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
Selecting the proper ice fishing rod is essential as you would not want to have problems with your tackle while you are on the water. You should take your time to select the rod as this is one of the most important parts of your fishing gear and will help you in getting your fish.
1. What do you need in an ice fishing rod?
Unlike summer fishing rods the ice fishing rods do not have to be very flexible or strong as you do not have to cast them. However, you should select one that is strong enough to withhold the pull of the fish which might be big and strong. In an ice fishing rod you will have to look out for a drag that is going to be vertical and not the same as a traditional rod. So you have to ensure that it is strong and does not snap off at the end.
Normally most anglers who are very much into ice fishing favor a ice fishing rod that is 28 inches and with a average action and is thought of as a jigging rod. This sort of a rod will be ideal for trout, whitefish and walleye. A rod with a lighter action is suitable for smaller varieties of fish like perch, and a heavier one will be more suitable for the bigger fish like pike or some of the weightier lake trout.
2. Why do you want flexibility in your rod?
If your ice fishing rod does not have enough flexibility and is stiff, you will not feel the bite of the fish on the bait. A sluggish action rod is usually stiff and will have little bend or flexibility. Fish will nibble at the lures and bait during winter and will strike less, and it is essential to feel the fish nibbling on your line. Again if there is too much of flexibility in the rod it will not be very ineffective in hauling the fish towards the top of the lake.
For the use of jigging and artificial bait, the fishing rods are normally mega or fast action rods which allow the fisherman to feel the catch on the line and set the hook. Rods that are made of graphite give a firmer and stronger resilience to reel in the catch with not much bending or the risk of breaking. However, the angler should remember that in very cold temperatures the graphite will become brittle and fragile, so it is wiser for fisherman to get ice fishing rods that are made of fiberglass. They may have to forfeit on sensitivity but get a much more durable tackle.
Tags: Fishing, Proper, Rods, Select, Tips
Fly fishing is one of the fastest growing games in the US. But more importantly it is considered one of the most popular sports that help in the conservation of natural resources, especially the aquatic one.
Fly fishing is quite simple – all you need are a fishing rod, line and the ability to make the proper casting. Here are some fly fishing tips and techniques that can help the fly fishers to well on their next angling adventure.
Material of the fly fishing rod â for beginners, it is advised to get the hollow glass as it is more sturdy and efficient. Also, it does not need too much care unlike the bamboo type.
Fly fishing Line â No matter how good your casting capabilities are, your efforts will be futile if you have a line that does not go well with the rod. The more it is going to be a disaster if you are just a beginner. You are bound to fail in any efforts to learn how to properly cast, unless you have a fly fishing line matching the rod.
Casting skills and technique â When casting, you must realize that you have to get some line of 20 to 22 feet out front. Fly fishers should always go for casting a straight line. One must be steady in movements in order to perform casting in good form. Relax. This must be what the angler should do in order to lessen the tension on the muscles. Any stiff muscle certainly will contribute to poor casting.
One of the best means of casting and really learning fly fishing in general is go and have some time fishing with anglers who are veteran fly fishers and casters. Surely to be found in your area are good fishers and many of them are only too willing to accommodate you and even give you important fly fishing tips.
Indeed, if others can do it and enjoy immensely the art of this sport, surely you can do it too. The fundamental rules and methods of fly fishing are actually not that difficult. Just read and research, and talk to other fishers. Soon enough, you will get the hang of it and truly have some enjoyable and prolific fly fishing adventures in the future.
For more fly fishing tips, angling advices and other fishing articles, do visit our Fly Fishing Greats blog.
Tags: Basic, Fishing, Newbies, Tips
