rm instead of putting on a single bulky bit of clothing. The layers will help to insulate the heat within and keep you warmer. The layer closest to you will be to keep the body dry, the next one is to withhold the heat and is like insulation and the next one is to resist the outside elements like the moisture and the wind. The different layers of fishing gear for ice fishing is essential to prevent the body temperature from plunging too low and causing hypothermia which could be dangerous. This could set in because of the long hours spent on icy locations.
No doubt you will have a tent or shanty for protection, but never the less it is better to go fully prepared just in case there is a blizzard or any such emergency and you cannot get back to the vehicle or the shore.
Ice fishing gear which is an absolute must:
1. Under layer that is moisture wicking – you can get the moisture wicking gear from any sports store which sells them for wearing after a work out at the gym and are just as suitable for wearing when you are out ice fishing too. The fabric which is polypropylene in fact draws the dampness away from the skin, and prevents dampness which is often there with cotton clothes. If your skin gets damp you will feel much more cold and uncomfortable and there are chances of falling ill too.
2. The insulating layer – many of the older fabrics work well as an insulating layer as part of your ice fishing gear. You could use fleece, wool or down for this heat holding layer. However, if you use fleece or wool you would need something with a blend of nylon to protect you from the moisture and wind that could get in through these fabrics. The modern micro fiber is very popular as it is both warm and lightweight, and water resistant above all.
3. The layer to protect you from wind and water – you could use leather or nylon as the outer shell for preventing the moisture or the wind from getting to you. Nylon is also very light and easy to carry with you and you could take along an extra piece too if required, as an emergency gear. These nylon windbreakers easily fold into a pouch and are easy to pack and carry along with you.
4. Protection for you feet – you should opt for boots that are rubberized and water proof and have a felt liner which you could remove. This along with socks that are moisture wicking are a great protection against the moisture and also keeps your feet warm. You could have an extra pair of these felt liners in case your feet get too moist.
You could also carry along with you scarves, goggles, woolen hats with ear miffs and face-masks to keep your head warm and dry. For your hands to be kept warm you should have gloves, mitts, gloves and hand warmer packets which are a must for your gear when you are fishing in the ice.
Tags: Fishing, Keep, Outfits, Protected, Tips, Warm, Yourself
Just about everybody must have heard of the adage “No ice is safe”. This, although true to a very large extent, is not really practical for all of us in the North where ice is a daily occurrence and is a part and parcel f our daily life. Ice fishing has a great potential for tragedy when the risks associated with ice fishing are neither understood nor realized and properly prepared for.
At times, the dangers associated with ice fishing are underplayed and overwhelmed by the chances of catching a big fish after downing a few beers with friends. Life and death situations are a daily occurrence on ice so it is vital that you take all the necessary precautions before you venture out on to the ice either in a vehicle or on foot in search of that perfect catch in winter.
Anybody who wants to try their hand at ice fishing needs to be in good physical state and must be capable of swimming or at least of staying afloat comfortably for a length of time. This ability will be critical in case you or your partner cracks the ice and falls into the water. Being able to stay calm in an emergency is also good.
Choose clothing in such a way so that it not only keeps you warm but also does not restrict your mobility in case you fall into the water. Avoid hip boots and waders as they can easily fill with water and drag you down while restricting your motion all the way. A good choice would be waterproof, ankle length shoes with laces in the front. Also, dress in layers so that should the need arise, you can shed a few layers to make yourself lighter and have a few on to keep you warm. A woolen hat will go a long way in retaining body heat.
Always check the condition of the ice before venturing out on it. Ensure that the thickness of the ice is at least six inches to hold the weight of an average human and make sure it is over six inches at various places as the thickness of the ice can vary from place to place. Always remember to scout out the ice on foot with an ice chisel before you drive any sort of vehicle out onto the ice. In case the chisel goes through the ice at some place, stop right away and go back home to come another day.
Loud cracks and booms may denote nothing more than the change in the size of the ice as a result of change in temperature on a lake. But on a river, this sound could indicate the movement of ice and its imminent breakage. Always keep an eye and an ear out for changes in the ice. In case you are travelling as a group, ensure that you walk in a single file with about ten feet between each and every person. Only after carefully inspecting the ice should you take any vehicles onto the ice.
Ice has a notorious reputation for varying from one region to the next. So before stepping out onto the ice, take some time out to acquaint yourself with that area and ensure that you have all the precautions properly in place. In case of doubts, get the advice of people more experienced and trustworthy. Do remember to never go out onto the ice alone and never ever go out onto ice of which you are unsure.
Tags: Away, Fishing, From, Keep
For the older and ice fishing buffs it is probably an unknown condition to use an ice fishing auger. However, the newer lot of anglers would never have had to go through the cumbersome effort of boring a gap in the ice to catch your fish through. The new very powerful ice fishing augers which are compact and lightweight save you from the arduous task of working on chipping a hole in the ice for hours. These ice fishing augers make your life so much more comfortable now.
The various styles of ice fishing augers in the market
The kind of ice fishing auger that you will need depends on the kind of drilling that you have to do on every trip of yours. There are several different types available in the market, with varied power, size and models. Some who are out fishing in the ice may want only a few holes to be drilled in a day whereas others may need several, this is so especially if they are moving along with a school of fish that is feeding. So if you require an auger with a high power and with more fuel usage you would need to drill at a faster pace.
The different apparatus that must be considered when selecting an ice fishing auger should take account of:
1. Gas or electric powered – it is preferable to use gas powered augers as it easier to shift them on the ice and you do not have to bring a power supply source with you, such as a battery. You would of course need oil and gasoline or make sure that you have filled the auger up before you leave for the lake. With no polluting emissions, the Electric augers are thought to be more eco friendly. The ice fishing augers that are gas powered are more effective than those that are operated with a battery and are more competent for drilling through ice especially if it is extending beyond a depth of over three to four feet. There is not much variation in performance for a thinner layer of ice.
2. Gear ratio – To control the speed of the drill the gear ratios are used. This is a safety factor of the ice fishing auger which will allow the user to control the speed of the drill which is a vital safety factor. Another important factor is to keep the gear compilation easily reachable to keep it well maintained even when the weather is cold.
3. The drill size – drills are normally not more than ten inches, but usually within 6 to 8 inches only. The size of the hole that you are planning to drill in the ice will have to be considered if you are thinking of using a tip up or on jigging. If you need a bigger sized drill this is usually found with ice fishing augers that are gas powered.
You can also have manual ice fishing by using a revolving shaft to assist in providing the twisting action and slicing energy for the auger. The manual augers which are the cheapest to procure are also the most environment friendly ones and also much lighter in weight than the others.
Tags: Auger, Fishing, Keep, Mind, Points, Selecting
