Try Gearing Up To Ice Fish
March 03, 2006
Ice Fishing Layers
Test your Fish Sense
True or False.....When ice fishing for Bluegills, a heavy line is better to horse them to the hole quickly.answer at end of post
I want to tip my hat to you ice fishermen sitting in your cozy little camps. I’m sure the road has been long and hard for you. With all the wood stoves burning, propane heaters blowing and ice cold beer chugging, I’m sure you had a hard time balancing the sport with the occasional wrist movements.
While you guys where nice and cozy by the wood stove, I was freezing my little butt off tramping around lakes taking soundings and trying to stay warm. Oh….by the way, I pull my sled, I don’t have another sled to do the job for me.
This brings me back to the topic of ice fishing clothing. Whether you’re a newbie like me, or are an old hat to ice fishing, clothing has to be the most important part of the mix. Even if you’re snug and tight in that shack, you’re going to have to make trips a yonder; well, that's if you want to fish the area properly.
I believe in putting several layers of clothing on rather than dressing to the occasion. Seems the occasion is always changing too fast for bulky suits. High wind / low wind, no sun / plenty of sun, brisk walking / sedentary sitting, these all make up parts of an ice fishing trip.
I began layering my clothing when working for the National Park Service in Wyoming. I really couldn’t afford any high-tech gear and had to make use of what I had. Plus the back-country survey I was conducting meant weeks away from Park Headquarters. All provisions had to be carried in and all un-burnable waste brought out.
I owned L.L.Bean chamois shirts, Levi's dungarees, Duo fold underwear and a Poncho at the time. And on occasion I did see it snow at high elevations. My feet were cold but the wool socks I had begun wearing in college seemed to help.
Now my winter gear is made up of three to four layers. I start with Under Armour , add a layer of Smartwool and then one optional layer of Hot Chillys. This is all covered with a wind breaking layer of Gortex or similar. (See my previous articleThe Post - Gortex and Gortex
When I get to the pond I’m fishing, I have already decided on how many lower layers I will have on for the day. No wind above 0*F is a 3 layer day if the sun is out. If the sun won’t be out, three layers only protects to 15*F. If high winds are forecast for the day, I usually put my forth layer on if the highs for the day will not reach 30* F.
My top layer is variable. When I get out of the truck, I throw my top layers on the sled and start walking. The first three to four minutes is cold. After that, I start to warm up; I’ve been known to strip down to my Under Armour when I get too warm. But my lower layer remains intact. I don't like taking my pants off on the ice. But I will if I have too!
Once my holes are drilled and the heavy work is done, I’ll start to put on my layers. I try to wait until I feel the cold. The longer I wait, the warmer I will be. This longer amount of time allows my perspiration to evaporate before I put my layers on. The dryer I am, the warmer I am.
As far as boots go the sky is the limit. My feet have always perspired a lot, and I bought some boots that have internal vents to carry moisture away. Another technique I find helpful for long treks in the cold is to spray your feet with an antiperspirant before you head out. Remember the dryer you are.....the warmer you are.
This brings me to the topic of head dressing. They’ve always said if your feet are cold.....your head is cold. Make sure to wrap your head up well. I nice wool cap and some type of pull over are a plus. Make sure whatever you use comes off easily to help control body temperature. My hat is the first thing I take off when feeling a little warm. Most off your body heat is lost through your head and I find this a quick way to help regulate my body temperature.
As far as mittens go, use something that can be pulled off and put on quickly. It comes in handy when you’re dealing with a fish and bait.
Just remember layer, layer, layer.....you won't be sorry. And if you have a large down jacket or favorite hunting suit, save it for the coldest days. You'll be happy you did. When the winds are howling over twenty miles per hour, I bring a down jacket. I still throw it on the sled for the walk out.
Dress properly and you'll make memories that delight you. Dress poorly and you’re sure to make memories you'd rather forget.
False....The lighter wieght lines seem to work better. Bluegills can be lite bitters and a four pound test line should do the trick. Some swear by two pound test. I prefer to start with four pound test and work my way down to two pund test if four pound is not working.
