Alright y’all, it’s that time of year again. It is getting colder and that means crazy weather, crazier drivers, and of course (my favorite) ice fishing season!
It won’t be long now and all the reservoirs will be ice capped. Here at Smith and Edwards, we have everything you need if you’re looking to get into ice fishing or if you are a seasoned veteran looking to upgrade.
(Shop Ice Fishing on SmithandEdwards.com!)
Now, to get ready for ice season, I wanted to share a 5 good ice fishing preparation tips that have helped me get ready to go.
1. Patience is a virtue! Even though you can safely fish on only a few inches of ice, I prefer to be safe and wait for at least 4-6 inches before venturing out.
There are a few reservoirs around that have under water springs and just because there will be spots with plenty of ice doesn’t mean it’s safe everywhere.
2. Make sure that you charge your gear before going out. The first outing can be so exciting that anglers forget that some of their gear runs off of batteries.
Make sure that all of your gear is charged and ready to go before you head out. There isn’t anything worse than getting out on the ice and realizing your gear isn’t ready!
3. Layers!! Make sure that you dress in layers. You never really know what kind of weather you are going to have out on the ice. The best way to prepare for any weather is to have layers on. You can always take layers off, but you only have so many that you take with you.
Start with a good pair of thermals – find men’s thermals here, and shop ladies’ thermals.
4. One of the best pieces of advice I have ever been given is to have a plan. By that I mean, plan your fishing trip out. I know its hard to believe that the advice your friend gave you about how great the fishing is at a certain spot wasn’t exactly accurate. Also, a lot of times the fish move and you miss the great bite.
I like to have at least one backup spot that is near my original planned area, and it doesn’t hurt to have a couple backup spots.
5. Have some snacks and drinks on hand. If you are like me, you are so excited to get out and go fishing that the last thing on your mind is food or drinks. It is no fun to be out on the ice and not have anything to eat or drink all day! This tip is a must if you are taking your family with you!
Get your Ice Fishing Gear Checklist!
I know I for one can’t wait for ice season to get here. It can’t get here fast enough! Be sure to check back with us for more tips and tricks on ice fishing. We really want to get out and test some new gear we have in stock as well as to just get out and enjoy the great outdoors.
I would love to hear from you guys as well. What are your favorite tips or techniques to get ready for the ice season? Let us know in the comments below. Be safe out there!
