In a previous blog, I described the basic equipment required to catch fish through the ice. Today’s article is the first of three blogs about tips and tricks that will enhance your ice fishing experience.
Ice safety: Ice in southern Maine is at its thinnest in late December-early January when it sets, and by the end of March when it starts melting. I like to see a minimum of 3 inches of solid black ice in early winter, plus people fishing or their traces (e.g., footsteps on the snow, ice-fishing holes). If so, I will check the thickness with my ice spud before venturing out and make it a point to stay over shallow water close to shore. Late-winter ice can be tricky too. Typically, the ice will still be 1 to 2 feet thick, but the edges right along the shorelines may already have melted and refrozen, thereby creating dangerous breakthrough conditions. If unsure, always check to avoid falling through; I know from personal experience. When unsure about the conditions, I place retractable ice picks around my neck. I fortunately have never had to use them but they could one day save my life in an emergency situation… Finally, make it a point to wear cleats on your boots when walking on glare ice to avoid slipping and causing a severe back or head injury.
