the 2010 digest - New Hampshire Fish and Game Department

You can…
Walk on
Water!
What’s so fascinating about fishing on a
frozen pond or lake? I can’t put my finger
on the allure of ice fishing… but there’s
something irresistible about the frenzy that
follows the popping of a red tip-up flag. Just
watch a few little kids make a mad dash for
the ice-fishing hole, cheeks pink with cold
and excitement at their first catch of the day,
a tiny yellow perch!
—Mark Beauchesne
Want to get your family excited about going ice fishing? Here
are some basics to help you prepare for your first ice-angling
adventure.
EQUIPMENT
Ice-fishing equipment is specialized but simple. You
need a sled for moving equipment onto the ice—a big
plastic boat sled can haul your gear or a tired child.
A homemade sled works great, too; try a wooden box
attached to a pair of old downhill skis.
A “spud” can be used to test the thickness of the ice,
to make holes in the ice or to re-open holes made by
someone else. An auger is a giant drill for making holes in
the ice; get a hand auger for the exercise, or a power auger to make
lots of holes in a hurry. Use a “skimmer”—a long-handled slotted
spoon—to remove slush and ice from your ice-fishing holes.
The most popular ice-fishing device is the “tip-up.” The
reel, spooled with several hundred feet of braided line,
is submerged in the water; the rest of the device is
suspended on the ice by a pair of crossed “arms.” A
simple triggering mechanism makes a flag pop up
when a fish takes the bait, at which point you pull
the device from the water and reel the fish in by hand.
Your bait will usually be near the bottom, so you’ll want
a “sounder” to know how far down the bottom is. A sounder
is a heavy metal weight with a clip that attaches to your hook or
line. Lower it into the hole, and take the guesswork out of how
deep to fish. Mark your line with a button or
small sinker, and you won’t have to
re-sound after catching a fish
or changing bait.
For a more active icefishing
experience,
try a jig rod—like
a regular spinning
outfit with a
short (2 to 3-foot) rod.
Jig rods are named for the
up-and-down “jig” motion
the angler gives the bait
or lure. They allow you to
fish throughout the water
column.
BAIT
Live shiners are the bait of choice, and are sold in many locations.
You will need a bait bucket for them, and a bait dipper, which
is a small net to retrieve the little rascals from the cold water.
Mealworms and maggots are best baits for sunfish and crappies.
CLOTHING
A good pair of insulated boots, heavy wool socks and long johns
are musts. A fleece layer is next—or perhaps the traditional wool
pants and shirt. Your outer layer needs to be windproof and waterproof;
snow pants and a good winter coat will do the trick. Layering
will give you and your family better protection and comfort
in the cold. Don’t forget a warm hat and mittens.
FOOD
Snacks and drinks are very important for keeping your energy up
on the ice. Fill a thermos with beef stew or mac and cheese, and
another with hot cocoa. Bring a small grill to cook hot dogs—and
fish, when you catch them.
ET CETERA
A small tackle box carries other items you shouldn’t be without –
hooks, spare sounders, non-lead sinkers, lures, jigs, a first-aid kit,
pliers and trash bags. For safety and comfort, also bring rope (15
feet), extra clothing (leave in vehicle), a compass, fire starter and
matches, a folding lawn chair or pack chair, a heavy blanket, and
those handy little instant-heat packets. Consider ice crampons or
“creepers” for walking on ice.
Ice fishing is the main focus of the trip, but there is some
waiting involved; having activities to keep busy and
warm will only add to the fun. Frisbee, wildlife
tracking, snow-fort building and skating
are favorites. Time of day doesn’t matter,
so plan your trip around the warmest
part of the day, and keep it short
to start. You don’t have to go far
from home to have a good time
ice fishing. Let’s face it—New
Hampshire winters can seem
a little long. Having an activity
to look forward to makes
them much more fun. Enjoy
your winter on the ice!
Two ice fishing buddies
enjoy a successful day
in New Hampshire.
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