Some simple methods to the cold, cold madness of ice fishing

Ice fishing can be as simple or as complicated as you care to make it.

There is a lot of specialized gear available – fishing tents, ridiculously short rods, gas-powered augers, sleds, ice scoops, propane heaters and expensive lures – but the fact is, a beginning angler can get by just fine with a 5-gallon bucket, a limber trout rod, a slotted cooking spoon for removing ice from the hole, a hand auger and a hook baited with maggots, fish eyes or a piece of worm.

Be sure to add enough weight to get down quickly and put tension on the line. A lawn chair adds an element of comfort, but the bucket will suffice, and it can also be used to carry tackle, rod, snacks, and later, fish.

A hand-held 6- or 7-inch auger is a must, especially if the ice is thick. They can be purchased for around $70 dollars. If you have more confidence with lures than a baited hook, go with tiny jigs or spoons baited with fish eyes or maggots. (Treble hooks are more bother than they are worth as they tend to snag mittens.) A small Swedish Pimple with a single hook and a green insert is hard to beat.

The best bet for locating fish on a new body of water is to go where others are fishing. If you are first out, look for previously drilled holes, especially those with a stain around them that indicate fish had been on the ice there. On shallow lakes such as Eloika, fish in the deepest water you can find. Otherwise, just start “prospecting” by drilling holes, fishing a few minutes, and moving on if there is no action. Winter bites are often subtle. Some anglers use small bobbers and set the hook at the tiniest movement.

Dress in layers and wear a stocking cap rather than the baseball variety. No one complains about being hot while ice fishing. A small piece of carpet under your feet will help keep them warm, but don’t disregard chemical hand, foot and body warmers such as Little Hotties.

Wear the best gloves you can afford and always keep your back to the wind.