February 25, 2006
The Post - Gortex and Gortex
True or False....Gortex is not windproofanswer at end of post
I stopped in to the Kittery Trading Post last night to stalk up onSilver Buddy fishing lures. I've had good luck targeting Small Mouths with them. Last week I brought a fishing buddy with me that was aching to put a fish on the end of his pole. So, in fifteen to twenty per hour winds we headed out to find a few smallies. Pound for Pound small mouth bass are one on the strongest fighting fish.
After half an hour of poking around with a Weeping Willow and a Swedish Pimple, I pulled out my 3/4 ounce Silver Buddy and had a fish on the line before I knew it. I asked my buddy if he wanted a try. He looked at me, smiled and grabed my pole; he had a fish on before he knew it. Problem was, we only had one Silver Buddy between us. So I went for a stroll to check out a half submerged ice shack and he proceeded to fish.
The wind was blowing so hard I could feel it push through my Gortex Pants, Smart Wool and Under Armour. Which brings me to the topic of clothing and its importance?
I learned something last night; Gortex isn't wind proof! Why does that seem so astonishing to me. It's a micro-fiber that is breathable and waterproof. I don't know why I assumed it was wind-proof. Well.....maybe I assumed that because it is wind-proof! Sometimes these young kids just don't know their products. But than again maybe they do!
After the kid's assured me my Gortex wasn't wind-proof, I did a little research of my own. Here is what I found.
To some degree the kids at The Post are right. There are different grades of Gortex with different specifications. The higher the grade, the higher the constraints that are imposed by the W.L. Gore Company on the construction the outerwear.
W.L. Gore is one of very few companies that certify garments produced with its material. For a Gortex Garment to receive a severe weather waterproof and windproof grade, the garment has to be constructed in a manner set forth by the W.L. Gore Company. This specification details the types of thread, stitching and sometimes construction. To make a long story short, Gortex is not Gortex.
A Gortex rain slicker will not keep the wind and water out to the same degree that a Gortex XLR system will. The XLR system is constructed for extreme weather conditions. Conditions that can include 25mph sustained winds and heavy showers. And because moister can build rapidly with physical activity, vents are built into Gortex XLR systems. They are located under the arms and can be opened when necessary. This manual venting system allows an individual to open flaps to eradicate moister from arduous activity without removing the outer ware. This is extremely helpful in a cold pouring rain.
So Gortex is not necessarily Gortex. Make sure you match your raingear with the type of activity you intend to use it with.
True and False.....If the Gortex you purchased is not rated for severe weather it will leak and allow a higher degree of wind penetration than desired.
January 11, 2006
Watch For White Ice
Test Your Fish Sense
True or False.....White ice is saver than black ice. answer at end of post
It's your turn to send in any type of fishing photos; I'll post a collage of the fishing photos in the next few weeks. Attach your photos to an e-mail and send to marc@maineheat.com. Don't forget to include a brief discription.
As you know from my earlier post, I went fishing this week on Sabatus Pond. The ice was ten inches thick, but when I looked down our jigging hole you could see an abundance of bubbles trapped in the ice.
When I was talking to John Peterson last week, the concern of white ice came up. White ice is formed when snow falls on a layer of ice and melts or is rained on. When it freezes, the ice looks thick and strong but it is actually weak. Its strength is also not consistent.
This appears to be what may have happened at Sabatus. Another clue to this is the way that the auger went through the ice. In some of the holes there appeared to be soft spots where the auger would quickly make head way. It also would get bogged down in these spots due to the amount of material.
I saw at least six different vehicles while on the ice yesterday; and with this January thaw we have going on, I wouldn't be surprised of a mishap this weekend. It isn't pretty when a car falls through the ice.
False....White ice is weaker than black ice because it is formed by snow and water.
December 27, 2005
Ice Traps and more Ice Traps
Test Your Fish Sense
True or False.....Large Brook Trout are often caught in two to five feet of water when ice fishinganswer at end of post
Don't forget Kittery Trading Post is hosting free ice fishing classes this Thursday & Friday, December 29th & 30th, at 6:30 PM.
