I want it to be known that I’m NOT being negative and or NOT trying to discourage people from ice fishing. I’m being truthful when I say ice fishing isn’t for everyone. During the winter months, you could drive past a lake and see shelters or folks sitting on a bucket in the middle of a lake fishing and think, that looks like fun and want to do that. Ice fishing can be fun if you 1) have the right equipment and 2) you catch fish. I know people that have bought ice fishing equipment and after one outing decide ice fishing isn’t for them and sold everything, they bought at their spring garage sale at a much lower price than they paid.

So, before you spend money on ice fishing talk to someone you know that ice fishes and ask to tag along. This way you can get the whole ice fishing experience without spending hard earned money on a sport you may not enjoy. Here are a few things to consider before going ice fishing. The weather conditions can change at a drop of a bobber (I JUST CAME UP WITH THAT PHASE, LOL) and there is nothing worse than packing up your equipment in a blowing snowstorm and walking or riding to shore. Then you can be reasonable comfortable when you start to fish and then be extremely cold in a few hours. Also keep in mind taking fish off your line your hands will get wet; need I say more?

Then there is mobility. If you’re not catching fish, you have to pack up and move to another spot, drill a hole or holes and wait for fish to bite. TIP, (drill 3 or 4 holes 20 to 25 feet apart and start fishing from the first hole you drilled). There will be days the weather won’t bother because you’re catching a ton of fish and that does make a difference. Other days you could get skunked and think, was it worth it. Ok, with all that negative being said, being outdoors on a beautiful winter day spending quality time with friends and family catching fish or not can be an awesome experience. I say if you see someone sitting on a bucket in the middle of a lake, walk out and talk to them.