Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 6

Ice augers are the most important part of your ice fishing
setup. Ice augers come in both powered and hand-driven
models. Some newer ice augers attach to cordless drills or may
be powered by lithium batteries.
Getting on the ice
Safety is the most important part of ice fishing. Even if
you see other anglers on the lake or pond, always test the
thickness of the ice first before venturing out. Ensure that
there is a minimum of 4 inches of ice thickness on a body
of water in order to fish safely. Ice thickness may change
easily on a body of water due to current, springs, weather,
and other variables. Drill a hole a short distance from
shore before exploring further, and use your ice scoop to
measure the depth of the ice.
If you have a depth map of the body of water you are
fishing, analyze the contour lines for key fish holding
areas. Bass and pickerel often hold along weedlines near
large flats. Crappies may suspend over the deepest hole
in the lake during the winter. Sunfish and other panfish
often cruise through deep, sparse weedbeds. Walleyes may
frequent points and humps that lead into deep water. Once
you select your spot to fish, drill a variety of holes in the
ice before starting. It is good to have at least six holes to
explore. Some anglers with powered ice augers may drill
50 or even 100 holes to more widely assess where the most
fish are located. If you have a sonar unit, take it from hole
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * January/February 2022
Basic ice fishing gear includes a short rod, an ice scoop,
ice-specific line, bait scoop, bait container, and container of ice
flies and terminal tackle. Artificial scented bait may be useful
if you want to get on the ice without visiting a bait shop first.
to hole, checking to see if there are any suspended fish
hovering above the lake bottom. When you have found a
likely spot, it is time to drop your line.
Bobber fishing
The first technique that anglers often try when ice
fishing is suspending bait below a bobber. Waxworms
and other insect larvae are popular bait for panfish, while
small minnows like Fathead Minnows are regular options
for anglers looking to catch Walleyes, bass, and crappies.
Keeping your bait just off the bottom usually appeals to
the greatest amount of fish. If you do not have a sonar unit,
attach a clip weight to the end of your hook, and lower
your line to find the bottom. Raise it up 6- to 12-inches.
Then, place your bobber on the line. Remove the weight,
add bait, and you are ready to fish. Thin, lightweight
bobbers are popular for ice fishing since these bobbers do
not offer much resistance to the fish when fish bite. As you
sit on the ice looking at your bobber, wiggle it regularly
or move it up and down, then allow it to resettle. If you
see a bite, get ready to set the hook. When fishing with
waxworms or other larvae, set the hook with movement.
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022

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