Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - 5

BEGINNER
Taking the Ice Fishing Plunge
W
by Carl Haensel photos by the author
hen ice starts to form in the early winter
throughout Pennsylvania, it's time to start
dreaming of ice fishing. Easy and accessible to
anglers around Pennsylvania, ice fishing is a fun way to
fish every winter. Having the correct gear is invaluable.
Here's what you need to know for a successful time on the
ice this winter.
Augers and ice scoops
To fish underneath the ice, you need to drill through
the ice. If the ice is thick enough for safe fishing, at least
4 inches, augers work best. Spud and other chisel-style
ice tools are heavy, dangerous and hard to handle for
beginners. Gasoline, propane, electric and hand-powered
augers are available. All get through the ice. Powered
augers are beneficial when the ice is over 6 inches thick.
Plan to drill at least 12 holes each fishing trip to find fish.
Beginners may find that ice augers that attach to cordless
drills are one of the easiest ways to start drilling holes.
Always have an ice scoop to clear ice from your hole and
measure ice thickness.
Ice fishing rods and tip-ups
Ice anglers in Pennsylvania have the benefit of using up
to five devices including rods or tip-ups. If well planned,
these devices help hook plenty of fish. Tip-ups are great for
beginners, since a flag raising indicates that a fish has taken
the bait. If fishing with kids, tip-ups are also useful. Ice
fishing rods are generally 2- to 3-foot spinning rods. Avoid
small reels, and use an ice-specific line to ensure flexibility
in the cold. It's wise to respool your ice fishing spinning reels
each season with fresh line.
Narrow diameter 5-, 6- and 7-inch hand-powered ice augers are
the easiest and most economical way to start ice fishing. Often,
they collapse for easy travel.
Tip-ups are a fun way to start ice fishing. Featuring a springloaded
flag that announces a bite, tip-ups are an excellent way
to spend time on the water with kids as well.
November/December 2023
5

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - Cover1
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - Cover2
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - 3
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - 4
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - 5
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - 6
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - 7
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - 8
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - 9
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - 10
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - 11
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - 12
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - 13
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - 14
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - 15
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - 17
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - 18
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - 20
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - 21
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - 22
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - 25
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - 46
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - 47
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - 48
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - 49
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - Cover3
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - Cover4
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