Catch more fish when ice fishing. Learn insider tips for setting up your line and keeping your auger sharp in this ice fishing lesson from an experienced fisherman.
Don't slip on the ice! Learn more about ice fishing safety in this ice fishing lesson from an experienced fisherman.
Some states prohibit use of treble hook for ice fishing. Learn more about ice fishing regulations in this ice fishing lesson from an experienced fisherman.
The eye of an ice fishing jig is often covered with paint when you buy it. Learn more about fishing equipment in this ice fishing lesson from an experienced fisherman.
Use metal hand scoop to remove ice from auger. Learn more about ice fishing tools in this ice fishing lesson from an experienced fisherman.
A frozen ice fishing rod will not be very effective. Learn more fishing tips in this ice fishing lesson from an experienced fisherman.
Keep your "tip up" from getting tangled up with your ice fishing gear. Learn more about gear storage in this ice fishing lesson from an experienced fisherman.
Hook keepers slide right onto your ice fishing jig rod. Learn more about taking care of your ice fishing tackle in this ice fishing lesson from an experienced fisherman.
Wipe off auger before putting cover on. Learn more about taking care of ice fishing gear in this ice fishing lesson from an experienced fisherman.
Try organizing your ice fishing gear by size or color. Learn how to organize your tackle box in this ice fishing lesson from an experienced fisherman.
Spray auger blades with cooking oil to keep ice from forming on them. Learn more ice fishing tips in this ice fishing lesson from an experienced fisherman.
Purchase hand auger to save money when sharpening your ice fishing auger. Learn more about ice fishing gear in this ice fishing lesson from an experienced fisherman.
Take the slack out of your ice fishing jig rod before storing it. Learn more about ice fishing gear in this ice fishing lesson from an experienced fisherman.
You can't ice fish if your line is frozen! Learn more troubleshooting tips in this ice fishing lesson from an experienced fisherman.
Warm ice fishing spool with your hands to melt the ice. Learn more ice fishing tips in this ice fishing lesson from an experienced fisherman.
Fish and wildlife agencies are good resources for ice fishing. Learn more about ice fishing resources in this ice fishing lesson from an experienced fisherman.
Summary: Ice fishing can take place anywhere you have ice and fish in the same place. Well, a tray full of ice cubes and Stouffer's tuna casserole won't quite do the trick; the ice needs to be covering a body of water which is home to hearty fish who can live in very cold water and are accommodating enough to nibble on the bait of foolhardy humans wearing thermal suits or 12 layers of clothes. Apparently, ice fishing provides an ideal opportunity for introspection and contemplation in the Scandinavian countries and an opportunity to socialize and get drunk in the ice fishing lodges and resorts in North America, though the Finns and Norwegians have been known to mix vodka with their isolation. Ice fishing is a popular wintertime sport in Canada, Russia and the United States as well as in Scandinavia. Forest Lake, Minn. hosts one of the most popular ice fishing contests in the U.S. every February.
In this series of ice fishing tips, you will learn how to troubleshoot problems such as frozen fishing lines and ice and snow buildup on your auger. Our expert will also discuss equipment storage and the organization of your tackle box.
Expert: Gabe Gries has worked for federal and state fisheries management agencies for more than 14 years. He holds two degrees in fisheries biology: a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Vermont and Master of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Gries is a life-long resident of New England and has fished extensively throughout the northeastern United States. He has experience working with (and catching) almost every species of fish in New England. Gries has 34 years of fishing experience and fishes whenever he can. He enjoys fishing for all species, but has a particular interest in pursuing warmwater species such as bass and panfish. Ice fishing is one of his passions.