Expert Fishermen

Ice fishers do not mourn the arrival of winter. In fact, they look forward eagerly to the day when the ice on the lake will be strong enough to support them and their gear. Weather cold enough to send most of us in to a warm fire means it is time for ice fishers to put their shacks on their sleds and head for the lake.

Ice fishing requires the same patience and skill that fishing in warmer seasons requires. It also requires warm clothing, special tools for drilling holes in the ice and, in some cases, a small building to sit in while fishing. All of these necessities, however, will not by themselves turn you into an ice fisher.

It would seem obvious that ice fishing would be a favorite among people who live in the northern most states of The Union. It does indeed prosper there but many would be surprised that there is also good ice fishing much further south. Colorado might not be much of a stretch for ice fishing but there are also several excellent sites in the mountains of Arizona.

No matter where you ice fish, a fishing license will be required. Getting a license is the first thing to do once you have decided to embark on an ice fishing adventure. Some licenses will be good for the entire season; others may be valid only for certain periods of time.

Many different types of fish find their ways onto the hooks of ice fishers. Perch are widely fished on the ice. If you are looking to land a perch, you will probably want to cast your line down low. A lot of perch will be found deep in the water during the winter.

Obviously, taking to the ice to fish requires special gear. Clothing will be one of the most important parts of your equipment. Dress to ice fish just like you would dress to go out in extremely cold weather. Wear multiple layers and do not forget to cover your head, ears, and neck.

In addition to the regular equipment carried by fishers, those who ice fish have several pieces of equipment which are specific to the sport. Ice fishers need drills to cut through the ice. They also need tools for keeping the hole open. You will probably decide that a sled on which to carry all of these provisions is an absolute necessity.

Some people who fish on ice do it in the open. They take only a seat and a few things to keep them warm. Folks who ice fish under these conditions do so in the daylight. Choosing to ice fish in the cold open air also means that you will not be able to stay on the ice as long as those who go in for more protective surroundings.

All ice fishers have their own favorite tackle and strategy. The type of rod you choose will depend on the type of fish you are after. Perch can be quite large so choose big hooks and strong rods. Many times you will be able to catch perch in the middle depths of the lake.

Therefore, whether you are looking for something to do while you wait for spring or winter is your favorite time of year, ice fishing may be just the sport for you. Grab your gear. Stock up your sled and head for the lake before it thaws. You may just discover that ice fishing is one hot sport.