Ice fishing can be a lot of fun, but there are many things to consider when ice fishing that you may not be used having to think about. As with any type of fishing, ice fishing requires good ice fishing gear to make the most out of your techniques and skills, but it also requires special consideration for the environment and the cold. These considerations relate both to your success fishing, as well as your safety.
If you are going to spend a short day ice fishing do not assume that you can bring next to nothing and be successful and safe. Your rod should have large guides, a sensitive tip and a pretty stiff overall feel. The preferred reel is a micro-spinning reel. Your line should be no less than four pounds and no more than eight pounds and should be specially designed for ice fishing. Crappie minnows, fatheads, and wax worms all work well as bait. Bring a variety so that you can change the bait out if it does not seem to be working. You should also bring some picture identification, your fishing license, hand warmers, a assortment of pliers, a compass, line cutters, a small shovel, and if possible ice picks as well.
If you are fishing with other people you should determine ahead of time what everyone will be bringing. If someone else is already bringing a piece of ice fishing gear that the group will not need multiples of, you can save space and weight by not bringing it yourself. You also want to be sure that important items are not left behind because everyone assumed the other members of the group would have them. Anything can happen while ice fishing, so you should be over prepared rather than under prepared.
If you are going to be spending a lot of time on the ice you may want to bring some more serious gear to make sure you are safe and successful. A fish finder can be a huge help. For safety and comfort an ice shelter, heater, and spud bar are very important. A spud bar allows you to check the thickness of the ice. Ice cleats can also help you remain sure-footed and safe while moving around on the ice. A cell-phone and GPS unit can also help you in an emergency and are better than a compass.
Try to add as many odds and ends to your ice fishing gear list as you feel you will need. Extra gloves, matches, food, and drinks can make you and your group more comfortable and help pass the time faster. Also, sunglasses can be important. While many people would not think sunglasses are needed while ice fishing, the sun can reflect off of the ice and cause eye damage or discomfort. Sun glasses can not only make you for comfortable, but protect you from permanent eye damage as well.
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Find out more about finding the right fishing gear by visiting http://www.fishinggeartips.com - a website that offers information on fishing including tips on fishing line, fishing rods, fishing lures and choosing great ice fishing gear.
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