Ice Fishing -  A Winter Sport Turned Popular Social Event

Ice fishing is a specialized method of fishing through the ice.  As a sport, it enjoys a widespread popularity throughout the Northern tier of the United states with it's largest concentration of popularity occurring in the Midwest.  Ice shanties quickly develop into small towns spread across some of the northern bodies of water.  Ice Derbies and tournaments are popular events that encourage social events that range from tomahawk throwing events to hole cutting challenges where a fisherman with a spud is challenged by a fisherman with a power auger.  The results can really surprise both anglers and spectators.  

The general characteristics of ice fishing are so different than those of conventional fishing that their defies in unique qualities that are cause for it's widespread appeal should be identified.  Perhaps the greatest difference in ice fishing over conventional fishing is the fact that fishermen do not fish from shore or boats but through ice that places the angler directly on the water and over their sought after fishing zones.  The waters that lie below the frozen surface immediately become a dark, hidden sealed off mystery that becomes a tantalizing  mystery that teases the angler and presents him with a paramount challenge.  At the same time the challenge is tamed somewhat as the angler has the ability to walk on the water, so to speak.  

In all probability, the fisherman is drawn to the sport because it is a quiet way to spend an afternoon, catch plenty, fish waters that are not usually available to him and most importantly see friends that have not been seen since last year.  In other words it has developed into a looked forward to social event.  There is a tense expectancy of watching a line of baited tilts, which has no exact counterpart in the world of angling, plus still holds the intense thrill of seeing a flag suddenly springs to attention.  Add to that the enjoyment of pulling a fish through the hole in the ice that sends a shot of adrenaline through the body releasing a energetic charge through the body signaling success.  

Like all other forms of fishing, each region has it's own characteristics and customs.  Overall ice fishing can be classifies into two categories - jigging and tilt fishing.  One involves a single line and is called jigging.  The other centers around the operation of tilts or tip-ups.    Tilts consist of a mechanical device that makes use of baited hooks and releases upon a fish striking the bait.  

Jigging through the ice is usually employed when the quarry consists of small fish that fishermen can reasonably expect to catch in substantial numbers.  Included in the list would be yellow perch, crappie, smelt, bluegills and limited other panfish.  The jig fisherman seldom commits himself to a single location but prefers to move from hole to hole working each locations.  Holes are positioned over all different structure configurations as well as off points and rugged shorelines.  Jig fishermen will continuously move from hole to hole until a school of fish is located.  The angler will stay with the productive hole and can generally expect to catch a reasonable number of fish in a short time.  

Jigging equipment is simple.  It consists of a jig stick and line, a spud or ice auger, a skimmer and a homemade box mounted on skis for carrying equipment, lunch, the days catch and any other equipment such as small grills etc.  A jig stick is just what the name implies.  It is a simple stick with a handle that holds a clip that stores line and a guide at the tip of the rod that allows the line to be paid out and manipulated.  Depth can be determined by counting the number of turns that the line is unwound.  Most jig fishermen will line their with monofilament line with 10 pound test line.  Hooks are of mixed size but are generally on the small side usually from size 12 to size 6.  Sinker sizes vary and are determined by the depth at which you plan on fishing.  Smelt and perch will often be caught at depths up to 40 feet, sinkers weighing from 3/4 to 1 ounce are required.  Successful fishermen must be able to get bait back to feeding fish as quickly as possible in order to be successful.  Baits must be returned to the catch zone quickly.  Often times fishermen can fine tune lead sinkers to be more efficient.  This is accomplished by scraping the side of the sinker making it shiny.  Jigging lures and "ice flies" are generally used but will require a small slice of bait to increase their effectiveness.

Favorite jigging baits will vary by regions and the species the angler is after.  Tender, easily stolen baits are quickly shunned by deep water jig fishermen, even though these baits may be preferred by the fish.  Favored baits are those that combine toughness with efficiency, baits that bring hits but do not require frequent changes.  For this reason a small perch eye presented on a small hook is preferred by perch fishermen and a "slab" of tail meat cut from a smelt is chosen by smelt fishermen.  Experienced fishermen with deep water jigging techniques mastered will often use a jig and snatch technique.  This is executed by a steady jigging action with a sharp snatch imbedded in the jigging action.  This snatching motion is a sharp and swift upward motion executed quickly and often without actually feeling a bite.  The actual intervals between jigging and snatching is determined by experienced and when the proper rhythm is developed this method is actually quite effective.

Fishermen that jig the relatively shallow water in search of crappie and bluegills rely on natural baits such as small, live minnows, worms, grubs, maggots and other insect larvae.  They weight for signal of a strike before setting the hook.  Fishermen rely on the slight movement and sensitivity of the bobber to signal the delicate hit.  Although most jig fishing is done from the comfort of a heated shack, many fishermen prefer to roam the ice covering a greater area and finding a school of fish.

