What You Need to Know About Ice Fishing

While we hope that gave you a chuckle, we really mean it! The winter season should not stop you from being outside and enjoying seasonal activities. One of our favourites in the wintertime is ice fishing. In Canada, where the winters can get long, ice fishing is a fantastic way to spend quality time with friends, family, and yourself. 

Ontario, Canada may have long, brutal winters but there is still a lot of beauty to them. The scenery can be breathtaking with snow-covered pine trees and a lake with untouched snow. Getting excited? We hope so! Keep reading, we’ve covered the basics of what you need to know about ice fishing. 

Safety measures to take while ice fishing 

Let’s start with the most important part – safety. With any new activity, there are safety measures to familiarize yourself with. To start, we recommend having a partner with you when ice fishing for the first time. And if you can find someone who is experienced, even better! It is always better to navigate through any potential situation with a partner than alone. So take a family member or a friend, it is also a great excuse to bond. 

The next piece of advice we like to recommend is to inform someone about your adventure in case of an emergency. At The Franklin Club, let one of the staff members know that you are about to begin ice fishing! 

When you begin embarking on the ice, keep a close watch on any discoloration or broken areas. This could be an indication of the strength of the ice. We always recommend going to lakes that are cleared or monitored for ice fishing purposes. 

Lastly, it is important to take first aid, your cell phone, a life jacket, and an ice pick (to help break the ice). 

Ice fishing gear 

Now to dive into the actual fishing gear you will need on the ice! Let’s start with the rod. The actual tool you will require to catch your fish. Your normal fishing rod will suffice during an ice fishing trip. However, if you plan on making ice fishing a recurring activity, then we suggest investing in an ice fishing rod. There are two types of ice fishing rods

Jigging rod for ice fishing – This type of rod looks similar to your normal rod. Typically at 3 feet in length, this rod has a small spinning reel and a very light line. It is ideal for ice fishing because it is more resistant to colder temperatures and less visible. 

Tip-up for ice fishing – A tip-up is a spool of a line that sits right below the water. This type of rod allows the fisherman to set up multiple holes as the tip up will have an indicator to alert you if a fish is caught. 

Learn more about ice fishing rods. 

In addition to the rod, for ice fishing you want to consider bringing: 

• An auger or a drill to create your fishing holes 
• An ice skimmer
• Chair to sit comfortably on 
• Fishing bait (particular to the fish you are trying to catch) 
• Sled to carry your fishing equipment

Clothing recommendations 

While you may feel an urge to skip over this part, we recommend giving it a quick read! You may think you know the Canadian winter enough and you are prepared, but we want to emphasize a few factors. With a lake in specific, there is a lot of open space that can result in extreme winds. 

Layering is crucial when you are ice fishing. You want to prepare for long hours out in the open. However, when layering you want to pay attention to what you wear closest to your skin. This layer should be designed for moisture-wicking as you will likely sweat. 

We recommend merino wool garments due to their lightweight but very warm material. Other than merino wool, synthetics is another suitable choice. However, it is important to stay clear of cotton when possible due to the material’s inability to dry easily. 

For your outer layers, we recommend staying waterproof where possible (especially the outermost layer). 

Finally, ensure you have your gloves, hat, moisture-wicking socks, and waterproof boots to keep you prepared for your ice fishing trip. 

Ice fishing basics 

You got your clothes, you got your gear, and now you are aware of the safety measures – what is next? 

Before starting your ice fishing venture, it is important to check your local laws and regulations regarding ice fishing. Learn more about Ontario ice fishing regulations. 

Now you are ready to get on the ice. You want to begin by drilling your fishing hole once you’ve located your fishing spot. Using your auger or drill, you will want to cut through the ice to hit the water below. The hole should be roughly around 8 inches to allow for the fish to be pulled through. The ice skimmer is useful to chip away any ice interference. 

Lay back, have a warm drink, and enjoy your day out on the frozen lake. 

Ice fishing at The Franklin Club 

A great way to begin ice fishing is at The Franklin Club! The Franklin Club offers safe and monitored ice fishing over a 22 acre Franklin Lake. Contact us at (905) 473-1469 or via email at info@thefranklinclub.ca