Compared to last winter when snow and cold weather arrived the first week of November (and stayed), this has been a much milder, more comfortable season so far. Snowmobilers and skiers were a bit frustrated until the New Year delivered more snow, but ice fishermen were still facing some tenuous conditions as of mid-month. A few lakes and ponds had a safe thickness of ice while currents, spring holes, and fluctuating temperatures kept many waterways questionable for foot traffic, let alone snowsleds and vehicles.
To relieve some of my frustration as I waited for safe ice depths, I spent a couple of evenings refurbishing and refining my trove of tip-ups, handlines and winter tackle. I learned long ago to compartmentalize gear as there are few situations more irritating than getting a spur of the moment invitation to go fishing and not having the correct equipment in full working order at hand. Wasting precious fishing time searching for or repairing gear is frustrating for everyone involved.
For decades I’ve used a full-sized wicker packbasket to store and carry my ice fishing traps, handlines, jigging rods, ice scoops, hooks, sinkers, depth sounders, extra line and pretty much everything but the gas-powered ice auger. Pre-season each year, usually in early-January, I unburden the tote basket, spreading everything out on my den floor for inspection and upgrading.
I very much enjoy handlining for smelt and perch and find six or eight-pound monofilament works best. To prevent tangling and afford ease of transport, I use homemade wooden carriers. It took me little time at all to cut eight-inch lengths of ¼” X 2” lathes and saw v-notches into each end and drill a small hole through the center point to attach the line’s terminal end.
I wind 50-, 75- and 100-foot lengths of monofilament lengthwise around the notches and use a permanent marker to note the length on the wooden edge of each line holder. Attach a red or gold, my favorite color, size 8 or 10 hook and place the point into the wood to keep each outfit tight and untangled during transit. Also, when cold fingers fumble and the entire rig drops into the fishing hole, it floats and no gear is lost.
It’s important to unwind and check each landline for knots or worn spots, and replace if necessary. Occasionally a larger game fish may strike the cut bait or jigging line and a weak spot in the mono can end the fight in a hurry. A new hook or at least applying a file to the old one also assures better results. A small, round clamp-on sinker helps get lines down quickly and hold them straight so nibbles can be felt and seen easier. Don’t forget that lead weights in small sizes are illegal so head to your nearest sporting goods store and purchase a new stock of non-toxic sinkers.
If you use short, limber jigging rods, go over them next. Check and change lines where necessary and determine that all line guides and the lightweight reels are solidly attached. Apply either a dry graphite lubricant or spray and wipe dry the gears and mobile mechanism of the reel and drag system. A couple of file swipes along the hook point edges of your jigging lures proves good maintenance as well.
Servicing a dozen or so tip-ups takes a bit more time and attention — ice, snow, and freezing temperatures are hard on implements. The reel drag system and flag release mechanisms tend to need some adjustment each season, but are fairly simple to locate and fix, If flags are lost, torn or badly faded, I replace them, usually with larger versions and black material which shows up far better. Most manufacturers use red or orange, but against snow at long distance, black or even dark green catch the eye far easier.
Since some of my tip-ups are specialized with larger hooks, heavier line and even wire leaders for toothy musky and large togue, I make sure all components are still in top condition. Leaders should be replaced before each season. These changes and repairs are easy and quick in the warm confines of your den or TV room, but uncomfortable and often frustrating on a frigid, windy lake surface when it’s time to fish.
Always have a couple of extra traps in case of loss or a malfunction that’s not repairable on site. It’s also good to have a few extra essentials in your fishing bucket or basket. Visit your favorite sports shop for hooks, leaders, sinkers, and a quick-attach depth finding weight. I also have a small bait net with an 8-12 inch handle so I don’t have to keep dipping my hand in the cold bait bucket water to catch minnows. Pet or fish stores have these if your sporting goods store does not.
I also recommend a small plastic bucket for transporting half a dozen bait fish. It’s far simpler than hauling the entire large bait bucket and not a catastrophe if it’s tipped over or dropped. Also in my ice fishing backpack is a set of quick-attach ice creepers, just for that rare glare ice and no snow situation. I don’t bounce back from tumbles like I used to! How about you?
Ice fishing is just getting into full swing, so best check your equipment over soon. Wherever you decide to visit, check the ice depth carefully for safety’s sake and here’s hoping your flags keep flying.
