Technique Specific Rods - Part 5 of a Series

We'll switch gears on this post and talk about ice fishing rods.

As winter and solid water approaches, we turn our attention to some of the best fishing of the year, first ice!  It takes a  bit of nerve to walk out on a couple of inches of ice, but the reward of catching numbers of fish is really great.  Now,  you must be totally prepared for nearly anything.  Life jackets are a absolute must, ice picks on a cord running thru the arms of your jacket, a piece of plywood to stand on to distribute your weight, and other safety items will insure a good day on the ice.  "First ice" fishing lasts for maybe 10 days or 2 weeks before the ice gets thicker and much safer.  But the reward of fishing in some shallow areas near shore is unbelievable.  Take only what you can carry in your pockets to keep the weight down.  A ice chisel to break thru the thin ice is sufficient for this time of year.

The fish are congregated around the old haunts, the shallow weed line, at this time of year.  Drill holes, lots of holes and be mobile, ready to move around until you locate a school of fish, then give them what they want.  A colorful jig tipped with live bait is dinner time to many species.  The fish will be on the move shortly to deeper water where they will hang out for the winter.  Fish very quietly, be ready at sun up or sun down, just as the sun comes up over the tree tops.  Stealth is the key.

Equipment for this kind of fishing is simple.   A ultra light 24"- 28" ice rod with a very small reel is all that is needed.  The rod could be graphite or fiberglass.  Some fisherman even tape the reel to the rod.  The action of the rod needs to be very forgiving, light to medium light for this first ice time.   

As the season progresses, many of us use fish houses or shelters to protect from the cold and wind.  Shorter rods in these shelters is appropriate as there is not enough room for longer rods.  Maybe a medium action rod 24-30" is about maximum.  Don't forget about tip-up fishing where legal.  Use a longer rod, up to 36" medium heavy to heavy, with heavier line to capture some larger toothy critters that might be looking for a good meal from a minnow or some other live attraction bait. 

Winter time is a good time to reflect on nearly any topic, peaceful, quite time is enjoyable, looking down the ice hole is occasionally boring, so be ready to move around.  Use your senses to find fish, use the equipment you have (your head) and the day will reward with a pleasant experience and maybe even dinner.

Be sure to tell someone where you are going and approximately what time you will be home... a good idea anytime of year, but especially in the winter out on the ice.

(c) copyright - LakeLady Custom Rods- 2009