Fishing made easy

Original Post:

http://www.blogsmonroe.com/fishing/?p=165

 

All the things to help  you get started ice fishing; the basics for the beginner.

Before you even start fishing, get in gear.  Make the list, check it twice and check-off the priorities.  What are the first issues to deal with; both safety and comfort should be at the top of any list before even getting your equipment. 

Checklist:     ice spikes, cleats,  weighted rope, spud, under garments, fleece, outer shell, good socks and liners,  good quality boots, head gear, gloves and/or mittens.

With the proper clothing, you can get almost the same amount of comfort as you can fishing inside a shelter.  It is important to start with a layer that will not only help insulate your body heat, but also help protect it against moisture build up.  A good material to do this is one of the oldest ones available.  Silk tops and bottoms not only form a good base layer, but also help in wicking away moisture from your skin.  The next item that goes on is a pair of liner socks.  These do the same function as the silk long johns.  Its is important to make sure the liners, and later your wool or wool blend socks are not too tight. The next item I put on is a pair of fleece pants, and then a non-cotton turtleneck.  Over the turtleneck goes a fleece pullover.  The final items to be worn over these are suits specially designed for ice fishing,  good insulated and waterproof boots, and something on top to keep my ears warm and protect my face. 

With the fleece items,  I choose the correct size that I would normally wear, large pants and XL top.  For most days in SE Michigan this is the only layer that I require.  But even down here, or destinations north,  can have sub-zero termperatures.  For these really cold days, I apply a pair of windproof XL pants and a 2X jacket, that fit loosely under the ice suits.  This isn’t some fashion show folks,  although you are moving constantly looking for new holes that produce fish,  you need to dress for times when you are on fish, and movement is nill.  Make sure your outerwear is large enough to fit over these layers while allowing you a good range of movement.

Your safety gear is pretty basic, but neccessary all the same.  Spikes are worn around your neck, there are several brands available.  Although relatively inexpensive, they are the most vital item to have.  If you happen to break through the ice, these items while held in each hand, will allow you to pull yourself back up onto the ice.  Cleats are worn in conjunction with your boots,  these are most important during early and late ice when there is little snow cover.  Like a pair of track spikes, they give the person wearing them traction on a smooth surface.  These are most helpful in avoiding landing on your rear, elbow or bouncing your noggin off the ice.  All vital body parts!  Most folks carry a rope of some type during early and late ice.  If the rope is light in weight, it does you little good while trying to throw it to a companion who has broke through the ice.  Have a weight attached to the receiving end of the rope.  Its pretty important not to aim directly at the person in the water.  No sense in adding to the situation by bouncing it off their head,  just throw the rope just past the person and within reaching distance.

A spud is a multi-purpose item.  Its good for re-opening holes that have iced over, but also great for checking the thickness of the ice.  With a good hard thrust check the ice in front of where you are walking.  About four years ago, my tournament partner and I were checking out a lake that a tournament was to be held on.  Knowing the ice would not support the machines, we began walking across the lake.  Halfway to our destination, the spud went through with little effort.  Doing a slow 180′ turn, we made our way back to shore. 

There is absolutely no reason why ice fishing cannot be an enjoyable experience, but always plan for the worst case scenario.  It is a good idea to have a second set of clothing back at your vehicle, just in case you need some dry clothing.  More often than not, its just to change out a pair of wet socks.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 30th, 2007 at 05:28:39 and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.