| Ice fishing is a great winter-time sport, and by | | | | shore quite easily -- just drill two holes in the ice |
| following a few simple tips, even beginners can | | | | close to the shore where the water is shallow. |
| get off to a great start. Getting a feel for the ice | | | | This will give you a good idea of the thickness |
| takes time, but with a little research even | | | | and quality of the ice. Additionally, if there are |
| newbies can catch fish on frozen lakes and ponds. | | | | other fishermen out on the lake; ask them about |
| | | | the quality of the ice and its thickness. |
| There is very little middle ground when it comes | | | | To make choosing a spot to fish more |
| to ice fishing; people usually either love it or hate | | | | convenient, there are ice fishing access maps |
| it. But in the northern states, there is a long | | | | available online for ponds and lakes in many of the |
| tradition of ice fishing, and many outdoor | | | | northern states. These will give you a good idea |
| enthusiasts can't wait for the winter to come so | | | | of the depth of a lake or pond you intend to fish, |
| they can get out there on the ice and enjoy this | | | | and suggested locations to set up your base |
| sport. | | | | camp on the ice. |
| But if you are new to ice fishing, it is important to | | | | It's also important to remember that you need |
| get a feel for what the sport is all about before | | | | not venture out into deep water to catch a lot of |
| heading out on the ice. In this article we will cover | | | | fish. Many experienced ice fishermen rarely |
| the basics of getting started in ice fishing. Who | | | | venture out beyond five or 6 feet deep in a lake |
| knows, you may discover that you love the thrill | | | | or pond. As a beginner, it is usually a good idea to |
| of getting out on the ice and catching some big | | | | stay close to the shore anyway, and you can be |
| fish. | | | | assured that it is just as easy to catch fish at a |
| The first rule of ice fishing is quite obvious, but it | | | | depth of 6 feet as it is at a depth of 40 feet, so |
| cannot be overstated in its importance; be certain | | | | why risk it? |
| that the ice you are fishing on a safe. As a | | | | The next rule of ice fishing for beginners should |
| general rule, you should wait until there is a | | | | be obvious, but it is often overlooked. Never go |
| minimum of 6 inches of solid ice on a pond or lake | | | | ice fishing on your own. You should always take a |
| before attempting to fish on it. There are also | | | | partner when you venture out on the ice. This is |
| different types of ice, and it is wise to familiarize | | | | important for safety reasons, and it will also make |
| yourself with all of them before beginning. | | | | the entire experience much more pleasurable. |
| "Black ice," is the name given to patches with ice | | | | Another absolute "must" is to let your family |
| that are mostly clear, and containing only air | | | | know where you will be fishing and at what time |
| bubbles. Black ice is considered safer than the | | | | you plan to return. |
| deceptively-named, "white ice," which is not clear, | | | | Ice fishing can be a wonderful pastime, and a |
| and contains melted snow that has re-frozen. In | | | | great way to pass those long, dark winter |
| general, ice fishing beginners should a void white | | | | evenings, but remember, when it comes to ice |
| ice altogether. | | | | fishing, safety should always be your primary |
| The next rule is this: always test the ice before | | | | concern. |
| setting up and fishing. You can test the ice by the | | | | |