Fishing Forum

Ok a couple more.

1.  If you find a hole that works for you, be sure to leave a few beer or soda cans around it so you can find it again.  If you are worried about the markers being too conspicuous to others, a few candy wrappers or a pile of cigarette butts will suffice. 

2.  When fishing a lake with relatively low pressure, but one or two anglers are visible,  be sure to start fishing as close too them as possible.  You can move to the rest of the lake at your convenience.  They will appreciate the company. 

3.  When using a sled or ATV on the lake, be sure to drive really close to tents and anglers set up on the route to your destination.  They will appreciate that you are tamping down the snow for them to travel back to their trucks. 

4.  When you are fishing in proximity to others, and you have a new power auger, be sure to demonstrate your artistic side by drilling enough holes all at once to complete aesthetic works of art like a connect-the-dots picture of Abraham Lincoln.  Your fellow anglers wont mind the noise and will appreciate the art. 

5.  When fishing in a crowded area with a lot of people with little kids  nearby and having a good time in your tent,  be sure to use as much foul language as possible.  The parents will appreciate that you are seasoning the youngsters.  If you are out in the middle away from others, there is no point in doing this.

Don't bother to make a detailed list of all items to take for a safe and successful ice fishing trip..You've got a Real Good Memory..just try it once, especially on that Long trip with your buddies..(hey, what are buddies for, maybe they got the bait, an extra drink, etc)

Use two logs to spread your weight out on thin ice. This will allow you to fish on ice 1/2” thick. Then you only need to use your boot to kick a hole in the ice in between the sticks. If you do happen to fall through the sticks will allow you to pull yourself out. I am to say I got skunked when using this method in May on Boulder Mountain. But I did not get wet!

Fish are hungry in the wintertime, because they need to eat extra to keep warm in the cold water. If you want to catch them, you need large baits.

Who needs a gas or electric auger? That’s just extra money that could be spent elsewhere. A cheap hand auger will do just fine. Even dull blades cut through ice easily too.

If your taking grandkids 16 years and younger make sure you go to a lake that has wifi so they can text and tell there friends how much fun there having. Also they can play games in between slack time of the bites. Be weary when they start to ask how much longer are we going to stay at about 10.00 Am, because we have been here ALL morning. Look at the bright side if you can get them home before 12.00 you don't have to buy lunch.

Any jaw-jackers or rods left unattended is considered okay for rule of finders-keepers.

Never talk to the other people around you unless it's to complain about something they have done that you don't like.  All the other people out there are jerks. And never ask for help with anything, you will just make them mad. They're always unfriendly and don't care anything about others. Pay attention so that you can learn to be like them. Whatever you do, don't give them the benefit of the doubt, they'll just take advantage of you.

If anyone comes anywhere near you, make snide and rude remarks about how they are crowding you. When they walk right on past to their own destination don't apologize or wish them luck or anything. Just glare or flip them off. You own that spot and anywhere within 100 yards.

Remember that it's every man for himself. (Yes, practice sexism at every chance you get, especially if a girl outfishes you.) Keep in mind that this a competition. Keep track of how many fish everybody catches and brag about how much better you are doing than they are. And never share a hint about how to fish. After all, you had to learn it all on your own and they should do the same. It will build character in them to have to struggle. Don't waste any time helping anyone else. Time is of the essense, and you can't lose time you could be fishing to help the crybabies out.

Tell as many pointless stories as you can in a very loud voice and make sure they all feature you as the hero.

If anyone catches a nice fish point out that you have done better and belittle their success.

When you arrange to go fishing with someone else, wait until about 9:30 to tell them that you have to be home by 10:30. This will be sure to get you a lot more invitations.

Dad, be sure to bring all of your kids, the younger the better. They'll enjoy the day out with you, and mom will appreciate a day off. Don't bother bringing luxuries like food, drinks, diapers, toys, games or a heater. Stay as long as possible and learn to ignore whining and crying. After all, you want to engender a love of the outdoors and this should do it. Not to mention family bonding. Hopefully, the kids will notice the sacrifice you have made for them and will want to grow up to be just like you.

(Not really sorry if some of this sounds like it would apply to experienced fishers, too.)

You need a power auger, ice rods with ice line, and an ice tent to be effective...