ICE FISHING
(Don't Forget The Kids)

By Leo Rock, Regional Fishery Biologist, Illinois Department of Conservation

A few years ago, ice fishing was reserved for a few hardy outdoorsmen who didn't mind the bitter wind and sub-zero temperatures. However, that picture has changed in recent years. Improvements in cold weather clothing, due primarily to the surge of interest in skiing and snowmobiling, plus added emphasis on outdoor recreation, now has made ice fishing a popular family sport.

Winter fishing frequently is overlooked as a recreational outlet for children. With one or two lessons on techniques, coupled with initial supervised trips for a thorough acquaintance with ice safety, the kids are in business. Those municipal park districts having ownership or access to lakes or park lagoons have a splendid opportunity for introducing a "new" winter sport to the young set.

Anglers also are learning that the biggest, tastiest panfish generally are taken through the ice, and that the ice fisherman's catch rate often is double that of the shirtsleeve angler.

One of ice fishing's greatest appeals is its low cost. An ice fishing rod can be purchased for just a few dollars. But you don't really need one. Ice fishing requires only as much concentration as you choose to give it and it's great fun for the kids.

Two fishing holes, like two heads, are better than one! Illinois law allows ice fishermen to use two poles, with no more than two hooks on each line.

What kind of fish will you catch through the ice? Generally, the same as you caught last summer. Bluegill and crappie make up most of the creel, followed by white and yellow bass and yellow perch. Anglers also may catch a few channel catfish, bullhead, largemouth bass, walleye, sauger and northern pike. The species and catch will vary according to the baits you use and the lake or stream you fish.

ICE SAFETY

The first thing you need for ice fishing is plenty of ice. A three-inch depth is sufficient for one person, four inches for two, and five inches for more than two persons. Keep in mind that slush ice is only about one-half as strong as clear blue ice. Stray currents and underwater springs can result in thinner ice. Avoid slushy spots on unfamiliar lakes, and remember that brushy areas take more time to freeze. Be particularly careful of the first few feet of shoreline ice, which may be soft.

Never venture out on ice in the main channel of a stream or river—sure, fish the river backwaters, but stay away from the main channel and its shoreline! When the ice is snow covered, take a prod pole along to feel out the next few feet ahead. Check with local fishermen if you're unsure of an area. Don't be alarmed on an early morning of an exceptionally cold but sunny day when the ice rumbles or develops hairline cracks with accompanying booming explosions. When you hear these rather startling noises, be assured that you are standing on strong thick ice. One additional note on safety, always fish with a companion.

Keep your eye on the weather while ice fishing. A warm, sunny day is no time to fish on ice of minimum thickness. Don't get caught a long way from shelter when a storm is blowing your way. You would be surprised how punishing a heavy storm can be when you're out on the wide open expanse of a frozen lake.

You'll need warm clothing. Loose bulky clothing that traps air is best if you don't have insulated or thermal outdoor clothing. Headgear which covers your ears, a scarf, and a warm pair of gloves are a must. Two pairs of gloves are recommended, in case one pair gets wet.

Proper footwear is most important, because your feet will feel the cold before other parts of your body. Rubber boots are best if the ice is wet. However, a pair of rubber pull-overs can be used with leather-soled boots. Take along a change of socks if your boots are insulated, because your feet are apt to sweat. If your park district offers a lakeside shelter (a fireplace would be of particular comfort), take an occasional break. The fish will wait for you.

Ice creepers are a good investment. Strapped to your

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Sled-like seat serves several purposes. Besides providing dry, comfortable seating, it can be used to carry fishermen's equipment conveniently and easily, and provides protection from the cold for his feet.

boots, they will help you stay erect while getting to and from your fishing spot. These can be made easily by cutting pieces of plywood in the shape of the front part of your booth, adding straps to hold them in place and tacking a couple of bottle caps to the bottom for traction.

A pair of sunglasses taken along on a sunny day will reduce eye strain.

To cut a hole in the ice, you'll need an ice auger, ice "spud" (a chisel-like tool), power drill or an axe. The preferred axe is the fireman-type, with a chisel-pick on the back. Most ice anglers prefer the ice auger because its relatively quiet operation doesn't scare the fish, and the holes it drills are just the right size. For safety reasons, Illinois' fishing regulations require that holes be no larger than 12 inches in diameter. Bring a small strainer to skim ice from the water in the fishing hole.

Abrasion from sharp ice at the bottom of the hole can cut or fray your line. You can solve this problem by "spudding" your hole in the shape of an inverted funnel—wider at the bottom. This also will help guide your catch toward the opening.

Consider pulling your gear to your fishing spot on a small sled equipped with a box. Or, at least, take along a bucket to carry your equipment—it will make a handy seat. A shelter, even a simple windbreak, can provide added comfort on a blustery day. Collapsible canvas shanties, extremely lightweight and portable, can be assembled and dismantled in a matter of minutes. They protect you from wind, rain or snow, and also keep light from entering the fishing hole, giving you better water visibility.

Modern catalytic heaters also are gaining in popularity, but a five-gallon bucket with a little charcoal inside will do the same job, as long as you don't set it directly on the ice. Take along a board to stand upon while fishing. This will help distribute your weight and keep your feet off the ice. They'll stay warmer.

Snacks and sandwiches stuffed into your coat pocket will taste good about two hours after you reach the ice. Take along a thermos of soup, coffee or hot chocolate to keep your body heat up.

