variety pack of artificial jigs in different sizes and colors. You may find better luck with a jig on its own or even combined with live bait to balance both natural scent and visual appeal.
Auger and Ice Scoop
These tools will likely be entirely new for you, but they’re a vital part of “Ice Fishing 101.” The auger is a manual tool that creates a hole in the ice, allowing you to access the water below. While automated options are available, they’re more expensive, less portable, and much heavier. They’ll also require you to use a power source like the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max + 160W Solar Panel.
A manual auger with a 5-8 inch diameter works well for most ice fishing scenarios. It is large enough to allow most fish species through but small enough to keep the drilling process manageable by hand.
Don’t forget the scoop! Once the hole is made, you may need to clear out remaining ice chunks or fish out slush as it begins to form, or else it can freeze your line.
Warm Clothing and Shelter
Warm clothing and shelter (known as a shanty in ice fishing) will help you stay safe and warm during long and cold winter days. Wear several layers, including warm socks and gloves, ear protection, head protection, and waterproof outerwear.
You can also stay warm with a portable ice shelter known as a shanty or shanties. These are similar to tents in that they mitigate wind and help protect you from harsh conditions on the ice.
Cooler
Fishing is one of the many ways to use a portable refrigerator like the EcoFlow Glacier Portable Refrigerator. You can keep your catches fresh, preserve any snacks or drinks you packed for the day, and even make ice if needed. It’s battery-powered but can last up to 48 hours without a recharge.
Fishfinder
Fishfinding technology takes out the guesswork of fishing and tells you exactly what’s happening below the frozen surface. Look for a model that displays the ice depth, water depth, and fish location in real time. GPS functionality is a plus!
Power Source
A reliable power source is crucial for all-day fishing trips, primarily if you rely on electronic devices like your phone, speakers, fishfinder, etc. One of the best solar generators for fishing is the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator, depending on what size generator you need.
If you need more than its 245Wh capacity and 300W output, consider upgraded models such as the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max + 160W Solar Panel (512Wh and 500W output) or the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro + 220W Solar Panel (768Wh and 800W output).
Its solar generator function means you don’t have to worry if it’s not fully charged when you head out to fish – as long as the sun’s out, it can generate new power throughout the day.
Food and Drink
Don’t forget about the most crucial power and fuel source for yourself – food and water! Pack plenty of snacks or meals and clean drinking water to keep your energy up. Only bring items that are easy to eat without taking your gloves off.
You may also want to bring a thermos of a hot drink, such as tea, coffee, or broth, for a combination of warmth and hydration.
Here are some snack ideas to consider:
- Trail mix
- Protein or energy bars
- Dried Fruits
- Soup
- Premade sandwich
How to Ice Fish
With all your gear packed, you’re ready for your first-time ice fishing experience!
- Register for a Fishing License – Check with your state to confirm if specific ice fishing permits and a standard fishing license are required. Also, check regulations for your particular region and season. Consider purchasing an annual license if you expect you’ll be fishing often through the winter.
- Learn Ice Fishing Basics and Safety – Consider taking ice fishing classes or learning about basic protocols and safety through local groups or online forums. Practice using your gear before you get on the ice.
- Dress for the Weather – Layer your clothing to add or detract as needed in fluctuating conditions. Keep extra dry clothes on hand or in your vehicle if required.
- Tread Lightly – Move safely, taking short steps with an even weight distribution. Maintain a safe distance from fishing holes to avoid weakening the ice.
- Drill a Hole – Once you find a good spot, drill a hole and use your auger and scoop to pull the ice out.
- Rig Your Lines – Set up your line with the right bait or lure based on your target fish species, local knowledge, or personal experience trying different options.
- Wait and Enjoy – Patience is just as much a requirement for ice fishing as for regular fishing. Enjoy the peace of a cold winter day, and pay attention to what adjustments or techniques are the most successful.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best bait for ice fishing varies by target species, local weather, and water conditions. However, live bait such as waxworms, minnows, or maggots tends to produce results across most species. Predatory fish may prefer large bait or artificial lures, but experimentation is the best way to learn what works in your area.
You shouldn’t ice fish alone if it’s your first time. You should also avoid going out early or late in the season, ignoring weather forecasts or hazardous conditions, drilling too many holes, getting too close to ice holes, or failing to identify ice thickness.
Final Thoughts
Ice fishing combines the beauty and peace of fishing with the thrill of a new, more extreme experience. While it requires additional preparation and precautions, it’s gratifying when all your work and dedication pays off with a fresh catch to take home.
Remember – an ice fishing trip is better with the right gear. That means a reliable auger, rod, and reel for icy conditions, plenty of warm layers, and a power supply like EcoFlow Portable Power Stations to get you through the day.