Wow, so I get this call from my brother this morning, asking me if I’d like to tag along this coming weekend and do some ice fishing. Yes, I was quite surprised as fishing really isn’t my cup of tea, although I have gone with him in the past – ‘cuz he’s my brother!

I remember one time we were on vacation in New Hampshire at Lake Winnipesaukee and he asked me to go out on the boat fishing with him at like 5:00 in the morning. I had never been before so I said okay. We went out, he zoomed to his favorite fishing spot and there we sat. Now it’s still early and dark, so there was really nothing to do…the sun wasn’t out, so I couldn’t tan, nor could I read, so I was talking to him, asking questions about fishing. Needless to say, he told me he was taking me back to the cottage, dropping me off, and going back out. I guess a lot of chatter scares the fish??

At any rate, years later now he want to go ice fishing. He’s traveling up north and thought it’d be fun for me to tag along too. Ice fishing?? All I can think of is freezing! I told him I’d think about it and immediately started researching ice fishing so I’d know what I was getting into and maybe impress him a little with my knowledge!

Here’s what I found out…

Ice fishing can be fun! (Hmmm…) All you really need is some planning and preparation and it can be a wonderful experience.

Get everything ahead of time -

Make a list of the supplies you used on your last trip and replenish them early.  Make sure you get all those Glo-Buster Bluelights or Lindy Tazers. Just remember “stock up”.

Check the hole on the ice floor. Make sure the hole is clean.  Chips or chunks of ice could cause entanglements in the fishing line and could break your chances of getting any fish, as these could sever the line. (Reminder: ask my brother if the holes will already be there or if he will be making new ones – yikes)

To get more fish, you need these four important baits -

You simply cannot go on without:  wax worms, minnows, assorted PowerBait, maggots. It is best to keep these bait separated and as much as possible alive using coolers such as a small cooler. (Okay…now that is going to be totally up to him. I will Not be handling anything of the sort!)

Clean and inspect the rods and fishing reels you are going to use.  Q-tips are best for taking out the nicks in every nook and cranny of your ice rod.  Non-freezing oil for lubing fishing reels is advisable.

Don’t forget the heat -

Do not forget to bring the heaters and propane cylinders. You cannot fish comfortably if you are as cold as the fish under the ice.  Ice fishing should be fun and feel comfy too. (Again, hmmm…)

House up -

The ice is harsh and cold but it doesn’t mean you have to feel that too.  Ice tents should be cleaned out as well by putting over a light coat of lubricant at the joints.  If there is any wear or tear, it is best to contact the manufacturer in order for them to send out the appropriate repair kit if necessary. (Reminder: ask my brother to make sure he has an ice tent and that we won’t be out in the open!)

Gear Up -

It’s better to be safe than sorry, make sure you get a set of lifeguard spikes as well as a safety rope. Also, to feel less of the cold and at the same time be cool, pick up a coat specifically made for ice fishing. Avoid frost bite on your toes and feet with good insulated socks and shoes.

So, how’s that? Think my brother will be impressed? I’m still not 100% sure that I’m going, but after all I just learned, it’s a good possibility and besides, I get to spend some time with my brother! Brrrrr…