Tips for Ice Fishing

Just because it is winter doesn't mean you have to stop fishing. There’re plenty of opportunities to bag the biggest catch of the day even when your favorite lakes have frozen. In fact, this is the perfect time to pack your gear, bundle up, and experience the excitement of fishing in a whole new way.

Ice fishing is a fun wintertime activity that can be enjoyed by anglers of all ages. It involves catching fish through an opening in the ice on a frozen body of water. Keep in mind that you need to be prepared to deal with inclement weather and below-freezing temperatures, as well as the more general hazards of ice fishing. 

Nisswa Marine has provided some essential tips to help you get started. If you need any assistance, stop by our dealership in Nisswa, Minnesota, to chat with our experienced staff.

Traveling Safely on Ice

Ice can be unstable and sometimes unpredictable, so it’s important to know how to travel safely on it. The heavier the load, the thicker and stronger the ice will need to be. Anything less than 2’’ can be hazardous for anyone to walk on, so avoid it altogether. You’ll want at least 4’’ to support yourself while ice fishing or walking. From there, you’ll want thicker ice for the vehicles you may be using. A snowmobile or other powersports vehicle will probably need at least 6”. It’s best to go early in the season as late-season thaws could be dangerous. 

Layer Up Your Clothing

A smart strategy for staying warm in sub-freezing temperatures is to layer up your clothing. Begin with a wicking layer of synthetic material and then add a light insulating layer of wool or fleece on top. You’ll want to add a heavier insulating layer and a windproof outer layer to block as much cold air as possible. A warm hoodie below an ice suit is a good option. Wear a ski cap, a close-fitting scarf or neck gaiter, gloves, woolen socks, and boots with a thick insulating sole to keep your feet cozy and comfortable.

Find a Good Ice Fishing Spot

The first thing you need to do is figure out where to find the fish. You’re likely to find fish settled in the same spots they were there just before the water froze. Experienced anglers know this, so they hop into their fishing boats before the lake freezes to search the water for hot spots. Scouting for fish early on is a lot easier than doing it on ice, especially when you’re aboard one of the legendary Robalo fishing boats that’s equipped with high-tech marine electronics, like GPS, side imaging sonars, and fish finders.

If you’re on a lake for the first time, try fishing the basin or the steepest shoreline you can access as bigger fish like to move along these areas. Once you’ve found the perfect spot, it’s time to start drilling. You’ll need a manual or gas-powered auger to drill your fishing hole, which should be ideally 8-10’’ wide. Then use an ice skimmer to remove any remaining chunks of ice from the hole. If you’re moving on to another spot to drill a hole, remember to mark the previous one to avoid any potential accidents.

Fishing Lures

While you can use natural bait, properly presented artificial ice bait and lures can also be great choices that lead to plenty of catches. There are a variety of options available as far as types of lures and their design. For example, there are multi-species lures and soft plastic baits that provide a baitfish smorgasbord to entice lethargic cold-water fish.

Tackle and Rods

Don’t forget that the type of rod you use, and the strength of your line also play an important role. The fish are much more mellow because of the cold, so you don’t need to bring a giant action rod just because you’re trying to catch some bigger fish. There is less space to manipulate the direction of the rod when you are ice fishing, which increases the chances of snapping your line. We would recommend using an ice fishing line that can withstand cold temperatures and relax on the power of your rod.

Ice fishing is fun and challenging, and with a little practice and patience, you’ll have the hang of it in no time. If you need some gear or even a fishing boat for your next adventure, visit us at Nisswa Marine in Nisswa, MN. We proudly serve the cities of Minneapolis and St. Cloud, MN.