The extreme cousin to regular fishing, ice fishing involves standing on a frozen lake, plunging your rod into the unknown depths below, and hoping for a mysterious bite to reel back into the land of the light. It's exciting, different, and the perfect excuse to keep carrying out your favorite hobby all year round. It's not excluded for beginners either, so here's how anyone can get into the world of ice fishing.
Pick Your Location
You'll need to do your research if you aren't lucky enough to be near an ice fishing location. There are many winter wonders from Siberian lakes to ice-bound rivers. Where you stay will also depend on whether you're bringing your fishing friends or your family. Bringing fellow fishermen and women will mean you can be less fussy with where you go, but heading with the family will warrant a beginner-friendly guide to break the ice.
Grab Your Winter Warmers
There's no escape from the fact it will be cold, very cold. So banish the winter woes by wrapping up warm right from the outset. From ice cleat boots to the correctly-layered outerwear, researching what to wear for your ice fishing expedition will save you time in the long run. It's not just about staying warm but also keeping safe too, avoiding freezing, or slipping on the ice.
Get Your Gear
If you're a novice, then it will be especially important to get a fishing kit so you can get a feel for how to catch the local aquatic life. Make sure you have the right rod and reel; and if you're new, a beginner-friendly one. You'll need an auger if you're creating a hole on your own, and also a sled to transport any goods. Consider additional options like a tent to make sure you're sufficiently sheltered from the cold.
Get Technical
Get into a thriving angler community by downloading a fishing app before you go. Use it to research fun facts and fish from the local area to get a feel for where you're going and seek some advice ahead of time. You can also upload observations and reports from your own trip to give back to the fishing community and even find local recommended accommodations or guides for first-timers.
Go in a Group
If you're a knowledgeable angler but a first-time ice fisher, going in a group is the best way to dip your toes (not literally) into the world of ice fishing. Whether you're looking for a full-on ice fishing holiday or a local trip, going for a few days and getting stuck in is sure to give you a taste for the sport. Many tour operators combine ice fishing with local attractions, be that a tour of Lapland or a trip to see the Northern Lights.
There are many ways to really get into ice fishing, but researching before you visit or buy gear can avoid any issues and make sure you get the best out of your trip. Here's to a fun-filled ice-fishing expedition.
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