Ice Fishing Season is here – Some Starter Tips to get you Fishing
Bill Hilts Jr. ~ Niagara Gazette Outdoors Writer        GOOD LINKS TO ICE FISHING PAGES BELOW!

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Eddie Money must have been an ice fisherman. In his rock song “Walk On Water,” he rolls out with the lyrics “If I could walk on water, would you believe in me?” Of course, we’re not talking about the type of walking that is left to a much higher power. And with winter here in all of Mother Nature’s fury, ice fishing time is here. This up-and-coming outdoor activity is one of the fastest growing pastimes in the country - at least, where it’s cold enough to produce safe ice. The big question seems to be is: How do I get started?

It seemed appropriate to go right to one of the best – Dave Genz of Minnesota, the grandfather of ice fishing. I had the opportunity to rub elbows with the man at a recent gathering of the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers meeting in Wisconsin, picking his brain along the way for getting some started in the sport. It seemed a most appropriate line of questioning for a novice hard water angler such as me.
For those of you who don’t know Genz, he is a person who has changed the face of this entire winter sport. His innovations and philosophies have altered the way ice fishermen think. Because of these influences, fueled by a fiery passion and a dedication to this outdoor art, he is being honored as one of the inductees for the 2011 Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.

You need to be comfortable when you are on the ice. If you’re not comfortable, you won’t enjoy yourself; you won’t learn; you won’t want to return to the scene of the shivering. “Dress for the weather,” says Genz. “Layer your clothing, making sure you wind-proof your body and keep your head and feet warm.” We could do an entire article on keeping your body warm in the winter. Because of the importance of this aspect alone, Genz was brought in as a consultant and spokesperson for The Clam Corporation, one of the top companies when it comes to ice fishing products on the market. Their line of clothing called Ice Armor is an outdoor system designed specifically to keep fishermen warm in the most brutal winter conditions. I can vouch for it – it works! But Genz was quick to point out that you need to do whatever it takes to keep warm – Ice Armor or not.

Because you are fishing on top of the water, the next important piece of equipment is the auger – the tool that allows you to drill through the ice. When the ice is only five or six inches thick, it’s not too much work to drill a hole manually. It’s good exercise, too, helping you to warm up in the process. A “lazer” auger will probably run you around $100, but it’s not essential. The thicker the ice, though, the better off you will be with a power auger to do the dirty work.

As far as fishing rods, Genz recommends not using your grandfather’s rod and reel and just putting new line on it to save time and money. “This is a common mistake among novice ice anglers,” says Genz. “There must be good balance between the rod and reel for it to be the most effective. There is a cost factor involved. A graphite rod will give you more feel, but if you are using a bobber or float, that won’t make as much of a difference. A beginner should use a bobber, allowing them to detect a light bite, especially with panfish. And panfish is a good species to start with ice fishing. You have a better chance at catching fish for yourself, allowing you to gain some confidence and develop your own technique.”

It helps to pick the time you go out, too. Genz recommends new fishermen to the sport to target the “golden hour” – that time from just before sunset to sundown. “You have a much better chance at catching fish during this time of day.” That said, it’s important to get out to some of the local tackle shops and pick their brains as far as what bodies of water are producing, what depths are working best and what lures or baits are getting fish to cooperate.

“An ice skimmer is important, too,” said Genz. “It allows you to keep fishing without taking a break. It also keeps your hands warm versus the alternative. Keep the hole slush-free. Your first trip should probably focus on live bait like minnows, spikes, wax worms – matching as best you can to what they are selling at the local bait stores.” Small “Fat Boy” jigs are a preference of Genz and red glow is best for that last hour of light. He doesn’t like using sinkers, either.

Genz is also known for his ability to move around on a body of water. Don’t be tied to any one place when you are ice fishing. You need to be flexible in your approach, be it targeting shallows, drop offs, reefs – wherever fish may be congregating. Study the contour maps of a lake and get to know different areas. To start out, it’s not a bad idea to go where other people are fishing. And pick a day when the wind is not blowing. A shelter will not be as critical during a day when it’s a bit more pleasant, but finding a pop-up type shelter that’s easy to put up and take down will help you be more successful … and more comfortable. If you can find one that also incorporates a sled for hauling your gear, you’ll be more mobile with it.

As far as your fishing line, Genz prefers a low stretch mono like the Ice Emerald line that bears his name. Micro Ice Line is another good one to use. Three or four pound test line is perfect for panfish and your lure will still take the kinks out of the line when you are fishing.
 
While electronics aren’t essential, they will make you a better fisherman. For a first time or two on the water, check out what other people have and see how it works. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything, like what depth the fish are hitting on any given day. Ask them why they like a particular unit. Genz is a Vexilar man, either a FL-18, FL-20 or FL-22 model flasher. “I can see the lure working, where the fish are and anything else that might help me like weed location. For the kids, it’s like playing a video game in real life.”

Ice fishing is a great sport to involve the kids or some friends. Very similar to shore fishing, it’s also a good opportunity to meet new people. It’s important to get that next generation of sportsman into the great outdoors and enjoy all Mother Nature has to offer.

In talking with one local expert, there are a few other considerations. Safety should always be at the top of your list when venturing out on hard water. “One of the rules of ice fishing is to never go alone in the interest of safety,” says Bill Snover of Lima, NY, a Pro Staffer for Clam Corporation and an avid winter angler. “If an ice fisherman decides to go without a friend, it is common practice to go where there are other anglers in the area to offer conversation and emergency help should it be needed. A safe ice fisherman will know how to read the ice conditions as well as having a few safety items at hand in case of an emergency. A few of the safety items may include, a rope about 35-40 feet in length; a certified PFD (personal floatation device), and a whistle.”

“Ice should never be considered safe and make sure there’s a minimum of three inches under you. Places to avoid are areas with protruding rocks and trees; large cracks; pressure ridges; and places with rapidly moving water under the ice or flowing into a lake via stream, creek or river.”

If you want to see Snover’s entire article on first-time ice fishing, check out the Clam website at www.clamcorp.com  and check under “resources.” Because he lives south of Rochester, his favorite ice haunts are the Finger Lakes. At the top of his list is Honeoye, Conesus, Hemlock and Silver lakes. For a long distance trip, Lake Champlain is excellent. Chautauqua Lake is another good ice fishing water. We have numerous waters that we can fish here in New York. To find out information about some of these spots, check out some key websites. One covering much of the state is www.iceshanty.com  Utilize Genz as a resource, too, at www.davegenz.com . Use www.clamcorp.com  for additional information as well.

Walking on water is all in a person’s reality. If you enjoy fishing, take the time to give it a try this year.