Have
you ever
tried fishing in the winter months? This is the time everyone gets out
on the lake. Even if you don’t own a boat you can fish those
places you always wanted to.
Here are a few tips on ice fishing. First of all, you don’t
need a lot of fancy equipment.A set of five tipups and a hand auger are
all you need to get started.
A set of basic tipups with line will cost around seventy-five to a
hundred bucks. Tipups are a simple affair where you set the cross
sticks on the ice with your spool below the water line. Unless there is
a lot of snow on the ice this should not be a problem as the
water will even out to the top of your hole. I know you’re
saying, how do you keep the line from freezing? This is accomplished
through the use of braided line, sometimes called squid line. Theses
lines are usually 18-25 pound test. Fill your spools to within 1/4 inch
of the rim, for that big one that wants to run. After you have done
this it’s time to add a leader. I normally use 8-14 pound
test monofillament. If you are on a lake with a lot of
large fish go with heavier leaders. I use a swivel between my squid
line and leader. This gives the bait a chance to move around without
twisting the line. It also makes it easier to change hooks, just buy
the pretied leaders and hook them on your swivel and you’re
ready to go fishing.
Finding Bait
Don’t know what the fish are biting on? A stop at your local
bait shop will get you some pretty good tips on what is working.
It’s a good idea to pickup a couple different types of
baitfish. You never know what they are biting on today. Pick up a dozen
of two different
types to get started. When hooking the bait on the hook I like to hook
them just behind the dorsal fin. Most fish will take the bait from the
rear, so you want the hook where it
will do the most good.
On The Lake
Now you’re on the lake with your traps in hand and you need
to get to the fish. This is where your auger comes in. Whether you opt
for a hand auger or a power auger, you need
to find a place to fish. A good place to start is around points, as
fish use these spots to find bait fish year round. If you know of a
deep hole within walking distance, head out
there without further delay. Fish will hang on the edges of the hole
looking for baitfish all year. Get that auger powered up and
let’s drill some holes. Drill a couple to start with and
after you get a couple of traps set up drill the other three. Be sure
to check your states lawbook as some places restrict the number of
traps. If you don’t get any flags after a while,
don’t be afraid to move.
That’s just about it for getting started. Make sure you are
dressed for the weather to make your day more enjoyable.
Don’t forget the kids, they make good runners when the bait
bucket is out by the last trap in line.
Stay warm and good fishing.
About the Author
Written by Ron Shannon; contact at hobbit@midmaine.com
Outdoors With Ron at www.outdoorswithron.com |
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