Ice Fishing 101: A Tutorial

So I haven't really written anything in a bit, because my life is, well, average. Nothing really too exciting (except baby shower registering, and that's an entirely different post), and nothing really too super to brag about.

Of course, it's the heart of ice fishing season, and I'm out ATTEMPTING to catch fish every weekend. This past weekend was no exception. There is one difference though. The friend that went with me has never hard water fished before. Yep, I had an ice fishing newbie out there with me on Sunday. Let me tell you, it was a learning experience for me as well.

First I have to say, he learned very well. He learned things quickly. He learned patience (no fish biting again this weekend ugh), and I learned my lesson. (Not in a bad way....I had a BLAST)

Going with a new guy, I experienced new things myself....things that I want to share with you......classroom style. Ladies and gentlemen, grab your coffee, and turn up the radio, because it's time for Tom's Ice Fishing 101 class. Here are the do's and don't's of ice fishing if you're going with me.

First thing is: Find a body of water that has ice. Safe ice. (No ice is 100% safe, but safe enough to walk, run, slide, crawl, dance, and jump on).

Once you have found that body of ice.........put your cell phone in your pocket, and LEAVE IT THERE. Don't spend your day Texting your girlfriend/wife. If you miss her that much, don't go fishing. :)

Make sure you have the correct equipment. Here are the necessities. An auger to cut through the ice.

Notice the bait bucket in the upper right as well. (It was super sunny and I couldn't see through the camera viewfinder). Make sure you have bait (minnows are the best). Also to the right in that pic is the spoon part of the scooper. That scoops out the slush from the hole once you drill one. Hence the name, "Scooper". Brilliant!

Next, a tip-up or three helps.
Oh yeah, leave your phone in your pocket. Please.

Next, drill a hole to make sure the ice is safe enough. And to set up your tip-up.

Use the 'scooper' to 'scoop' out the slush and what-not, and set up your tip up with bait. First make sure you don't have any holes in your "dip-net" to get the minnows out of the bait bucket.

Set up the tip up, and wait. That's pretty much it. At least that's how it's been this season.....wait.

Here are some 'extras' for you though if you're going ice fishing with me.

Make sure you bring water. To drink. Lots of water. You will dehydrate quicker on the ice than in the sun in the summer.
Notice it's half empty? I get thirsty. Also, make sure you have a nice HOT cup of coffee with you. There's nothing like sipping a hot cup of joe standing on the ice.

Drinking coffee, and lots of water, nature will eventually call. Luckily I'm a guy, so any tree will do, and no, there are no pictures to go along with that.

I suggest safety gear too....JUST IN CASE. Here, my friend has safety spikes hanging around his neck. This is in case he falls in, he can use these picks to pull himself out.

Luckily, we never had to use them yet (God forbid). (Phone is in his pocket.......for now).

Have good boots. Waterproof. Insulated. Good boots. If your feet get cold and wet....your day is done.
BOOTS.



these aren't boots
Beware of sea monsters. They sneak through the ice and try to grab your phone, that SHOULD be in your pocket.
If you want to bring food, and it's a Pop Tart, I highly suggest you put it in the cooler, or somewhere it won't get broken into a million pieces. Your cold fingers cannot grip small things, and you'll starve to death.

Leave your cell phone in your pocket.


Most importantly, have fun. Enjoy the day. Go for a walk when the fish aren't biting. Be grateful to share in the beauty around you. Inhale the fresh air (no germs in subzero temps). And tell stupid jokes. "Why does Snoop Doggy Dog carry an umbrella?" "For tha drizzle". Ha.

Overall, for me, the most important thing about ice fishing, is just having a good time with friends. Good conversation, fun ribbing, and maybe catch a fish or three. Unfortunately, I didn't catch anything, but I still had the good conversation (when someone wasn't on the phone), and some great ribbing. Plus, I brought a sandwich, not a pop tart so I had a good lunch. :)

I'm debating whether or not to hang up the ice fishing for the season and just chill on the weekends, or stick it out maybe another 2 weeks or so. Who knows, maybe we'll get a nice warm-up and melt the ice so I don't have to decide.

Anyway.....tight lines, droopy nets, stay on top.....and keep your cell phone in your pocket.