Tilt or tip-up fishing

The tilt or tip-up fisherman's primary goal is not to catch a large number of fish but to entice larger fish into taking his offering.  Tilt spreads are generally set for chain pickerel, northern pike, sauger, walleye, largemouth bass and where legal salmon, lake trout and other salmonoids.

The tilt or tip-up fisherman sets his tilts or traps in a pattern that he prefers and sets a number that conforms to the legal limits set by local Fish and Game laws.  Once his traps are set, the fisherman will "settle in" for the day, tend his lines and wait for fish to strike.  Fishing will be active or quiet depending on the day.  This is where the socialization of the sport takes over.  As fishermen waiting for a strike will often move over and talk to his neighbor.  Within a short time you have a group of fishermen waiting for the action to begin, swapping stories and generally solving the world's problems.  They also discuss the best methods and techniques for catching their favorite catch as well as the best ways the authorities can solve the problems of the sport fishing community.

On many of the larger bodies of water in those states where ice fishing is a natural happening, you  will see the icescape dotted with shanty towns.  All sorts of shelters are used to protect fishermen from the harsh weather and biting winds.  These protective shelters can be as simple as a lean to or as comfortable as a small trailer.  Serious ice fishermen will often leave home on Friday afternoon right after work only to return late Sunday afternoon.

The first time ice fishing with a friend in the Great State of Maine where ice fishing is a serious sport as well as a welcomed social event, he took me out on the ice to his "shed".  His shed was an airstream trailer mounted on skis for easing moving.  The trailer was equipped with a heater, stove, microwave, refrigerator, lights a bed, a TV, an easy chair and a powerful generator: all the comforts of home When we arrived at our weekend home and I carefully looked over the accommodations I asked Roy why he needed a fridge?  In the typical Maine accent he answered "Don't want the beer to freeze!".  WITH SUB ZERO TEMPERATURES VERY COMMON, HIS ANSWER MADE A LOT OF SENSE.

Tilts or tip-ups may vary greatly in style, they all have the same purpose and that is to hold the baited line with an additional spool of line in reserve and to signal a bite as soon as it happens.  A warning signal may be a flag that springs above the ice or by a balance stick that is equipped with a sliding weight that signals by moving the stick to vertical.  There are basically two styles of tilts but one style holds the advantage and popularity over the other.  One design has the spool of line above the ice.  The biggest advantage is that it can be more sensitivity adjusted.  This is a big advantage for fishermen that like to fish for walleye, sauger and other light biting species.  The second style of trap places the line below the water.  The biggest advantage of this style of trap is that it eliminates line freeze-up.

During the course of the day, no matter what trap you use the hole will freeze up and require skimming.  To slow down the freezing process or even eliminate it cut a square of tar paper large enough to cover the hole.  Also, cut a slice in one side of the tar paper to allow the tilt to be places in the middle of the square.  Place the tilt in the center of the tar paper and place the paper over the hole.  The black color of the paper will draw and hold the heat in the hole thus keeping the hole free of ice.  Obviously, this works on a sunny day.

Hooks that are used should match the size of the bait you are about to use.  Whether or not you should use a snelled hook is a matter of personal preference.  If you choose not to use snelled hooks, the use of a leader is recommended.  A snap swivel to match your tackle also makes sense.  Wire leaders are chosen by anglers fishing for pickerel and northern pike.  Sinkers are always a topic for discussion.  Some anglers like heavy sinkers while others don't.  My preference is to use a sinker that is only heavy enough to get you to the bottom.  Heavier sinkers will feel unnatural to the striking fish causing a dropped or spit bait.

Live baits are generally the standard offering of fishermen that use tilts or tip-ups.  The actual species of live bait is determined by local custom and species that are available.  In our area fishermen will generally select live shiners of varying size depending or what fishermen are trying to attract.  Northern pike and in some instances pickerel and bass fishermen prefer using suckers.  Anglers believe in the saying Big bait means Big fish.

Accessory Equipment

Ice fishing equipment, in addition to the desired number of tip-ups, includes an ice spud or auger, minnow bucket, aerator, sounding weights, long handled skimmer and an assortment of terminal tackle such as extra hooks, weights, swivels and line.  A gaff is a good addition as many large fish are lost as anglers try to get them through the hole.

In sharp contrast to fishing equipment in general, there have been very few changed to the equipment used in ice fishing.  The Swedish ice auger is probably the most advanced piece of equipment that has made drilling holes easier. But this addition was slow to be accepted.  Today, we have power augers that can be seen in most fisherman's ice sled.  Another piece of equipment that has had a great impact on the sport has been the portable fish finder.  This device can shoot thru ice and divulge to the angler just what the bottom looks like and if there are schools of fish in the area.

