During the winter months, you couldn’t drive past a lake without seeing ice fishing shanties or folks sitting on a bucket in the middle of the lake fishing. Some might think, that’s looks like fun and would like to try it. I’m NOT being negative nor am I trying to discourage people from ice fishing, but I’m being truthful when I say, ice fishing isn’t for everyone. Ice fishing CAN BE FUN if you 1) have the right equipment, AND 2) if you are catching fish.

I Know people that bought ice fishing equipment and after a few outings decide ice fishing isn’t for them and the equipment was sold at their spring garage sale at a much lower price than they paid. So, I strongly suggest before you spend money on ice fishing, talk to friends or someone they know that goes ice fishing and ask if you can tag along. This way you can get the whole ice fishing experience without spending hard earned money on a sport you may not enjoy.

Here are a few things to think about before going out on the ice. It’s winter and weather conditions can change at any time and there is nothing worse than packing up your equipment in a blowing snowstorm and walking to shore. Then it can be reasonably comfortable when you start fishing and then get extremely cold in a few hours. Then while taking fish off your line with freezing temperatures your hands will get wet; do I need to say more?

Then there is mobility. If you’re not catching anything, you pack up and move to another spot, drill a few new holes and wait for fish to bite. Tip, drill three or four holes 20 to 25 feet apart and then start fishing from the first hole you drilled.

There will be days you can catch many fish, and the weather won’t bother you because when you’re catching fish it can make a difference. Other days you could get skunked and you think, was it worth it. I will say this, being outdoors on a nice winter day, spending quality time with friends and family while catching fish can be an awesome experience. So, ask a friend if you can join them sometime to see if ice fishing is for you.

Next week we’ll start covering ICE FISHING 101. Equipment needed, the cost of equipment needed and then how to find fish under the ice.

But before you head out onto the ice, if you haven’t seen Brains last two post ICE SAFETY 1 & 2, please do so. IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE.