Ice Fishing Gear and Skills and Techniques

Before heading out on the ice, ice fishers should also make sure to bring specific ice fishing gear.

These items can help make their fishing trip more successful.

Augers—either a manual or power auger to cut a hole in the ice; the auger's blades cut into the ice; power augers have an engine that powers the blades

Skimmer—to clear ice chips floating in holes; skimmers have a handle and a scooper with small holes.

Depth Finder—an electronic ice fishing gear device that uses sound waves to find underwater objects; a screen shows the location of fish, the water's bottom, and the ice fisher's bait or lure

Ice Pick—a small tool with a sharp point; people who fall through the ice can use it to pull themselves out of the water

Gaff—a long handle with a hook at one end used for pulling up large fish; a gaff should not be used on fish that will be released

Rattle Reel—allows ice fishers hands-free fishing; it rattles when a fish takes the bait.

Skills And Techniques

Learn about where and when to fish, techniques, and bringing in the catch.

Ice fishing requires knowledge and skill.

Ice fishers learn about the features and habits of different fish species. 

They need to decide where to cut holes.

They also need to know what to do after a fish strikes.

When to Fish

To catch more fish, ice fishers should learn the common feeding times of different fish species.

Walleye feed just before sunrise and just after dark. Bluegill feed in late afternoon.

Ice fishers also use spawning times to decide when to fish. Fish lay eggs during these times.

Some species feed more often just before and after they spawn. Most fish spawn in spring.

Ice fishers try to catch spawning fish just before the ice begins to thaw.

Hoped you enjoyed this article about ice fishing gear and skills and techniques.

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