Well as the seasons change we go on to the next hobby or interest.  Now that the cold has set in and temperatures have dropped for a long enough time to freeze the lakes over we are getting ready for Ice Fishing.

It is important to wait for the lakes to freeze and get the reports from the local authorities that it is safe to go out onto the lakes.

Getting the equiptment ready and inspecting it for any needed upgrades or replacements is important.

Ice Fishing  is a winter sport that is high on the agenda in my area.  I live in Upstate New York and there are a lot of lakes (i.e. most of The Fingerlakes, Lake Oneida, Lake George, Black Lake, etc).  Some of these lakes have a lot of shallow areas that freeze up fast and provide lots of ice fishing fun.  One of the winter events that is part of the lifestyle here.  Even the larger lakes freeze up to some extent.  You will usually see the ice fishing huts or shanties on the lakes in January here unless it has been an unusually warm winter.  Even in the lakes that are more on the shallow side you still need to be very careful.  Usually the local news is a good source for ice fishing conditions.

Even when the weather is a little warmer than usual here you need to be dressed appropriately.  Layering is a great way to insure comfort.  Remember, you can put more on if you have it with you and take it off as needed.

The equipment you are going to need is an simple sled.  This can be used to pull your equipment and supplies out on the ice.  Then you will need an auger that is suitable for your conditions or how thick the ice is where you will be fishing.  You are also going to need a skimmer to keep the ice from recovering the hole as you fish.  Depending on you available funds you may consider a hut or shanty.  There are a wide variety of different types that will help to block some of the wind and add some comfort to your outing.

The next thing you will need is a rod suitable for ice fishing.  You may consider a rather inexpensive one to start with, until you get a feel for what you may like.  Just as you fish any other season of the year you will need different tackle for the different types of fish you are fishing for.  So, you will need to either know ahead of time the area you are planing you outing for or you will need to do some research on it.  A lot of your bait and tackle shops have people that are very much at home with this sport and would just love to share their knowledge in this area.

Pack some snacks and have a great outing.  Please feel free to leave some comments on anything you may want to add or any interesting links.

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• Art Shanties in Northern Minnesota (craftzine.com)
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• Art shanties return to the tundra (makezine.com)
• Fishing Reports by Regional Fishery Biologists (thevalleyvoice.org)
• Fall and Winter in Upstate New York (athomelifestyle.com)
• Winter Trout Fishing in New Jersey (gloucestercitynews.net)
• The Cascade River reopens to fishing while the Nisqually closes (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
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