It's great to fish in the summer when the air is warm and the lake is calm. There are fishermen, though, who can't wait for winter and the lake to freeze solid. Ice fishing is a sport that many people enjoy, extending the fishing season to year-round pleasure. What's more, ice fishing is a great family activity.
What makes ice fishing so appealing to families is that the sport isn't just about catching fish. Getting outdoors and breathing crisp, good air while having fun sums up ice fishing well. Smiles, laughs, and playing in the snow are all pretty common occurrences while out on the ice. Those reasons are just some of the few that even people who hate fishing get hooked on this winter activity. If you'd like to try a day of ice fishing with your family, here are some things to keep in mind.
Ice fishing is usually a whole-day activity. Get out on the ice early after breakfast to enjoy the best hours. If you plan on bringing home a bunch of perch for a meal, then being ready with your lines in the water by the time the sun starts to rise is best. Fish tend to bite in the early morning or later in the afternoon, depending on the species. The period in between usually ends up being playtime for families rather than hours spent reeling up the fish.
Pack a good lunch and some snacks, because the fresh air and activity will stir appetites. Lots of finger foods and plenty of water to drink serve the purpose nicely. It's a good idea to avoid bringing beer with you, though, as alcohol and cold don't mix well. Alcohol can lower your body temperature and the chill in the air makes it harder to feel the effects You may end up going overboard without realizing you've had one to many to make the safe drive home.
Staying warm while ice fishing is a must. The open-air location will often carry a good breeze, so windproof clothing should be your first consideration. Plenty of layers underneath warm sweaters will trap the heat and keep you feeling toasty. Good boots and mitts of solid construction are best, and even better are those that are waterproof. Ice fishing involves playing in cold water, after all!
Some other accessories you'll need are a warm hat and sunglasses. Bright sunlight reflects on the white snow and ice, which can be brutal on your eyesight and vision. Many ice anglers who don't wear sunglasses come home and realize they can't see well for over half an hour! Since the sun is so strong and the reflection off the snow amplifies its effects, it's also easy to get sunburned, so apply plenty of sun block to avoid red cheeks.
If you're new to ice fishing, choose an outfitter that will provide you with a cabin, a stove, lines, minnows and a hole-drilling service. These outfitters want to make sure you enjoy your day as much as possible and will set you up with everything you need for hours of fun. The employees will also be more than happy to answer your questions and give you tips on how to fish. Once you're set up, respect other people around you. Have a good time, but don't blast a radio to upset the peace and quiet of other anglers. Don't throw waste on the ice either and have a care for the environment. Some fishermen pour antifreeze in their holes to prevent ice from forming but antifreeze is toxic and this practice is an irresponsible one. Use the metal spoon provided to keep your holes from freezing over.
In addition, if you aren't going to eat the fish you catch, handle them gently and practice catch and release. The growth rate and reproduction of fish is quite slow, which means negligent or abusive behaviour can put a dent in fish populations.
Lastly, pack up and head home before you get tired. Being outside for a few hours in cold temperatures will hit you hard once you get into a warm car. By the time you get home, you'll probably feel exhausted. After a day of ice fishing, ordering a pizza for supper can be a godsend!
Listed below are more articles related to the above article from the "Fishing" article category.
People interested in the above article "Ice Fishing For The Whole Family" are also interested in the related articles listed below:
Fishing adventures are the best outdoor activity for both adults and children. Nothing is more enjoyable, peaceful and educational than a day spent fly fishing. In today's busy life schedule, fly fishing is a great way of fun and relaxation which connects you with nature.
Find out how to beat readymade baits by using butyric acid! It is one of the most well known bait and flavour components in carp fishing today, rated by Bill Cottam boss of Nutrabaits in his top ten. It is used alongside pineapple flavours in instant readymade baits. But how can you use it even more effectively than that? How much do you know about butyric acid that will improve your catches right now? This revealing article will really make you think!
The dynamics of oxygen production and use in a pond are complex and can be difficult to quantify. Plankton and algae in the water can produce some oxygen, but basing the oxygen consumption on only the organisms you are raising in the pond or lake will lead to under estimation, as wild organisms will inevitably occupy the same body of water. This leads to a need for sufficient aeration, and it has been shown that a fountain style or aerator is much more efficient than a paddle aerator, especially in brackish water. Pond aeration can make the difference between a swampy, stinking mess, and a healthy, thriving aquaculture with high production.
They say a bad day of fishing is better than a good day of work. Fortunately, you're not likely to have a bad day fishing when you're surrounded by the natural beauty of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Scenic Byway in Maryland (also known as the Catoctin Mountain Scenic Byway.) Take a day off and drive the route to fish-filled rivers, lakes, and ponds where you can let your line slack and your mind wander.
When you think of beaches, you probably don't immediately think of Idaho. A ride on the Pend Oreille Scenic Byway, however, will surely change that. Located in the northern tip of Idaho, this byway introduces you to miles of open shoreline, surrounding a vast lake filled with schools of fish. Bright green surrounds the beaches, throwing shadows in all the right places-the perfect setting for a day of fishing.
Travel through a wild and undeveloped portion of the Monongahela National Forest. Hardwood forests cover rolling, mountainous terrain capped by dark spruce at high elevations. Traverse a narrow and steep-walled valley with views of clear mountain streams. Sights include Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, Summit Lake, and Falls of Hills Creek.
The 15.5-mile stretch of clear flowing Colorado River winding through the Marble Canyon Gorge between the Glen Canyon Dam and the beginning of the Grand Canyon is commonly referred to as Lees Ferry. Since 1964 this area has hosted a recreational trout fishery that has grown in importance and reputation. For anglers, this picturesque stretch of river is a unique tail-water trout fishery of international renown. Anglers from around the world have come to Lees Ferry to fish for rainbow trout in this large, swift flowing river winding its way through the lower most segment of Glen Canyon.