Probably the most important change to take place in the ice fishing sport has been the improvement in outdoor clothing.  Employment of insulation in everything from underwear to boots has virtually insured the fisherman's comfort.  Today's clothing in not only very warm but it is also very light.  Choosing proper clothing for ice fishing is largely a matter of personal choice.  The only exception might be the boots as the choice for most fishermen is a good pair of waterproof, insulated hunting boots.  This selection will keep your feet dry and warm, a must for ice fishing.

Perch and Smelt

Although ice fishing is basic hook and line fishing boasting very few refinements, success is nevertheless often dependant upon general know-how and the ability of the fisherman to draw upon his past experiences.  In fishing for perch and smelt in deep water it is generally more effective to search out the fish rather than wait for them to come to you.  Even though both species travel in schools, they generally stay in one small, general area and the chances of a school moving any great distance in a single day is quite remote.  Once a school is located, it is possible for the angler to catch good numbers of fish and continue to follow the school for a decent period of time.  Often times, returning to a hole will yield more fish as schools will sometimes make a circle and return to the same area where the fish were first discovered.  The jig fisherman works hard to get fish to bit.  Even though there seems that little can be done to excite fish with this method, quite the contrary is true.  Gentle and deliberate short strokes or movements of the rod will cause subtle movement of the bait.  This slow and constant movement of the bait constantly teases the fish until it strikes.  It is like teasing a cat with a piece of yarn.  The cat will lie steady during the teasing until it suddenly strikes out.

Often times smelt are first located in forty or fifty feet of water.  This can be tiring on the fishermen if he has to retrieve fish from this depth, especially when the fish are biting well.  A school of smelt can be drawn from the depths to much more shallow water.  This is accomplished by raising the bait slowly during the fishing causing the school to move closer to the surface.  After a period of time the school can be brought up to just under the ice.  

The most important piece of equipment is the angler's logbook.  If you take the time to build you book, valuable information will always be at your fingertips.  Your log will supply you with information that is almost guaranteed to make you successful.  Keep  information in your log such as date, tide, place, technique, bait, weather conditions, time of day and catch success.

Northern Pike and Pickerel

Northern pike and pickerel do not travel in schools and rarely move about in great distances.  Therefore, it makes sense to spread out you tip-ups over a large area.  It is also a good strategy to string your traps along the edge of a weed bed that lies close to shore and in less than three feet of water.  The chances of taking a lunker is very good.  When setting the hook on a pickerel or pike it is a good idea to resist setting as soon as the flag goes.  Wait until the fish stops his initial run and starts to swallow the bait.  This is the time to strike and strike with a swift jerk.  Although very aggressive by nature, northern pike and pickerel develop a strong sense of what is natural and what is not.  Pickerel and northern pike will often study a bait for an extended period of time before the strike.  Sometimes raising the bait and quickly dropping it back to it's original position is enough to trigger a strike by a cautious predator.  Also make sure your bait rides properly on the hook.  Most fishermen prefer to use the largest baits that are available, sometimes as big as twelve inches.

Walleye

Unlike northern pike and pickerel grounds, walleye spots are far less visible and the best way to locate these areas is to talk to other fishermen or watch where anglers set their traps.  Walleye travel in large schools over an extended area.  Schools repeatedly travel over established migration routs year after year and should be noted in your log.  Most walleye fishing is done on a clear bottom that is free of weeds.  Baits should hang no more than a foot from the bottom.  This is extremely important in walleye fishing and care should be taken to sound each hole.  Walleye will go to great lengths to gently manipulate the bait off the hook leaving no suggestion that they are doing it.  Tilts should be set as lightly as possible to limit the thievery that takes place.  It is important to keep all terminal tackle and baits to a minimum with baits no longer than an inch.  Pinhead shiners are generally quite productive in walleye fishing.  Size six hooks and split shots are the best for use in walleye fishing.  Great care should be taken when landing a walleye as they have very tender mouths.  You don't want to pull the hook.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass are probably one of the most popular fish in the area and they are relatively easy to catch.  Some fishermen like to set their traps along weed lines in an S pattern while others like to set their traps in a circle.  The only requirement that I have is to set my traps along ,any type of structure with rock piles and ledges a favorite location for me.  Medium and large shiners work very well and attract bass of all sizes.  The largest shiners should be reserved for those bodies of water that have a reputation for large fish.  Generally first ice is a pretty active period.  Fish are hungry and activity is strong.  Remember, if you don't  get out you will never get to enjoy the thrill of tight lines and the enjoyment of renewing old friendships.

Be cautious in areas where "bubblers" are used to protect docks. They can produce thin, unsafe ice some distance away. Be especially alert in areas near shore, over moving bodies of water and on lakes and ponds where streams enter or exit.

Remember, use the buddy system while ice fishing — it saves lives.