With ice fishing weather quickly approaching, you want to make sure that you are ready to get out on the frozen water. Proper preparation before heading out will help ensure a safer and more enjoyable trip. Here is what you should do prior to your first trip of the season.

Take Stock of Your Equipment

Prepping your ice fishing equipment ahead of time is the best way to prevent snags and malfunctions when you are on the ice. As your first trip draws nearer, pull out your most important tools and make sure they are ready to go.
• Auger: You won’t be able to drill through the ice without an augur. Check that the blades are in good condition and replace them if necessary. If you use a power auger, then you should also replace the spark plugs, fill the gas tank, and give it a test run.
• Rods and reels: Look over your rods and reels to make sure they are clean and in good repair. Lubricating the bearings and re-spooling reels will help increase your chances of landing a big one.
• Tackle: Pull out your tackle box and get it organized so you can see if you need to top up on any hooks, floats, and jigs. Ensure that all of your hooks are free of rust and consider sharpening them as well.
• Ice shelter: Nobody wants to sit for hours on the cold ice in a drafty shelter. Check your ice shelter for any holes or damage and either patch them up or invest in a new shelter if the damage is too severe.

Brush Up on Safety

Even if you have gone ice fishing before, it is never a bad idea to review some basic safety tips, like the following.
• Safety equipment to bring: Lifejackets, rope, ice chisel, first aid kit, GPS, compass, waterproof matches, emergency flares, and a change of clothes.
• Safe ice thickness: Ice should be at least 10 cm thick for walking, 12 cm thick for a snowmobile or ATV, 20 cm thick for a car, and 30 cm thick for a truck.
• What to do if you fall through the ice: Immediately swim back to the edge and kick vigorously to propel yourself horizontally onto the ice, spreading your weight out by crawling up on your stomach. Seek shelter or start a fire and remove your wet clothes so that you can warm up.

Dress for Success

The way you dress will have a big impact on your ice fishing experience. A hat, gloves, and boots are a must. It is also important to have multiple layers that you can add or remove depending on the conditions. Inner layers should be made of a sweat-wicking material like rayon or nylon, while wool, flannel, or fleece is a good choice for outer layers. Try to avoid cotton, as it absorbs moisture. Make sure all of your clothing fits properly and is in good condition.

Ice fishing is a favourite winter activity all across Canada. It’s a fun way to spend time with friends and family or to enjoy the great outdoors solo. Get ready for the season ahead of time to take advantage of everything it has to offer.