I purchased nine tip ups, two from the Sports Authority and seven from Kittery Trading Post. I'm going to review them from least expensive to most expensive.
The first trap retails for $3.50.
It's not a sturdy trap but will do for a warm afternoon of fun with the kids.
Its trigger mechanism is simple and the trigger shaft is not greased and may freeze.
Although I like the fact that it has a ribbon spring, which enables you to adjust the trigger release tension, I'm afraid it will not always release or release from the wind blowing. When I called KTP on Tuesday, they where sold out of this trap but had a similar trap called the Econo-Trap for $5.00.
The next trap I looked at was a flat trap made by HT, it list for $11.50, and was called the Deluxe Iceman. I found it to be a little flimsy also. And, there was an oil like substance leaking on to the spool from the shaft.
I was not impressed with the plastic cross and believe the shaft was leaking oil, which leads me to believe it may freeze up.
The next trap I looked at was a flat trap by Frabill which seemed sturdy and dependable as far as flat traps go. I prefer a stick trap because the stick remains standing, and you can find your traps easily to check them.
It's flag wire is attached to swivel wire which decreases the amount of wind flags by enabling the wire to rock a little in the wind without moving down the cross assembly. I like this trap for the money. Some people prefer fishing these for trout because the spool protrudes into the water less than a stick trap.
Its shaft assembly can be completely torn down to apply new grease. A spring located at the top on the cross assembly keeps the bottom seal tight.
I also like the way that the flag wire stores making a neat package for travel.
The next trap is a stick trap that list for $14.95. There was no name on it, but it comes spooled with braided line. This trap also was flimsy.
Its trigger shaft was not packed with grease enabling water to run up the shaft and freeze. Again, I noticed oil coming from the trigger shaft. Oil is not a substitute for low temperature grease. It may keep the water out for an outing or two but water will move up the shaft. Grease will keep water out for at least a season or two and then should be repacked.
Its top was similar to the trap that sells for $3.50. I do like the ribbon spring because you can adjust the tension on the trigger by tightening the loop. If you do not understand the mechanics of traps, check my earlier post.
The next trap I looked at was called the Allagash. It retails for $19.95 and is my "best buy" for this post if you like stick traps. It reminds me of the older Moosehead traps that we use to buy at the drug store for $15.95 in my younger years.
I was introduced to ice fishing with traps like these, so I may be partial. But I like the way they travel, set up quickly and last for years.
It’s a sturdy trap with strong hardware. Its trigger shaft is greased and should be freeze free for several years. Its spool could be larger but it does have an adjustable drag system. This helps when fishing large suckers for bait.
It has a retaining clip to hold the bottom of the ribbon spring when traveling. And the spring is long enough to set for a very light trip for those light biting trout.
But its upper release lacks a split ring.
I like it for the money! It has a nice long adjustable tension ribbon spring, a greased trigger shaft, sturdy construction, easy setup and storage. I'm keeping this one. I'm going to cut the twist in the ribbon spring off, drill a new hole and add a split ring.
Let's move on to the Heritage Trap at $22.95. It has a sticker on it saying it is from a Maine company but the workmanship is a little lacking. It has a coil spring instead of a ribbon spring. This means that the trigger tension must be set by a drag system on the spool.
I found this tension hard to increase in my living room; I can only imagine what it would be like to set at -10*F.
Its upper release mechanism is similar to a ribbon release. The spool hits the trigger wire pushing the flag wire free at the top of the trap.
This cross trap from Heritage is also available in standard configuration. It is a sturdy trap.
At $22.95, I rate this trap to have medium value due to its hard spool tension adjustment. On some of the traps I purchased, the spool bolt was so loose you needed a screw driver to hold it while trying to adjust the drag on the spool.
Next, Let's take a look at this flat trap from Frabill at $26.99. This flat trap is made of study maple and has an extra large spool to deal with those long running pike.
When I first looked at the trap, its adjustable height flag wire made it look cheap. In it's stored position the wires are held together with shrink wrap that looses its shape over time. Too bad! I really have grown fond of this trap after playing with it for a while. But my first impression made want to pass it up.
