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Ontario Fishing Network
Newsletter

www.ontariofishing.net
Volume 1,  Issue 8 -  Nov. 2001

Berkley Fishing


In this issue:
Ice Fishing Primer Pg 2
Ice Fishing with Kids
Reflecting on the season
Fishing Humour
Lodge Classifieds
Classifieds
Downloadable Lodge Guide

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winter3.jpg (12880 bytes)Ice Fishing Primer
by © Fred Kane 2001

The geese flew south, the salmon run is complete and ice formed on our favorite bodies of water. It is time for "Hard Water" fishing.
The tip of the jigging rod moved slowly, rhythmically up and down as the angler focused intently on its fluorescent tip. Thirty feet below the six-inch hole just drilled in the lake's hard ice cover, a tear drop jig baited with a mousie grub danced enticingly, six inches off the lake bottom. With every movement of the rod, a tiny crystal of ice grew larger on the thread of two-pound test fishing line where it disappeared into the frigid, clear water. Almost imperceptibly, the spring tip of the jigging rod dipped downward and the angler reacted instinctively. Fish on!  The statue of the patient ice angler transformed into wild animation, and a brightly colored yellow perch, fat from winter foraging, lay flopping on the vast whiteness of a lake's frozen surface. Winter "Hard Water" fishing in Ontario Province ice capped lakes and ponds is some of the finest in Canada.

After frigid temperatures create safe ice conditions, you'll find hundreds of anglers dotting the frozen surfaces of waters where ice fishing is permitted. A tradition to some diehards and an occasional day of outdoor fun to others, ice fishing is a popular winter sport that produces some of the best tasting fish of the season.

SAFE ICE
The first priority for ice anglers is safe fishing conditions. That means an ice cover thick enough to safely support the weight of an angler or group of anglers including any vehicles like snowmobiles or four-wheelers that they're using for transportation.
Safe ice cover depends on the weather and the individual water in question. In a normal year, some of the smaller, shallower waters are safe for ice fishing in December. Larger waters usually do not have safe ice cover until late January. No matter what the weather, always beware of areas where moving water from springs, inlets and outlets, may create unsafe ice conditions.
As a safety precaution, many experienced ice anglers always wear a PFD on the ice. Slick, glare ice can also be treacherous, creating serious spills. Ice creepers or corkers, that strap to the bottom of your boots, can help prevent falls. High quality sun glasses will protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays reflected from the surface of snow covered lakes.

DRESS FOR THE WEATHER
Dressing for the weather is one of the keys to enjoying ice fishing in Ontario Province. With the vast, high-tech assortment of warm, light weight clothing available, there is no reason to be uncomfortable on the ice.  Dress in layers with a hooded, waterproof outer wind breaker. Felt lined or insulated boots, warm mittens and gloves are necessary to protect extremities. Vital for winter warmth is an insulated hat or cap. Many ice anglers choose hooded, insulated coveralls as an outer shell. On sunny days, don't forget sunglasses to protect your eyes.

 

Ice Fishing Primer Pg 2 - Ice Fishing with Kids - Reflecting on the season
Fishing Humour - Lodge Classifieds - Classifieds

Downloadable Lodge Guide

Archived Articles Here

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