Local fishermen will soon be enjoying winter fishing at its best. With the possibility of early safe ice, fishermen will be participating in a sport that usually has a very short season. Successful fishing through the ice can be lots of fun if you are prepared and have all the required "tools of the trade."
Ice fishing equipment is similar to traditional gear in many ways. The exception is the "tip up," which is a fish-strike indicator with a spool of line that is used when fishing with live bait.
The rods used when ice fishing come in many lengths and actions. The number of choices can be somewhat confusing to a novice ice fisherman. Most ice rods are 20 to 42 inches long.
The action of the rod depends on the species of fish that you are targeting. An ultra-light or light-action rod is best when catching panfish. Medium-action rods are usually 24 to 36 inches long and are suitable for fish like walleye and bass. Lastly, a heavy action rod of 36 to 42 inches is best suited for large gamefish, such as pike. Most anglers choose a rod made of graphite because of its light weight and its sensitivity.
Reels are chosen to match the selected rod and the size line that you will be using. Many anglers use a stock reel, but they often replace the reel lube with a thicker grease to keep the reel from freezing.
Ice augers are used to drill holes through the ice. Ice augers are either hand-operated or gas-operated. Hand augers are the most traditional type and are the least expensive. For most anglers, a hand auger is the one that suits their needs. The diameter of the auger determines the size of the hole that is made in the ice. Most hand augers come in 4, 6 or 8-inch sizes. The larger the diameter of the blade, the harder it is to drill through the ice.
Many who spend large amounts of time on the ice choose a gas-powered auger. This type of auger cuts through the ice very quickly, allowing you to have more time to fish. These augers are more expensive, but for some, they would use nothing else.
Tip-ups are stationary devices that allow you to fish with live bait below the surface of the ice. This type of device is suitable when targeting most types of fish using live bait. Tip-ups are made from plastic or wood. With a tip-up, the "reel" is submerged under the surface of the water. Having the reel under the water, helps to prevent the reel and the line from freezing. Some tip-ups cover the hole, which helps prevent the hole from refreezing.
A bait bucket is required for transporting your bait. Most ice anglers choose an insulated bucket. Many of the high-end buckets have built in aerator systems to provide oxygen to the bait.
A hole scoop is used to clean the slush from the hole after the hole is drilled, and again if the hole starts to refreeze during your outing. These scoops are usually made from plastic or metal. Most anglers choose the metal scoop because of its strength and durability.
There are other items which are necessary for success while ice fishing. Warm clothes are a must when spending time out in the frigid temperatures. These items of clothing include warm and waterproof boots, gloves and hats and layered warm clothing. Many fishermen bring a GPS unit to find their favorite spot and to track their route. Ice cleats will help you keep your traction, while out on ice which is not snow-covered. A fish-finding unit is helpful to determine if there are fish in the area in which you are fishing.
Ice fishing can be a great deal of fun if you are properly prepared. Safety while out on the water is paramount. You must make sure that the ice that you walk upon is safe. There are charts that tell you the thickness of ice that is required to support a specific amount of weight. It is best to check with local tackle shops or on the internet for current ice conditions. Sites such as www.ctfisherman.com have current reports from most of the bodies of water in Connecticut.
Robert Nelson is a correspondent for the News-Times