Fishing Michigan

Either you have been fishing for a while through the ice, or you have the ways and means to jump over a step or two.  This would be the time to get the newest and bluest in ice gear. Keep all that safety gear and a bucket or two, neither goes out of style.

Equipment lists will include some or all of the following:

Power Auger, Fish Finder, Underwater Camera,  Improved Rod Selection, Better Reels,  Advance Line Tactics, Increased Lure Selection,  Flashers, Heaters, Shanties to Fit your Method of Fishing, Electonics, Transportation, Differing Styles of Tip Ups, Dead Sticks, and a whole host of nic nacs that can make your experience on the ice more enjoyable.

In the coming weeks,  I will breakdown everything from clothing options to the best type of action on a rod to fit the lure that you are using.  Different brands, options and even how to do some home improvements on your gear.  Kind of a make it your own type of thing.  All of it is fun to do,  and takes only minutes out of your evenings to get it done.

With the safety and clothing items discussed, what is next for the angler just starting out in ice fishing?  Really this all depends on the amount of money that can be spent without going bankrupt.  My advice for the young guy starting out is going to be different than that given to someone older who can afford more.  In the 7 years in which I have really progressed from the typical bucket fisherman, to someone who fishes competition, everything becomes more specialized.  Before 2001,  I was that guy in the Carharts, with a small sled, couple of rods, hand auger, lead depthfinders  limited supply of jigs, bucket and a lot of love for the outdoors and the whole winter experience.

My best advice to the new kid starting out, at least for the first year is this.  Pick one species of fish to pursue this year, and build from there.  At the most pick two, but don’t say bluegill and crappie, make it drastically different types of fish.  Say bluegill and walleye, or gills and pike.  Most of the bluegill equipment can be used for perch and crappie, and some walleye equipment can be used for pike as well.

Equip yourself for fair weather fishing, break yourself in slowly, decide if you really enjoy the sport.  If you have as much fun as I think you will, go out and get big stuff next year.  If you can get a deal on something used the first year, do it.  I have already sold one flasher this year, and debating on selling a second.  Some guys trade in rods every year, you might find a deal that way.

Ok starting out, this is it on the cheap, but good quality recommendations:

Get a sled,  Shappell makes a fine line up and wont break the bank:  $35.00

Bucket & Lid:  Ask at Wendy’s, Mc Donalds type places for an empty pickle bucket: $0.00

Hand auger:  Strikemaster Lazer cost is $75, or there abouts, and 6″ is a good start.

Tip-Up, good for pike and walleye, with tip up line, about $15.00

Spud: $20 bucks or less

Cleats:  a must for early ice or bare surfaces, $15,00

Spikes:  $10.00

2 or 3 rods:  $30 to 75.00

2 or 3 reels: $40 to 90 bucks

Line: 2, 4 and 8 lb, about $25.00

Lures for gills and predator fish (walleye and pike):  decent selection $50.00

Ok, adding all that up comes to: $315 or $410

It might seem like a chunk of change, but nothing compared to a play station and sitting on your butt inside the house all winter.

Ok, to clarify one thing before I take the beagles out for a lil’ training.  Rods and reels can be bought together as a combo, but I have NOT seen a combo reel yet worth its salt.  You really are better off getting a rod and reel separately, and having that better quality vs. something breaking down on you while fishing.

Second thing on the line, I prefer using mono on some of the rods where really small jigs are needed.  Heavier lures can be fished for crappie, perch, walleye and pike effectively with braided lines.  Fireline is a good option, but I prefer the 5, 8 and 15 lb Power Pro that comes in Moss Green, Hi-Vis Yellow, White, and Ice Blue for the bigger critters.  It holds up to the fish, and also the conditions that are common place in ice fishing.  Specially jagged edges at the bottom of your hole in the ice.

All the things to help  you get started ice fishing; the basics for the beginner.

Before you even start fishing, get in gear.  Make the list, check it twice and check-off the priorities.  What are the first issues to deal with; both safety and comfort should be at the top of any list before even getting your equipment. 

Checklist:     ice spikes, cleats,  weighted rope, spud, under garments, fleece, outer shell, good socks and liners,  good quality boots, head gear, gloves and/or mittens.

