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Why you should keep fishing in winter, Part 2 |
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December 8, 2015 |
By Roger Phillips
Idaho Fish and Game
How does this sound? You and your buddies can go
fishing and bring all the tackle, food and
beverages you want. You can fish anywhere on a
lake or reservoir, and you don't have to launch
a boat to do it.
Oh, and you will probably catch some tasty fish.
Sound like a good deal?
If you haven't figured it out already, we're
talking about ice fishing. It's an easy,
inexpensive way to fish that is surprisingly
beginner friendly. It's also a fun social
experience that's like a cross between
tailgating and fishing.
Let's talk about the basics of ice fishing. The
only equipment needed beyond your basic fishing
gear and a valid fishing license is an ice auger
and a slush spoon, and you can snag a substitute
for a slush spoon in your kitchen. A
hand-powered ice auger will cost about $75, and
a gas-powered auger about $300 and up. Go ahead
a buy a slush spoon for another $15. It comes in
handy, and you won't get in trouble for
pilfering utensils out of the kitchen.
Now it's time get on the ice and go fishing.
Caution and common sense are advised so it will
be a safe outing. The general rule of thumb is
three to four inches of solid ice will support a
person, and eight to 10 inches of solid ice are
needed to support an ATV or snowmobile. If
something about the ice doesn't look or feel
right, don't risk it.
When you've determined the ice is safe, drill a
hole, drop a line with a baited hook and/or a
small jig and you're fishing. But part of the
fun of ice fishing is using multiple lines. An
angler can fish with up to five poles or lines
at a time, and have up to five hooks per line.
When fishing gets hot, tending all those lines
can be tricky, but that's part of the fun.
Some waters are managed under special rules that
limit the number of poles or bait while ice
fishing, so be sure to check fishing regulations
for exceptions. Remember, a 2-pole permit does
not allow an angler to use 10 rods.
Trout and perch and are the most common quarry
for ice anglers, and they're especially tasty
during winter. But Idaho has a variety of
species anglers can catch ranging from cisco in
Southeast Idaho to pike in North Idaho. Catching
of any fish through the ice requires only basic
fishing skills and patience. The primary tactic
is usually drop your bait and wait, so it's very
easy for beginners to do. But there's still an
art to it, and good ice anglers will routinely
catch more fish than novice or casual anglers.
That's one reason it's common to see experienced
anglers on the ice with an array of tackle and
gadgets, usually coupled with sleds, tents and
often coolers and grills for a cook out. That's
part of the social experience ice fishing.
There's room for everyone on the ice, and many
people enjoy the festive atmosphere as much the
fishing.
You can learn more about ice fishing, including
techniques and tackle, as well as waters
throughout the state that typically have ice
fishing, on a webpage dedicated to the subject
at
https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/content/icefishing. |
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