When the flag is raised to full height, it is really a strong and sturdy trap.
Even in its stored position there are brass bushings that firmly hold the wires together. Its spool has a foam insert that allows you to spool it with less line for shallow water. When you remove the insert it will take a full 35lb 200 yard braided line. It stores easily and has a swing release and metal cross assembly.
At $26.99 I find it a fair value. Its shaft is filled with low temp grease and it repackable. It has a spring on the cross assembly which keeps the shaft seal tight but free to spin. I like it! And I would keep this one to fish close to my base area if it wasn't for that cheap shrink wrap that enables the bushings to come loose.
It's hard to find anything wrong with the Jack Trap other than its size (but that's what I wanted in the Big Bob) and price at $39.95. It’s truly a beautiful trap with a multi coat finish and stainless steel trigger assembly.
A small hole in the middle of the trigger shaft is under the center clip and is used to add or replace low temperature grease.
I took home the "Big Bob" because of its four inch reel and massive size but find it hard to get into my pack basket. Its sets the standard for ice traps in my opinion, and if you can afford it, you can't go wrong. The only thing that is missing on this trap is an adjustable drag for fishing large bait. I do realize it is a free spooling trap; with a great adjustable tension ribbon spring. The tighter you make the loop on the trap, the harder it is for the bait or fish to trip the trigger mechanism. It's easy enough to add one, but you really shouldn't have to make alterations at this price.
Its upper trigger release components are all stainless steel. It also has a split ring attached to its ribbon spring for light bitters and a guide that keeps the spring positioned on center helping to reduce false flaggings - wind flags.
I truly like the trap; if you’re that type of person that is a perfectionist, you will need to own this trap. From its high gloss finish, which enables you to break off ice easily, to its stainless steel components, the trap is a work of art.
So.....how much do you want to spend? You decide!
True......Brook Trout are often caught in two to five feet of water when ice fishing. try areas adjacent to inlets
December 22, 2005
Ice Fishing Equipment Essentials
Test Your Fish Sense
True or False.....The first thing that happens when you fall through the ice is that you start gasping for breath. answer and ice safety video at end of post.
Let's go over a few essentials for the first time ice fisherman.
First and foremost, dress warmly. Avoid clothing that will become filled with water such as fishing waders. Try to dress in layers. A medium weight coat, over a chamois shirt and sweater. Depending on the weather don't forget your thermal underwear. A good pair of felt pack boots is also in order. Some people, with warm feet, use 1000 gram Thinsulate insulated boots. I prefer felts.
You will need traps. Try to choose one that has a trigger shaft packed with grease. This will prevent the trigger from freezing in place. Stick traps and flat traps both have advantages. I prefer stick traps when fishing snow laden ponds. The stick makes an easy reference to find the trap when it hasn't been tripped.
You will also need a way to cut a hole in the ice. Most people use motorized or hand ice auger for this job, although a chisel is also used.
You will need bait or a jigging spoon or rap. Don't forget an insulated bait bucket for live bait. Bait dies when it freezes.
Another item is a jigging pole or tip up; if fishing live bait you may prefer to use tip ups instead of a jigging pole. Don't forget the braided ice fishing line for your tip ups!
Sharp hooks are essential. A few split shot weights also help keep the bait at the desired fishing depth.
You will also need a gear carrying tote. Pack baskets are nice but a kid's plastic sled does nice with a few plastic buckets.
By God I think we have it!!
But let's review just to make sure:
1-Warm cloths preferably in layers so that you can shed a layer if desired.
2-Ice traps or a jigging pole.
3-Live bait or lures.
4-Sharp hooks and split shot weights
5-Pack basket or sled.
I believe we now have a fishing machine.
The ice should be over six inched thick if this is your first time out and try to fish where others have fished before.
Good Luck and Good Fishing!
True .....The first thing that happens when you fall through the ice is that you start gasping for breath.
Check out this ice safety video
from Manitoba, Canada.
Traps or Tip Ups – Which do you prefer?
