Ice Fishing Equipment

While some ice fishing equipment is specialized for the task, a great deal of ice fishing equipment is cobbled from everyday objects. Ice fishing has been one of the most popular ways to spend long winter days and nights. Sitting on the lake, waiting for the fish to bite can be a very satisfying experience, and it is an activity that many families enjoy in northern climates. Fishing on frozen lakes can be very dangerous, however, and it is vitally important that safety measures be taken to ensure that those spending time on the ice do not run into trouble. Ice fishing equipment ranges in price based upon how specialized the tool happens to be, but the fishing equipment in general is relatively inexpensive. Of course, antique fishing equipment is available at many discount fishing equipment retailers, along with a great deal of fly fishing equipment, as well.

What is Ice Fishing?

For many people, ice fishing is a pastime best enjoyed on the frozen lakes of the far northern reaches of Europe, Russia, and North America. Wildly popular, ice fishing is generally done by parking a small structure, usually a shed, on top of a thickly frozen lake or pond. A hole is cut or drilled into the ice, and a fishing line and lure are dropped through the hole. Fishing rods are often used, but many enthusiasts prefer to use just a fishing line, with no rod and reel to worry about breaking in the cold or losing through the hole in the ice.

The Dangers

Ice fishing is certainly dangerous, owing to the fact that those involved in ice fishing typically work and sleep atop the very ice through which they are fishing. While the hole dug through the ice is seldom large enough for a fully grown man to fall through, smaller people, and children may find it a great deal easier to slip through the ice. Of course, the biggest threat is that the ice itself may not be frozen solid, or can be fragmented by the drilling process. If the ice collapses, it is possible for the entire shack in which the anglers are living currently may collapse through.

Equipment Safety

There are a few things that can be done to lessen the danger of ice fishing. The greatest danger, falling through fragmented or weak ice, can be lessened by taking thickness samples before putting the extra weight of a fishing shack, vehicle, or extra bodies on the ice. A small drill or augur can bore a 2 inch hole through the ice, and a yardstick can be used to measure the thickness of the ice. Anglers use small shacks to shelter away from the cold air and moisture common in far northern climates. Since the shacks are small, it is often heated by a small gas heater, or even an old fashioned coal stove. Place the heat source above the ice if you are going to use one, and insulate your shack as heavily as possible. Since the shacks sit directly on the ice, any heat source should be placed on a non-conductive surface such as a wood pallet or other suitable surface.

The Equipment

There are a few pieces of equipment that no angler should be without on the ice. Of course shelter and cold-weather clothing is vitally important, but there are a few things that do not typically stick out to those who are not accustomed to deep cold. One item that many ice-anglers like to have is a hand warmer. Hand warmers provide the wearer with the ability to keep their hands warm in even the coldest conditions. Typically, they consist of a chemical pack that, when activated, can be placed inside a pocket or even inside a pair of gloves. The endothermic reaction releases energy in the form of heat and the wearer’s hand is warmed significantly in the process.

Of course, to access the water beneath the ice, the angler will need an ice auger. An ice auger is basically a large drill bit attached to a heavy duty rotary motor. When turned on, the drill bit spins and eats it way through the ice. Once the hole is drilled through the water below, it is widened slightly to allow easy access. In some places, the ice can be 2 or 3 feet thick, meaning that an auger bit of the appropriate size will be needed. To assist ice fishing, most states have ice fishing reports online that will display current reported ice thicknesses at all of the most popular ice fishing spots around the state, that way anglers can plan to bring the proper fittings.

Ice cleats are also an extremely effective tool to have on an ice fishing trip. Ice cleats wrap around a pair of shoes or boots to provide increased traction on snow and ice. They typically consist of stainless steel spikes attacked to a framework of cold-resistant rubber or another flexible material. The spikes dig easily into the ice and prevent slippage.  It is also important to take fishing line that is rated for ice fishing, as normal fishing line can deteriorate and break extremely quickly when under strain from cold water. A First Aid kit is one of the most important items that can be taken on an ice fishing trip.

Of course, it goes without saying that all participants in the ice fishing trip should take cold weather gear. Cold weather survival gear, including high quality sleeping bags and food rations are a must-have. Sleeping bags rated for sub-zero temperatures are the ideal choices, since they will help keep the anglers alive should something go wrong during the trip.

Regardless of the items that anglers choose to take on their ice fishing trip, the most important thing that they can take is common sense. Common sense will help the travelers survive and thrive in the harsh conditions. Thus, with a little common sense, travelers can be secure in the knowledge that they will enjoy their trip to the fullest extent possible.

For Ice Fishing Equipment online visit The Sportsman’s Guide® at:
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/browse/browse.aspx?c=93.