| If you're getting ready to go ice fishing, you'll | | | | hole in the ice to support your line as it dangles in |
| want to make sure you have all the right gear. | | | | the water. When a fish takes the bait, the flag |
| Ice fishing tackle will be the bulk of the gear you'll | | | | goes down, so you can haul in your fish. You can |
| need, although you won't want to forget about | | | | even find them in neon colors now, so they are |
| warm clothing either. | | | | easy to see at night. |
| Make sure you dress warmly... it is easier to take | | | | Rods and Holders |
| something off than put something on if you didn't | | | | You'll want a rod that is small, yet strong and |
| bring it. Bring an extra pair of gloves too, in case | | | | flexible. Make sure it has been cleaned and oiled, |
| your primary pair gets wet while fishing. Don't | | | | so it works easily. A holder will be necessary if |
| forget your fishing license, food, bait, and other | | | | you are manning more than one hole, or if you |
| needed items. | | | | want to take a break to eat. Some holders are |
| Augers | | | | available that will fasten around your leg, so you |
| The first item on your ice fishing tackle list will be | | | | can jig your line while your hands are free. If you |
| an auger. An auger is used to make your hole in | | | | choose one, make sure they fit your leg |
| the ice. You can use a saw if you don't mind | | | | comfortably, as you'll be wearing it the entire time |
| working up a sweat. If the ice isn't too thick, you | | | | you're fishing. |
| can use a manual auger if you prefer. If the ice is | | | | Shelters |
| really thick, you'll probably want a power auger to | | | | Some hardy ice fishermen will stick to the basics |
| get through the ice quickly and efficiently. | | | | by braving the elements with only a couple wool |
| Be sure and drill all your holes at once, so any | | | | sweaters, gloves and a thick winter coat. Others |
| noise that may scare the fish is over quickly. You'll | | | | prefer to have a shelter while ice fishing. While |
| need to pack a small strainer too, so you can | | | | technically it is not part of your ice fishing tackle, |
| remove small bits of ice left after you drill. You | | | | it can be an important part of your gear. |
| can also use it to remove the thin crusts that will | | | | There are portable shelters available that look like |
| form throughout the day. If you have a portable | | | | a tent. A few easy movements and the shelter is |
| heater, your strainer can be warmed briefly and | | | | popped up and ready to position over your hole in |
| applied to any thin crust that forms to melt it. | | | | the ice. For the more dedicated ice fisherman, a |
| Ice Fishing Traps | | | | more permanent shelter can be erected from |
| If you are running more than one hole, you'll need | | | | wood. Some get very elaborate, and include beds, |
| ice fishing traps. An ice fishing trap straddles your | | | | cupboards, televisions, and more. |