True or False….. An ice trap and a tip-up are the same piece of equipment. answer at end of post.
I’ve searched high and low for the current offering of ice traps. And I do mean high @ $39.95 and low @ $3.50. The number of models available was amazing. I couldn’t help but asked Michael Walsh, at the Kittery Trading Post, for a little help. And with the number of picky little question I had, he called for back up. Seth Legers answered the call arriving before I could get away. I just can’t thank Mike and Seth enough for quenching my thirst for knowledge.
Let’s start with a Jack Trap @ $39.95 to gain an understanding of how an ice fishing trap works. The Jack Trap is a “stick trap”, and it comes in two configurations cross and standard.
The cross trap is supported by two sticks in a cross pattern; these crossed sticks prevent the trap from falling through the fishing hole. The spool is loaded with line and placed in the hole. Different models are designed a little differently, but the ribbon spring is tripped by a trigger that comes in contact with the spool.
This trigger is usually a long piece of rigid wire bent in a way to release the ribbon spring when the spool turns. It runs up the trigger shaft and releases the flag.
The tension on the top of the trigger can be increased by creating a tighter loop
in the ribbon spring. By making a tighter loop more force is applied to the trigger wire.
As more pressure is applied to the trigger wire and ribbon spring connection, a greater tug is required on the spool to release the spring.
Let’s take a look at the standard stick trap from Jack Trap.
This trap has the same trigger mechanism as the cross trap but is supported by two parallel sticks instead of two crossed sticks. This photograph shows the ribbon spring in its retracted position.
These are your most basic and traditional Maine tip up designs.
Let’s take a look at totally different trap design.
Continue reading "Traps or Tip Ups – Which do you prefer?"
December 16, 2005
Ice Fishing Prep - The Event
Test Your Fish Sense
True or False......Clear solid river ice is 15% weaker than clear solid lake ice. answer at end of post
To be safe on the ice, make sure to check out this page from the U.S. ARMY COLD REGIONS RESEARCH & ENGINEERING LABORATORY.
I spoke of jig fishing in an earlier post. I find that jigging is the preferred method if you like some activity while you fish. But ice fishing is more of an "event" for many people.
Speaking of events, the Kittery Trading Post will be holding two free ice fishing workshops. They will be held Thursday, December 29th from 6:30 to 8:00 and Friday, December 30th, from 6:30 to 8:00 in the Katahdin Room. The first workshop will cover clothing, gear and accessories. This class will conclude with rigging techniques that will keep fish hooked once on the line. The second class, on the 30th, will cover the advantages of today’s electronics and the importance of bottom structure for locating fish.
Last year while ice fishing on Ossipee Lake in Waterboro, Maine, I came across an ice fishing cabin like no other seen by my eyes before! It was octagonal in shape and its floor set a good four feet off the ice. I assume it was built this way so that it would not become lodged in the ice after snow storms. It looked more like a party house than an ice shack. Its diameter measured twenty feet, and it had a barrage of plexi glass windows surrounding its complete circumference.
This unit was not designed for the jig fisherman. It was designed for an "event", for the tip-up fisherman who can set five tip-ups in the ice, bait them with minnows or suckers, and walk away to do what ever he wants while watching his traps (remember traps and tip-ups are one in the same). I find this type of fishing hard if you are alone. But it can be a hoot in a large group.
Groups of fishermen will usually set up around an ice fishing shack and have tip-ups surrounding them in all directions. This type of ice fishing is more of an "event" then true fishing. It reminds me of tail-gating.
You'll be standing around shooting the breeze when someone will yell FLAAAG! All heads search the ice hoping it is their tip-up that has flagged. Other times you'll see someone from your group start running frantically across the ice. This may happen in the middle of a conversation with them. You'll be talking to them one minute and the next minute they'll be running. This happens when they see one of their own tip-ups flag. No time for chit chat then.
Now comes the fun! Is it a fish or is it what "ice heads" call a "wind flag"? As most people, not me of course, get closer to the hole they start to slow down a little. Don't ask me why. Maybe they're afraid to spook the fish. Or maybe they're just afraid of looking down the hole and seeing the spool motionless. This usually indicates a wind flag but not always.
