Early preparation improves ice fishing outings

Despite the wait, we all knew winter was going to arrive sooner or later. Although I’ve enjoyed the reprieve on heating oil use, I’ve missed the early ice fishing. Don’t think for a minute, by the way, that just because we’ve had a few inches of snow and several frigid nights that all the regional lakes are safe and sound.
A few waterways have ice thickness enough to support an angler or two, but certainly not a vehicle, and some still have open water showing. Smart ice prospectors will mark time for a few more days and put a couple of evenings to good use locating, inspecting and refurbishing their ice fishing gear.
Ice fishing gear fix-up is always more comfortable and convenient at home than trying to make repairs in the middle of a frozen lake with few tools and numb fingers. I keep almost all my winter fishing equipment, tip-ups and all, in a large pack basket, so it’s simple to find, move to an open work area and check over to see what needs repair or replacement.
Start with the smallest items and easiest repairs and work your way through the entire inventory of gear. Each hook should be sharpened, and if more than a year old, replaced. New leaders, 6- to 18-inches long should be tied onto each line, and make sure to use stronger leaders on tip-ups to be used for large fish such as togue. Monofilament hand lines definitely must be checked for knots and any worn spots, and replaced if older than two seasons. Six- to eight-pound test mono is perfect for smelt and perch. Trolling line, Dacron backing, and even old fly lines work well on traps for larger species. The thicker diameter lines handle easier and aren’t as likely to freeze together in loops when playing fish.
Tip-up reels should be tightened and aligned, and release points inspected and adjusted for quick, easy flag release. Pull the line off each reel and check for knots and weak sections and trim and replace as needed. If the reels have adjustable tension drags, now is a good time to set them to prevent any backlashes when a big fish takes line. A spray of WD40 will prevent rust and assure moving parts actually move with ease. Replace or repair damaged or faded flags as well as any flag arms that are bent or loose. Most commercial tip-ups use blaze orange or red cloth or plastic flags, but black will actually show up better against the snowy background and at long distances. Durable weatherproof materials can be found at most fabric shops in a variety of colors and qualities.
Dig out the ice chisel and put a keen edge on the chipping blade with a coarse file or grinder. Manual ice augers can stand some lubrication on moving parts and blade sharpening as well. If you own a gas operated ice auger, it will need to be sharpened, oiled, greased and perhaps even tuned up. At least a new spark plug is in order. Check the bait bucket for leaks and invest in a small minnow net with a long handle. Not having to dip your hand into the bucket and expose it to freezing temperatures every half hour makes for a much more pleasant outing. Ice scoops tend to bend and rivets loosen after extensive use cleaning out fishing holes. Use a vise and hammer to straighten out the handle and apply epoxy or liquid weld to loose rivets. If the ice scoop and strainer is beyond repair, spring for five bucks and buy a new model with a ruler on the handle and small ice chisel on the end of the handle.
While visiting the local sporting goods store don’t forget to pick up several sizes of extra hooks, try red- or gold-coated hooks when available, they do make a difference. I’ve also had great luck with circle hooks, they grab and hold fish better than the straight shank variety. Stock up on several sizes of non-toxic sinkers, round squeeze-ons seem to tangle less. Last but not least, it wouldn’t hurt to pick up a few chemical hand and toe warmers to have along on each outing.
If you’re planning to use a snowmobile or four wheeler for transportation from the shore to various fishing locations on the lake, make sure your ride is tuned and ready to go. This is not the time of year to have a recreational vehicle give out once you’ve reached the opposite side of the lake. Take along a set of snowshoes just in case, as well as a small emergency packet with a space blanket, matches, some chocolate and perhaps a cell phone.
Enduring the elements on winter ice fishing forays can be tough enough without equipment problems. Losing a possible trophy fish due to a frayed line or broken trap is frustrating. Being stranded without proper cold weather gear can be fatal. Take the time to prepare gear before you go and always tell someone which lake you’ll be fishing and approximately where you plan to fish. Be sure and check ice depths carefully. Winter and ice fishing season are going to be with for awhile so we might as well be prepared and enjoy each outing.