02-22-2004, 12:13 AM
[font "Arial"][#0066aa][size 4]Equipment[/size][/#0066aa][/font]
Fishing through the ice calls for some special equipment. First of all, you will need an ice auger. The hand-held type is efficient and relatively inexpensive. A moderately-priced one will last for many years, but keep the blades sharp.
![[Image: auger1.gif]](http://www2.state.id.us/fishgame/common/maps/angguid/auger1.gif)
![[Image: auger2.gif]](http://www2.state.id.us/fishgame/common/maps/angguid/auger2.gif)
A slotted laddle, such the one shown will help to keep your fishing hole free of ice.![[Image: iceladle.gif]](http://www2.state.id.us/fishgame/common/maps/angguid/iceladle.gif)
You may wish to purchase an ice-fishing tip-up at your sporting goods store, or one of the short jigging rods illustrated below.
![[Image: jigrods.gif]](http://www2.state.id.us/fishgame/common/maps/angguid/jigrods.gif)
As you might well imagine, an old rod tip (about two feet long), with a handle attached and a simple device to hold the line, will work just as well.
As always, tackle and bait are determined by personal preference; but for a starter, a tackle kit might consist of some Swedish Pimples, glow hooks, jigs or ice flies. They generally work best tipped with some type of bait such as maggots, perch eyes, worms or cut bait.
Finally, a large bucket is great for carrying equipment to the fishing site and back, and can also serve as a seat while tending rods. A sled will make the trek easier if you have more gear.
[font "arial, helvetica"][#0066aa]Technique[/#0066aa][/font]
Once you locate the site you wish to fish, use your auger to drill a hole through the ice. Keep your ice holes to less than 10". This is for the safety of the other anglers who might step into or fall through holes that have only just skimmed over with ice.
Set up your rods with the chosen tackle, then begin looking for the fish. You may need to try fishing at different levels. Generally, perch like deep water, 10 to 40 feet, and can be found close to the bottom, while trout will often be found a bit further up off the bottom.
A clip-on sinker is handy for determining water depth and adjusting the depth of your lure. Jigging is an effective ice fishing technique. To jig, slowly bring the rig up about one foot then allow it to settle back down, repeat.
The movement of the bait attracts the fishes' attention. Some anglers prefer to just set the lines and watch for the strike. Perch, bluegill, and crappie are often delicate biters under the ice and small hooks, small bobbers, and a delicate touch are often required.
If after several attempts there are no strikes, you may wish to move and try your luck in another location. Perch, especially, are a schooling fish and once they are found the action will be fast.
You are sure to enjoy this new sport and the fresh fish in midwinter as well.
[font "arial, helvetica"][#0066aa]Happy Fishing![/#0066aa][/font]
[signature]
Fishing through the ice calls for some special equipment. First of all, you will need an ice auger. The hand-held type is efficient and relatively inexpensive. A moderately-priced one will last for many years, but keep the blades sharp.
A slotted laddle, such the one shown will help to keep your fishing hole free of ice.
You may wish to purchase an ice-fishing tip-up at your sporting goods store, or one of the short jigging rods illustrated below.
As you might well imagine, an old rod tip (about two feet long), with a handle attached and a simple device to hold the line, will work just as well.
As always, tackle and bait are determined by personal preference; but for a starter, a tackle kit might consist of some Swedish Pimples, glow hooks, jigs or ice flies. They generally work best tipped with some type of bait such as maggots, perch eyes, worms or cut bait.
Finally, a large bucket is great for carrying equipment to the fishing site and back, and can also serve as a seat while tending rods. A sled will make the trek easier if you have more gear.
[font "arial, helvetica"][#0066aa]Technique[/#0066aa][/font]
Once you locate the site you wish to fish, use your auger to drill a hole through the ice. Keep your ice holes to less than 10". This is for the safety of the other anglers who might step into or fall through holes that have only just skimmed over with ice.
Set up your rods with the chosen tackle, then begin looking for the fish. You may need to try fishing at different levels. Generally, perch like deep water, 10 to 40 feet, and can be found close to the bottom, while trout will often be found a bit further up off the bottom.
A clip-on sinker is handy for determining water depth and adjusting the depth of your lure. Jigging is an effective ice fishing technique. To jig, slowly bring the rig up about one foot then allow it to settle back down, repeat.
The movement of the bait attracts the fishes' attention. Some anglers prefer to just set the lines and watch for the strike. Perch, bluegill, and crappie are often delicate biters under the ice and small hooks, small bobbers, and a delicate touch are often required.
If after several attempts there are no strikes, you may wish to move and try your luck in another location. Perch, especially, are a schooling fish and once they are found the action will be fast.
You are sure to enjoy this new sport and the fresh fish in midwinter as well.
[font "arial, helvetica"][#0066aa]Happy Fishing![/#0066aa][/font]
[signature]