Ice Fishing Guide

Ice fishing is one of the most fun, but also one of the most dangerous sports in the United States. Why, you might ask? Well- the ice! Anyone planning to enjoy this sport needs to be wary of the ice, as no ice is 100% safe. You could break through ice even as thick as ten inches, but even with thicker ice of 24+ inches, you need to be safe. Once you know the ice is safe- then you should feel free to get out there and drill some holes. Do not go near open water ever, because all it takes is one wrong move to cause your death.
Many think of ice fishing as a good solitary sport, but you should never go ice fishing alone because if you go alone and fall through, you might have a hard time getting out of the lake. A good idea is to buy a spud bar to tell if the ice is thick enough, and ice picks. Ice picks can help if you do fall through, as you can stab the ice with them to prevent you from going under. Another safety tip is that if there’s no snow on the ice to help you walk safely, you should get ice cleats for the bottom of your boots and shoes. It’s always a good idea to bring a buddy along, because then they can call for help and try to help get you out of the water. They can also keep you company and help you pull all of your gear out to your spot and set it up.
While Ice fishing is fun, it’s also very expensive. If you just want to do the bare minimum, you need an ice auger, tip-ups, a jig pole, a jig, and bait (minnows or worms). It’s also nice to have an ice shack or ice castle to keep you warm on the cold days. A downfall about a shelter is that it can be expensive, especially if you buy it new. The only way you’ll be able to buy it for decently cheap is if you can find and buy it used for a couple hundred bucks.
If you haven’t been ice fishing- go do it! It’s a great way to spend a day with friends and family, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch your dinner.