With the proper clothing, you can get almost the same amount of comfort as you can fishing inside a shelter.  It is important to start with a layer that will not only help insulate your body heat, but also help protect it against moisture build up.  A good material to do this is one of the oldest ones available.  Silk tops and bottoms not only form a good base layer, but also help in wicking away moisture from your skin.  The next item that goes on is a pair of liner socks.  These do the same function as the silk long johns.  Its is important to make sure the liners, and later your wool or wool blend socks are not too tight. The next item I put on is a pair of fleece pants, and then a non-cotton turtleneck.  Over the turtleneck goes a fleece pullover.  The final items to be worn over these are suits specially designed for ice fishing,  good insulated and waterproof boots, and something on top to keep my ears warm and protect my face. 

With the fleece items,  I choose the correct size that I would normally wear, large pants and XL top.  For most days in SE Michigan this is the only layer that I require.  But even down here, or destinations north,  can have sub-zero termperatures.  For these really cold days, I apply a pair of windproof XL pants and a 2X jacket, that fit loosely under the ice suits.  This isn’t some fashion show folks,  although you are moving constantly looking for new holes that produce fish,  you need to dress for times when you are on fish, and movement is nill.  Make sure your outerwear is large enough to fit over these layers while allowing you a good range of movement.

Your safety gear is pretty basic, but neccessary all the same.  Spikes are worn around your neck, there are several brands available.  Although relatively inexpensive, they are the most vital item to have.  If you happen to break through the ice, these items while held in each hand, will allow you to pull yourself back up onto the ice.  Cleats are worn in conjunction with your boots,  these are most important during early and late ice when there is little snow cover.  Like a pair of track spikes, they give the person wearing them traction on a smooth surface.  These are most helpful in avoiding landing on your rear, elbow or bouncing your noggin off the ice.  All vital body parts!  Most folks carry a rope of some type during early and late ice.  If the rope is light in weight, it does you little good while trying to throw it to a companion who has broke through the ice.  Have a weight attached to the receiving end of the rope.  Its pretty important not to aim directly at the person in the water.  No sense in adding to the situation by bouncing it off their head,  just throw the rope just past the person and within reaching distance.

A spud is a multi-purpose item.  Its good for re-opening holes that have iced over, but also great for checking the thickness of the ice.  With a good hard thrust check the ice in front of where you are walking.  About four years ago, my tournament partner and I were checking out a lake that a tournament was to be held on.  Knowing the ice would not support the machines, we began walking across the lake.  Halfway to our destination, the spud went through with little effort.  Doing a slow 180′ turn, we made our way back to shore. 

There is absolutely no reason why ice fishing cannot be an enjoyable experience, but always plan for the worst case scenario.  It is a good idea to have a second set of clothing back at your vehicle, just in case you need some dry clothing.  More often than not, its just to change out a pair of wet socks.

Ok, this nuts.  Christmas gear is already in the stores.  Remember back in the day,  when Thanksgiving more than watching the Lions play their game?  The smell of turkey while you watched the Hudson’s Christmas Parade go through downtown Detroit.  I think my favorite float was of Under Dog,  must be a beagle thing.  Anyhoo, that was the kickoff to Christmas and the winter season.  Now its all about the ad time, well phooey!

If the Christmas gear is already out, then its ok to GO full gear talking about  ice fishing.  Getting out on the ice really is a experience like no other.  Just being outdoors is a religous experience in my book,  what you see, what you appreciate, standing out in the middle of a lake…WOW.

To those who say it is tooo cold, my saying is this…….”When its cold you can always put on more clothes, but when you are too hot, you can get arrested for not wearing enough!”

From now until I leave for the North American Ice Fishing Championship held in Minnesota in December, this will be all ice, all the time.  The gear, transportation, shelters, line, rods, reels, clothing…………etc.  Different manufactures, where and how to catch fish, and the best get aways in the state and surrounding areas.  Some tips on how to tweak your own gear too, if you aren’t doing some of these things yourself, you are really missing out on a feeling of accomplishment.

Tomorrow will be just a checklist of gear to get you started, the basics.  Then if the funds are working in  your favor, or have a WONDERFUL SPOUSE, you might get lucky at Christmas. 

Ok no words this time, not sure if the layout will be any better than yesterday’s!