| THE NEW SCHOOL OF ICE FISHING |
| Written by Keith "CrappieKeith" Nelson - www.CKOutdoors.com |
Over the years ice fishing gear has come along way. How does it all help me catch more fish?
Well, that's a deep subject and to thouroughly talk it over it could take hours. Here's some key
issues that I think are important.
To start I think we have to address clothing. Standing on the ice all day a fisherperson really needs
to have a good set of boots and wool socks. By good boots I mean a boot that can wick moisture
away from your feet. Sock that have those same characteristics are important too. Wool should
never be overlooked for sub zero climates. Next a good set of bibs with padded knees and a jacket
that have the ability to keep you dry as well as cutting the wind when she starts a blowin like a
banshee. Layered under garments come into play here to. Remember you can always take off
those layers, but you can't add if you do not have them with you. A good hat and mits are a must
as well especially if you are on foot. Lastly a set of ice cleat for early and late ice will definitly keep
you from falling. Ice picks should be a mainstay for those same late and early ice times.
Well, that's a deep subject and to thouroughly talk it over it could take hours. Here's some key
issues that I think are important.
To start I think we have to address clothing. Standing on the ice all day a fisherperson really needs
to have a good set of boots and wool socks. By good boots I mean a boot that can wick moisture
away from your feet. Sock that have those same characteristics are important too. Wool should
never be overlooked for sub zero climates. Next a good set of bibs with padded knees and a jacket
that have the ability to keep you dry as well as cutting the wind when she starts a blowin like a
banshee. Layered under garments come into play here to. Remember you can always take off
those layers, but you can't add if you do not have them with you. A good hat and mits are a must
as well especially if you are on foot. Lastly a set of ice cleat for early and late ice will definitly keep
you from falling. Ice picks should be a mainstay for those same late and early ice times.
When temps fall having a portable and heater really help for several reasons.
1st - Getting warm keeps me on the ice much longer which improves my odds of getting into more
fish.
2nd - Being out of the wind also aides me since I'm using a spring bobber for the majority of my
fishing, wind can and will mess with my ability to read that spring.
3rd - If I choose to hide my catch the portable has me concealed.
4th - Privacy for those special times when a BM overtakes you.
5th - The portable enables me to pile all of my gear into it for hauling out to the ice.
6th - Not being pinned down and being able to run and gun, a portable allows us to stay right on top
of the fish.
1st - Getting warm keeps me on the ice much longer which improves my odds of getting into more
fish.
2nd - Being out of the wind also aides me since I'm using a spring bobber for the majority of my
fishing, wind can and will mess with my ability to read that spring.
3rd - If I choose to hide my catch the portable has me concealed.
4th - Privacy for those special times when a BM overtakes you.
5th - The portable enables me to pile all of my gear into it for hauling out to the ice.
6th - Not being pinned down and being able to run and gun, a portable allows us to stay right on top
of the fish.
Electronics such as flashers and cameras have really stepped up our fishing game. Now we can see
exactly what is going on down there instead of being blind and guessing. Having the ability to read
structure, fish's moods and species has got to be one of the most important improvements in our
gear.
Rods and reels have come a long was as well. We now have the same quality gear that we use on
the open water only smaller, lighter and more sensitive. I can remember in the days of old how I
used to bust off on those bigger fish on my panfish gear. With the new reels that have liquid
smooth drags that bust off has been reduced by better than 90%. Our lines are better and the rods
are no longer the cut offs from our open water rods. They are made specifically to load up properly
and to handle that load with grace under pressure. Those of us that have landed 15-20 pound pike
on 4 test will agree on how these upgrades have improved our abilities to land those monsters on
light tackle.
exactly what is going on down there instead of being blind and guessing. Having the ability to read
structure, fish's moods and species has got to be one of the most important improvements in our
gear.
Rods and reels have come a long was as well. We now have the same quality gear that we use on
the open water only smaller, lighter and more sensitive. I can remember in the days of old how I
used to bust off on those bigger fish on my panfish gear. With the new reels that have liquid
smooth drags that bust off has been reduced by better than 90%. Our lines are better and the rods
are no longer the cut offs from our open water rods. They are made specifically to load up properly
and to handle that load with grace under pressure. Those of us that have landed 15-20 pound pike
on 4 test will agree on how these upgrades have improved our abilities to land those monsters on
light tackle.
Lighting, augers, heaters have also improved greatly. They are lighter and less bulky making it
easier to haul. When you look at today's gear, there is something about being highly mobile and
super deadly that's so exciting. Make a point to upgrade a piece of gear every year and you will see
just how much more fun it can be.
easier to haul. When you look at today's gear, there is something about being highly mobile and
super deadly that's so exciting. Make a point to upgrade a piece of gear every year and you will see
just how much more fun it can be.