If you're fishing early in morning or late in the evening, don't forget a flashlight. The sun sets early and darkness comes on rapidly during winter months.

Now, all you need is something with which to fish. Your fishing gear can be a bit of line wrapped around a block of wood, or the spin casting outfit you used last summer. "Tip-ups" are gaining in popularity in some parts of the state, but they don't allow the angler the opportunity to keep his bait moving, thus lessening the catch rate.

The standard ice fishing rod is about two to three feet long, has a light action and is very flexible. Generally, only the smallest split shot sinkers are needed. However, the deeper you fish, the more weight you'll need. The bobber must be small, matched to the weight below, and have low buoyancy. Even a piece of sponge can be used as a bobber. Ice build-up is removed with a simple squeeze.

Using heavy test line perhaps is the most frequent mistake made by unsuccessful ice fishermen. Generally, two pound test line is sufficient for panfishing. Some old-timers prefer four pound test line, but realize that heavier line hurts the chances of success.

Hooks and baits vary according to where you are fishing and the species sought. Fly-sizes hooks, or #8's, are the largest you should use when fishing for panfish. Live minnows and redworms are two popular baits. It doesn't take a lot on the hook to catch the fish. A small amount of bait which covers the barb of the hook is most effective. Minnows can be placed in a second hole in the ice and kept for long periods of time. Worms and larvae baits should be kept in a can with sawdust so they won't freeze.

Ice hooks or ice jigs attract fish by their bright colors. Some anglers add a small spinner for extra appeal. These lures generally are chrome on one side and painted with fluorescent green, red, or orange paint on the other side. Typical baits used on these rigs are meal worms, wax worms, mousies and corn boers.

The most effective way to handle your bait is with wet hands. Although your hands may be uncomfortable for a few minutes, they will not shock the bait or remove scales from minnows, which in turn affects their action and appearance underwater.

FINDING THE FISH

Part of the attraction of ice fishing is the social side. Anglers set up their rigs in the middle of a crowd and join in the conversation. Ice fishing is a community-type sport, and chances are that the crowd in the middle of

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the lake has found a 'hot spot'. You'll be welcome to join the group, and they'll tell you what depths and baits are best.

A good place to begin ice fishing is on a lake with which you are familiar, because you already know the structures there and where the fish are likely to be found. Most old-timers say the lunkers are caught in early morning under the ice; others find the most productive fishing time is in late afternoon.

A good way to find the right spot on a deserted lake is to locate where ice fishermen have fished previously. If there's evidence of a hole here and hole there, but none concentrated, keep looking. When you find an area where many holes have been made, chances are good that fish were being caught there. Drill another hole and start fishing.

The proper way to begin is to lower your bait through the hole until it hits bottom. Wind the bait up four or five inches and set the bobber. If you don't get a bite in 10 or 15 minutes, move it up six to eight inches and fish another 10 to 15 minutes. Continue this until you hit the fish or, if you still are unsuccessful, drill a new hole another place. With two lines being fished at different depths, it shouldn't take long to determine if you've chosen a good spot. Of course, if there are other anglers fishing there already, just ask them at what depth they are finding the fish.

In winter, fish school in larger numbers than during summer months. Shorelines and other shallow areas, normally alive with fish in summer, often are barren in winter, when fish usually congregate in deeper water. You may have to move from spot to spot to locate the schools, but once you hit the right place, your hands will be full.

Remember, fish select and remain in areas that best satisfy their needs for food and cover. Good spots are near weedbeds (preferrably on the deep side), stump patches and fallen trees. Water quality, temperatures and light penetration are important factors influencing fish distribution.

CATCHING THE FISH

The secret of good ice fishing is to keep the bait moving—jigging it up and down slowly, pausing, then jigging some more. Moving bait can be seen farther away by fish. To be truly successful, the angler must keep busy making adjustments and baiting sets with fresh, lively bait. Sometimes all it takes to improve your success is to change the bait. The fish might have already seen your bait, but preferred something else.

When ice fishing, you must remember the action will be light. That's the reason the float must be extra small. At times, the bobber won't go down at all, but merely will move steadily to one side of the hole. You must be ready to set the hook instantly.

Some old-timers say that after you've put your line in the water, you should push some slush back into the hole so the shaft of light going into the hole does not scare the fish away. They say this is extremely important if you are to catch big fish. (Remember, the big ones didn't grow large by being dumb).

However, if you're more concerned about keeping the ice smum off the water, take along a small can of light, clear oil. A few drops on top of the water will keep the hole open longer, and the ice smum won't form.

When you catch a big fish, lift him from the hole with the scoop you use to keep the hole free of ice—this helps to prevent strain on the line or worse, a broken line and lost fish.

In Illinois, anglers are allowed no more than two poles with no more than two hooks attached to each line. Size restrictions on various species apply, as do daily limits.

GIVE IT A TRY

The simplicity and limited amount of necessary skill are two of the biggest attractions of this sport, but just as important is the friendly social aspect.

Many municipalities offer organized winter outdoor recreation programs for ice skating, skiing, sledding and tobogganing, but never ice fishing! Ice fishing should not be slighted as a sport exclusively for adults. Nothing could be further from the truth. Its simplicity, low cost, and limited amount of skill required gears it to all age groups of either gender.

Ice angling is more than just fishing. It's the act of being able to relax, to put your troubles aside, to marvel at the winter skies, and it's an excellent cure for the winter doldrums.

Give it a try—don't forget the kids!!!

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