Enjoyable and affordable, ice fishing is the perfect choice for anglers who want to fish in the winter. It also happens to be one of the most enthralling ways to fish, which is why it’s also a favorite with experienced anglers.

If you’re planning on catching a lunker this winter, you’ve come to the right place as today we’re going to cover all the ice fishing essentials you need to know.

How to stay safe on the ice? Where do I find a good spot and what are the best ice fishing techniques? In this guide we will cover all of these questions and more. Keep reading!

Safety First

First, let’s get the basics out of the way. For all of you newbies out there, ice fishing is the practice of catching fish through an opening in the ice in a frozen body of water. You can catch fish in several ways, which we will talk about shortly.

Before we do that, let’s cover some safety precautions. After all, ice fishing involves standing on frozen water.

You may feel a little intimidated by standing atop an icy platform that covers a world of icy water. As it should, hypothermia is not something you want to mess with.

This is why it is essential to check if the ice you are on is thick enough. You can do this by piercing the ice with a rod or auger. A good rule of thumb to follow is:

• a minimum of 4 inches for people
• at least 6 inches for sleds (snow machines, snowmobiles)
• a minimum of 7–12 inches for light cars
• at least 14–16 inches for full-sized trucks

Always be on the lookout for rotten ice. You can spot rotten ice by its discoloration, as well as by the cracks, holes, and runoff it has. As the old saying goes “Thick and blue, tried and true. Lean and crunchy, too risky”.

Ice Fishing Safety Equipment

Ice fishing is often important, but it’s not the only thing that will keep you out of trouble. A few safety features will go a long way in ensuring your outing is stress-free. These are:

• metal cleats for traction on the ice
• an ice spud to check the ice ahead (a solid knock is what you’re after)
• a life vest
• ice cleats
• a whistle in case you get into trouble
• warm layered clothes

There are many other things you could bring, but you should consider them essential. If you are planning a longer ice fishing trip, consider using an ice hut (a small shelter to protect you from wind and snow).

If you are on a larger lake, you can rent a shack at a sport fishing shop or a bait and tackle shop. Some people even make their own.

Finding a Good Ice Fishing Spot

Just like with regular fishing, the first thing you need to do is find the fish. During the onset of ice, fish like to feed exactly where they left off just before the water froze. Experienced anglers know this, so they mark spots on their fishfinders before the lake freezes and return to them once ice has formed.

During the middle of winter, fish like to move to deeper water where it is not as cold.

If you are on a lake for the first time, try fishing in the hollow or on the steepest coast that you can access. Larger fish like to move along steep shores in search of food, especially during the early morning and into the sunset. For starters, targeting schools of fish near the bottom is the safest solution. You can also check if your local bait and tackle shop has helpful tips. Ok, so you’ve found the perfect place, great! Now, let’s drill. You will need a hand or gas auger to drill your fishing hole. Aim for 8 to 10 inches in width (wide enough for fish, but too narrow for people).

After making the hole, use an ice skimmer to remove any remaining ice fragments. If you move to another place to drill a hole, be sure to mark the old one to avoid potential accidents.