Pike fish are fairly easy and fun to catch any time, and pike ice fishing has been a popular winter sport for many years. In the process of catching pike, it is important to follow certain rules of safety on the ice.
The most critical rules to follow while ice fishing require proper equipment and preparation. Pike fishing during the winter requires specific tools including an ice drill and an ice house, various rods and lures, and a fish locater. Various fishing specialist like to give advice regarding favorite techniques for catching pike in an icy lake.
Many experts recommend using an ultra light model of jigging rod about two feet long. The test line should be at least a four-pounds with a jig and a wax worm. Drop the bait down to the bottom of the lake, then pull it up six inches from the bottom. Move the rod around a little to attract a fish.
Fishing equipment preferences, such as line weight and leader size, depend on the clarity of the lake being fished. In many northern lakes, pike are abundant because of spawning and the number of fish stocked in the lakes. One positive feature of fishing for a northern pike is that they are especially active in winter weather. Use a fish locater to find schools of fish under the ice.
Always use caution when driving on the ice. It is not always clear from the surface how thick or strong the ice is in any location. Be sure to check the thickness before committing to the fishing site. Once a site is determined to be safe from thin ice patches, it is recommended to set up an ice house and drill two holes in the ice to get started. Six inch holes are recommended, but for safety, be sure not to drill holes in the ice larger than ten inches. The fish finder should save time so as not to drill unnecessary holes in the ice.
Dressing in layers will keep the fisherman warm, allowing for comfort in varying temperatures throughout the day. As with any type of fishing, movement is discourage, but when ice fishing for pike, it is an important safety factor. Give the selected spot about fifteen minutes. If nothing is caught after that amount of time, move to a new location. Using the proper tools combined with safety factors will make pike ice fishing successful and satisfying.