Ice Fishing Annual 2009

Editor's Note: Hello, and thanks for reading the Fox River Times 2nd annual Ice Fishing Guide! The ice fishing season couldn't have come soon enough for me, and this year I have high hopes for a successful hard water run. Ice fishing has occupied most of my thoughts since late September and I'm overly excited that it is finally here. I plan on fishing Big Green Lake a lot this year, and hope to explore new lakes too, like Lake Poygan and Little Green Lake. As I noted before, I'm excited about this coming year of ice fishing, and after reading this issue, I hope you will too. Have a great December,

Sam Goulet


Ice Fishing Song: As you probably have noticed, there is a new widget on the right side of the page. Click on the triangle to play the song. It's called "Ice Fish Baby", sung by a local Wisconsin band named Shad-Rapp. It doesn't play the whole song, just about 30 seconds of it. It's a real great song with some pretty funny lyrics. My sister help me put it on the blog after finding out about it from a friend at school. Enjoy!



Early Ice Pike on Tip-Ups: This story that you are about to read actually happened at early ice of last year, but it demonstrates how to catch northern pike on tip-ups at early ice.

The setting was our cabin living room. It was 7:30 A.M., and my dad and I were the only ones up. We both looked at each other and decided what better time was there to go ice fishing than now!?!? Our explanation to my mom was, "Well we better be doing something while you're doing nothing!" So, she let us go and we were soon there and ready to ice fish.

We first drilled a hole in which the tip-up would be placed, and then rigged the quick strike rig with a lively shiner minnow. After my dad and I set up the tip-ups, we scouted out a spot in which we would jig and were soon into a school of panfish. For panfish, we jigged small jigging spoons tipped with a waxworm or two. Also, small ice fishing jigs made by Northland Tackle were producing. The bluegills weren't that big, so we decided against keeping any for a fish fry. Every now and then between 'gills we would get a nice perch.

It started to snow, and all of the sudden we hear a "jing-a-ling-a-ling!" "Flag up!" My dad shouts. The blaze orange color of the flag was very visible through the small blizzard. We rushed over to the tripped flag and my dad did a wonderful job setting the hook, as he has never done it before. It was taking out a lot of line, but eventually came to the surface. He had to guide it through the hole and onto the ice, which is easier said than done. After a short celebration and a few photos, the pike was released to swim another day, and to brighten someone else's fishing trip.

The snow stopped long enough for us to take this photo; our first fish caught on a tip-up!






Tip-Ups, Not Only for Pike: Most times, when fisherman think about tip-ups, they immediately associate it with the northern pike. This isn't the only species of fish that can be caught using the tip-up though. Last winter I caught a 10'' perch on a tip-up tipped with a small crappie minnow! (See photo below) Tip-ups can also be used to catch walleye, trout, bass, sauger, crappie, and any other species of fish that eat minnows. Give tip-ups a try this winter, they can be a lot of fun and are easy to set up.



Here is an example of a perch caught on a tip-up.

Here's the perch with a rather large belly! He measured in at about 10 inches.

Thanksgiving...and no ice: Well, Thanksgiving has come and go and there was sadly no ice on Beyer's Cove like there was last year. An insider reports that there was a "thin layer of ice covering Beyer's on Nov. 27th" Ice is on the way though, as we have had many days where the high is below 32 degrees!


Ice Fishing Shows: To me, there's nothing more that will get me pumped about the upcoming ice fishing season than watching guys do it on TV. There are a few shows on that highlight ice fishing tactics, tips, and techniques, here are my favorites.

#1. Ice Men: This one is my favorite. It's an ice fishing tournament where teams of two compete for the ultimate title of the "Ice Men". It's fun to watch as the teams talk smack, or just about snap their pole in half after losing a fish! The guys are experts at ice fishing, and usually find a way to catch big fish at various lakes around the US. It's a must see...

Website: www.naifc.com/icemen/index.php While on here you can watch full length episodes from the previous season.

#2. In-Fisherman Ice Guide: I also enjoy watching the In-Fisherman Ice Fishing Guide for their tips, tricks, and tactics. Although this one may contain more advertisements than actual footage, the footage is well put together and very informative. I would also recommend seeing this show.

Website: http://www.in-fisherman.com/ On this site you can also read about helpful tips for all species... both ice and open water. There are also clips from the In-Fisherman Ice Guide show, and a preview to the upcoming programs.

Ice Fishing publications: There are a few different magazines devoted to the growing sport of ice fishing...here are my favorites.

In-Fisherman Ice Fishing Guide: FRT rating- 4.89 out of 5 (almost perfect)

Ice Fishing (by f+w publications) FRT rating- 3.5 out of 5

Ice Breakers (by Midwest Outdoors) FRT rating- 3 out of 5

Staying Warm on the Ice: One of the biggest problems about fishing on the ice is the cold. It's very hard to avoid unless you are well prepared. Here are some tips on how to stay warm this winter.


1. Keep your hands and feet dry: Spray your gloves and boots with waterproof spray to prevent snow and water from making contact with the skin. This will keep you much warmer.

2. Use hand and feet warmers: These cheap packets are air activated and will stay warm for around 12 hours. Insert one in each of your gloves or boots and you'll likely keep your hands/feet warm all day. EDITOR'S WARNING: Make sure you read the label before putting warmers in your gloves/boots. Only put the hand warmers in gloves and foot warmers in boots...trust me it makes a big difference.


3. Keep moving: Periodically check the bait on your tip-ups, or just "scout" out some new places to fish. Walking will keep your body temperature up. Also, catching fish may help!



The Ice Fisherman's Prayer: Here's a prayer I made up. Say it the night before each ice fishing trip and your sure to catch fish!

If ice shall form while I sleep
I pray the Lord for fish to eat

Keep me safe while on the ice

And let me fish all through the night

Amen




Ice Fishing Questions: Got a question about ice fishing? E-mail it to me at sgoulet@new.rr.com and it will be featured in the next issue. Also, if you have any jokes about ice fishing, e-mail them to me too.

Here are some of my favorite photos that highlight the 08/09 ice fishing season...enjoy!:


A plump early ice bluegill caught on a plastic.

Ice fishing is for the whole family to enjoy! Here my big sister is getting in on the action.

Capt'n Dave Resop and I scouting out some gills for the frying pan.

My little sister with a pretty bluegill caught on a 'Gill Pill made by Custom Jigs & Spins.

Just grillin'! (Oh and eating hotdogs!)

I hope you enjoyed the 2009 Ice Fishing Annual,. It sure was fun writing it and looking back on last season really gets me excited about what this season has in store. Make sure to catch the Mid-winter edition and/or every time I update it with a new adventure to tell. Until next time...Sam Goulet <><