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Ontario Fishing Network
Newsletter
www.ontariofishing.net
Volume 1, Issue 8 - Nov. 2001 |
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In this issue:
Ice Fishing Primer Pg 2
Ice Fishing with Kids
Reflecting on the season
Fishing Humour
Lodge Classifieds
Classifieds
Downloadable Lodge
Guide
High Quality Fishing Lures
Perfect for Ice Fishing!
27 Awesome Colours Available
www.willylures.com
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 Ice Fishing Primer
by © Fred Kane 2001The 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. |
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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. |
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