Last year I ran up to a trap, making sure to slow down as I approached it, only to find the reel motionless. The reel which sets below water is usually letting out line after a strike. That is if the fish is still on. This time, as I reached to grab the line, I felt a little resistance and set the hook (this is done with a quick sharp pull). When I pulled the line in, there was a 16" brook trout on the end of it. Always be aware of your line and don't assume it is a wind flag if the reel isn't moving.
If the trap is letting out line when you arrive at the hole, a slight tug should be sufficient to set the hook. If you pull to sharply, you may rip the hook right out of the fish. The most important thing is to give it a tug. So remember, even a motionless reel can have a nice fish attached to it.
True.....Clear solid river ice is 15% weaker that clear solid lake ice. source = Complete Outdoor Encyclopaedia
In my next post I'm going to go over ice fishing gear such as traps, lines and poles.
December 14, 2005
Ice Safety
With today’s developments, I'm going to provide this link from the U.S. ARMY COLD REGIONS RESEARCH & ENGINEERING LABORATORY. It concerns "safety on floating ice sheets". Safety is first and of the greatest importance this time of year.
Every year people venture out onto the ice without follow the basic safety procedures. First, you should follow the guide lines provided at the link above and please wear a Cost Guard approved personal safety device when venturing on new ice. Better know as a PFD or life jacket. They were named life jackets because they actually do save lives.
With one person missing today, from what appears to be a skate on thin ice, let’s keep thinking about safety.
December 11, 2005
Ice Fishing Prep
Test Your Fish Sense
Fisherman cut holes in the ice with A)a chisel B)an ice auger C) an axe D) all mentioned
While I've been doing my research on fly fishing, the ice fishing season has been rapidly approaching. With this in mind, I'm going to start a series on ice fishing preparation.
Ice fishing is thought to be a sport for hardy individuals, but it really is a sport that can be enjoyed by all fishermen. And true Maine fisherman have at least experienced ice fishing once in their life to make the decision of if it's right for them.
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife sponsors two free ice fishing days a year; the dates this year are Saturday and Sunday, February 18-19, 2006. These days are designed to introduce people to the sport and hopefully light a fire that will last a lifetime.
Myself? I was hooked on fishing at a very young age. No one in my immediate family fished, which is unusual seeing I have three brothers and three sisters. No matter......I just couldn't be kept from the water and my fishing pole. While my friends were swimming out to the dock, I was sitting on a solitary rock with my pole in hand. You'd be surprised at how many girls swam over to my spot to say hi! Must be "the call of the wild" that was intriguing them.
Anyways, with that said, what can we do to get some gear together for ice fishing and what are some nice spots to give it a go?
Continue reading "Ice Fishing Prep"
November 21, 2005
Home Made Ice Claws
But First, Test Your Fish Sense:
Ice Claws are used to A) pull yourself to safety, B) to grip into ice C) both
Monday, was so nice it's hard to even think about ice fishing. Trust me....its coming! But ice claws can save your life and can be made with items around the home.
I made my ice claws without leaving the house. I started with an old broom handle and two sixteen penny nails.
I then cut two pieces out of the broom handle to fit my hand and drilled 3/8” holes in them. This hole is big enough to fit the head of a sixteen penny nail.
Some people bang the nails in and grind the heads off, that is fine also, but I don’t own a bench grinder. So, I used a hot glue gun to hold the nails in the handles, tied a string on and wrapped them with duct tape for comfort. The tape also helped hold the string in the proper orientation. Remember to make the string long enough to hold each claw with out stretched arms while running behind your neck. This way you can store them under you coat like a pair of mittens.
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I like to wear the string around the back of my neck while sticking the claws in my pockets. Other people run the string through the sleaves and wear them like childrens mittins. Just be sure they are easily accessible. You don’t need to be fighting with accessibility while under water.
Test Your Fish Sense:
Ice claws are used to help pull yourself to safety and grab on to ice while doing so.
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