Vacationing in Minnesota? Try Ice Fishing

Posted by Alice Wilson
6
Nov 10, 2015
200 Views
Winter time is here. It’s time to put on your wool socks and a thick sweater.Put on your stocking cap and grab your fishing supplies. This is the season of ice fishing- a true Minnesota adventure. You don’t have to worry about being frozen and bored on a frozen lake. It is truly easy and exciting. You can hang around an ice hole with your friends and family, telling tales and waiting for a bite. So, let’s go for an ice fishing adventure.

Gear

You will need a short rod. This will be just 2 feet long. Since you don’t cast, you don’t need a long pole. The rods can be stiff or flexible. For small fish, try flexible ones. If your eye is on bigger fish, go for a stiff one.

Next you need a reliable tackle. A bobber and a jig or a plain hook with live bait can be used. Best bait you can use is minnows and night crawlers. Small moth larvae and other insect larvae can also be used. If you want to fish walleyes, bass and crappies, go for minnows. Looking for pan fish, try larvae and bugs.

Now you can use a regular reel or tie-up. Tie-up has two sticks, one of which will lie across the hole whereas the other goes down the hole. Tie-ups are more fun as you can play around or read a book at the same time.

To Get Started

Find out more about the lake and find a spot. Now you can cut the hole.For drilling a hole into ice, use auger or spud. And to clean up the ice shavings,use scoop, which is essentially a big spoon with holes.

The depth of the water determines what fish to fish for. Walleyes will be in deeper water whereas bluegills prefer shallow water.If you use a weighted hook, you can fish in any depth you want.

When landing your catch, reel it up slow and steady. After landing, remove it from hook.If it is too big or too small for you, release it into water, else put it in a snowbank or bucket.Now,beware of dogs, as they have the tendency to run off with your catch.

You must be polite and pick up your trash always .Do not disturb fellow anglers and let them have their peace.

Walleyes and panfish are most popular species in Minnesota. Schools of bluegills can be caught during daytime. But if you have your mind set on crappies and walleyes go to fish just before sundown. Trout and northern will bite almost at all the time and muskies and bass rarely bite.

Think of your essentials when you pack for ice fishing. Most people bring a book when they go. Having a shelter is optional but preferable. For your clothes, avoid cotton and prefer wool or fleece.

Lastly, always remember ice is never 100 percent safe. Look out for others and ask someone to look out for you if you are going fishing alone. Stay safe and enjoy.

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