Need help with an ice fishing trip

[Chris Roberts]

I've never gone ice fishing before and I really want to.  I have a few buddies that also want to go, but don't know anything about it either. 

 

We've narrowed it down to the weekend of Jan 19-21.  I need to keep it semi local to the state of Maryland, but we're willing to travel to WV, PA maybe lower NY?  I don't know to be honest.  Is that too early in the year or will we be okay?

 

Do I need to buy anything?  I'm assuming I need something to cut through ice.  I'd even be willing to meet someone from the forums if they new a place or just wanted to show some guys there spot (I'll probably be the only person really into it).

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Wow - ice fishing is a science and activity all its own. Just finding and getting down to catchable fish is a serious challenge, when faced with the flat expanse of an ice covered BOW.
I've done it in Minnesota often, always as a visitor. From that perspective, I can say you certainly need some very special gear, not to mention a great understanding of Life on the Ice. It is very much a life or death scenario, should you lack in these things.
I don't want to be a wet blanket, but I recommend you find a guide or someone who is prepared to show you the ropes. It is fun and very interesting, but it is not something I would call a frolicsome junket.

[Tony Livingston]

I agree with David, you need to go with an experienced ice fisherman a few times before you strike out on your own. Hopefully, you will be able to connect with somebody who will show you the ropes. Ice fishing is a lot like open water fishing in that you can make it as complicated as you wish... a hole in the ice, some light line and a jig will have you fishing....catching consistently is another matter entirely.

And....ice fisherman can sometimes be a secretive lot....most are more than willing to help a newbie out, but giving up the location of a hot bite is a different story.

 

Frolicsome junket??? I love that David!

[Chris Roberts]

I understand the idea of not sharing with me where to fish :)  I totally get that.  My only hope is that maybe someone out of state would realize it's just for a weekend trip and I wouldn't be returning :).

 

Who knows though.

 

Thank you both for your input

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Good point, Chris. If I lived somewhere "icy," Id take you.

[Bruce Tomaselli]

Of course, the easiest way to learn is to go with someone who knows the ropes. I fish for panfish in PA and it's not that big of a deal, but you must always be safe. Make sure you go with a experienced person that knows ice conditions.  You'll need an auger to cut through the ice and a couple jigging ice rods. You can go to a store and buy a rod and reel for $20. Get a few jigs and tip them with wax worms and you're in business. You'll need some shot, etc, to get your bait down, but usually the fish suspend near the bottom. It's too hard to explain it all on a forum such as this. If I lived neared you I'd show you everything I know and where to fish.

[Chris Roberts]

Would you be willing to show us if we were to come to PA?  I could bring a cooler full of brewski's and some other stuff to show gratitude!  I actually spend quite a bit of time in Indiana county.  Not sure which part of PA you're in though.

[Allen Morgan]

I don't ice-fish, but I have read quite a bit about it, especially when I thought I was moving back to Michigan last year.

First, DRESS FOR THE WEATHER!  Multiple layers, with an outer shells that breaks the wind.  You do NOT want wet fabric against your skin in this pursuit.  Cotton kills.  Wear lots of wool or synthetic fleece that will keep you warm even if you get wet.  Ice Armor is supposed to be some good stuff.

You need a way to get through the ice.  Most folks use augers, although some use electric chainsaws (beware of water spray, see above).  Hand-powered augers are cheap, power augers are expensive but nice when you need to pop a bunch of holes.

Once you punch the hole, you need to clear the ice out.  A cooking tool called a "spider" is a good one.  Also, you need to keep the hole clear.  Look into making a "spitter", a homemade charcoal-fired hot-water heater using a #10 coffee can, and some small copper tubing.  The output spout empties into your fishing hole and dumps warm water into it, melting some ice.

GPS is your friend.  If you fish the same BOW year-round, use a GPS to mark weedbeds, ledges, etc.  Return to these areas after freeze-up.  Remember that on bigger BOW's, the ice will get blown around; yesterday's holes in the hot spot will not be over that same hot spot today.

Many folks use portable sonar to get a look-see under the surface.  Some folks will even use a small underwater camera in addition to the sonar to watch their jig and know instantly when the fish takes.  This usually requires a second hole.

You can fish by just hanging a jig down, or you can use a float.  If you use a float, you might want to coat it with vaseline to keep the water off it, so ice doesn't form on the float.  If you use a peg float, peg it upside down, to keep it from tipping over from ice build-up.  A foam float (think kitchen sponge) can be squeezed, breaking the ice off the float.  You can also buy or make a "spring-bobber", which is something you attach to the end of your pole.

Many folks have already suggested using a guide.  This is very wise.  Also, Youtube is your friend.  Start running searches on "how to....." and plug in various ice fishing terms.  I remember seeing some interesting videos on how to catch minnows through the ice.

In-Fisherman will usually have several ice-fishing articles in its pages during the Winter.  Also, there is the In-Fisherman ice-fishing TV show.

Lastly, while I hate to direct someone elsewhere, try to find an ice-fishing forum, hopefully for your local area.  They should be able to help you.

[Chris Roberts]

Tons of good info there!  I think if we findout that it's a do-able trip during the time frame we're looking, I may try to find a different forum (only temporarily of course!)

[Tony Livingston]

Here you go... I spend a great deal of time on the Indiana board during the cold water season...............

http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php

[Ronald A Wilson]

one of the most important pieces of gear you will need is a good pair of pac boots .cold feet are a sure trip killer. simple is the best way to start .lots of times when i go it is not all that cold ,and you can stand it for short periods of time . lots of times i prefer to sit on a bucket and enjoy. i do own a small shack and do use it .but to try it for the first time i dont think that it is necesary. i fished for many years sitting on a bucket. layers of clothes ,wool socks with a pair of polyprolene socks under them ,a lantern does wonders to put off heat .just undescrible amount of fun if you enjoy fishing .it can get you hooked real quick .its just about as bad as what we bluegill site guys suffer from ,and for the most part it is absolutley uncurable the dreaded fish pox.i live in northeast ohio and the winters here are sometimes and most times quite fickle ,i was on the ice in ohio one time last year and really shouldnt have been on then .good luck we ice fisherman at this time of year suffer, the water is to hard to get the boat into but not hard enough to walk on

[Jim Gronaw]

Hey Chris...Deep Creek Lake, in extreme western Maryland, might be your best option to encounter fish this winter through the ice. Early safe ice, 4 in minimum , ususally occurs around Christmas and can last as long as early March, but the first ice is notoriously good fishing. McHenry Cove, State Park area and either side of Glendale Bridge can be good early ice spots. Public parking is tough in many areas, and you'll have to do some looking around or maybe know someone who has property on the lake. Big yellow perch, chain pickerel, walleyes and trout are the mainstays. Some big bluegills are there but hard to locate. Jig #5 Rapala ice Raps tipped with a waxie or a maggot on the center treble hook right off the bottom with gentle twitching motions, Kastmaster and Swedish Pimple spoons are also good. Use 4 or 6 lb mono, short jigging rods with strike indicators. You can pick up ice fishing gear, including augers, cleats and all the tackle at B&B Lures and Tackle in Hanover, PA. They usually have all the spikes and waxies you'll need, minnows, too. Google them for their address and phone numbers, and call ahead to see when they are open. They are a great, multi-species tackle shop.

[Tony Livingston]

Now that's some detailed info!! It doesn't get much better than that Chris.....