Spring and summer are most closely associated with fishing. Standing in the middle of a stream on a sunny day tossing out a favorite fly is a scene shown in many a movie. But a dedicated angler will hardly want to stow away the rod and reel for months on end. Not when they could go ice fishing.

But ice fishing requires a little different gear to go along with modified conditions and technique. Even apart from the obvious differences in clothing there are several items that the summertime fisherman doesn’t usually pack.

An ice auger is a foremost requirement. To get to the fish you have to get your line and lure into the water. That means drilling through what is sometimes as much as a foot of ice. Even if you could get through that with an ax you would be very likely to dump yourself in the water. An auger is a drill built specially for the purpose of making clean, safe holes in ice with minimal effort.

Many are hand powered, often on a pole. You turn the crank and you’re in business. But, today, fishermen want to spend more time fishing and less time drilling. Gas-powered augers are increasingly popular. Though heavier to carry, they cut down the time and effort required to make that hole so you can get to the fishing.

Even the basic gear is a little different for ice fishing, though. Ice fishing rods have specially designed guides that continue to work well in low temperatures. They resist ice build up that will snag a line. The reels have to be designed to continue to work smoothly under freezing conditions. Line used for ice fishing has to withstand a much harsher environment and still remain flexible.

Tackle gets special treatment when it’s intended to be used for ice fishing, as well. Fly fishing takes on a whole new meaning when it’s done by plunking a lure through a 12 inch hole in the ice. For one thing, since fish go after a different type of insect in the winter than they will in the summer, the flies are designed to better match the natural differences.

Making room for some safety gear is highly recommended when planning an ice fishing trip. Even something as simple as an ice pick can save your life.

Ice is like glass in one way – it’s highly unpredictable when subjected to stress. If it fractures underneath your stool and dumps you in the water, an ice pick in a handy pocket or sheath can provide a way to get back out again. Some are designed to be worn on a line around the neck, which can be a lifesaver. Even with gloves, pulling yourself out by hand is much, much harder.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a little comfort while you’re braving the cold to land a few fish. An ice shanty can make for the perfect tent to get out of the weather and store your gear away from the wind or snow.

Don’t leave home to go ice fishing without the proper gear. It will give you more time for angling and increase your catch.

Fly fishing is a great way to get out and get some fresh air. Mostly used for catching trout and bass, this is a popular part of the sport of fishing. Depending on what kind of fish you want to catch, there are several places in the United States that are considered hot spots. Some of these places may even be close to where you live, and all you have to do is research them a little to find out.

Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and striped bass are the game of the fly fisherman. Some of them can be challenging, especially because they are a fairly aggressive fish that are large in size. As a matter of fact, many fly fishing old timers will tell you that their feisty nature is one of the main reasons why they like bass fishing in the first place. It’s what makes all that times spent making fly fishing flies very worthwhile. It’s why we enjoy so much the great outdoors.

Fly fishing for bass will require a rod that is able to stand up to the entire process. The rod will generally end up going through a tremendous amount of pressure once a bass is hooked on the line. Not being able to hold the weight will result in breakage of your rod or even the loss of the entire rod altogether into the water. Additionally, it is also important that you do a little bit of research on rods before you actually buy one. You can always go to your local tackle store and get a feel for your fly rod before buying it. This will ensure that you will have a fly rod that is comfortable for you and easy to grasp. These considerations will be important once the bass is caught up on the hook.

The experts at your local fishing tackle shop can help you to find not only a fly fishing rod, but also flies that are appropriate for the type of fish you will be fishing for. There are flies designed for trout and bass. Your local shop is a great place to gather both information and equipment for bass and trout fishing.

Ice Fishing Equipment Made Simple

• Rods – ice fishing equipment lists should start with a good quality rod or tip-up. Rods for ice fishing are very short and typically very sturdy to accommodate for the tension and weight of the fish. The tip-up is a rod or reel attached to a cap or board that sits across or above the ice hole, with a flag or marker attached to the rod or spring where the line lids through. When a fish strikes the flag moves, allowing the angler to work the line and hook the fish. Typically anglers with more than one line in the water will use tip-ups to locate where fish are biting, then move to single line fishing.

• Lines – the monofilament lines used in spinners and fly fishing will not work well with the ice fishing equipment. A braided line that has a test weight of 10 to 20 pounds will be much better suited to the cold and icy conditions found when ice fishing.

• Lures and Bait– lures can be of almost any variety, but shiny and colorful plastic minnows, live bait, plastic worms and ice jigs being some of the best to have in your tackle box.

• Ice Auger – a gas powered ice auger can save a lot of time chipping a hole through the ice. Since a safe depth of ice for fishing is at least four inches, an auger can be a time and energy saving piece of ice fishing equipment.

• Shelter – there are many different types of canvas, plastic or even insulated “igloo” type shelters that can be pulled onto the lake or can be set up when you get there. Even a simple three-sided frame with a piece of tarp to break the wind can be effective.

• Skimmer – a slotted spoon or flat slotted paddle type device to keep removing the ice crystals from the fishing hole. Many people now use “caps” which provide a thermal layer to prevent the hole from freezing over.

• First Aid Kit – cold fingers often result in cuts on hooks so a good, well stocked first aid kit is important.

Last, but not at all least it is important to have identification and a current fishing license in your ice fishing equipment. Additional supplies such as heaters, chairs, blankets and even a camping stove are great additions to your ice fishing equipment and gear.

And most of all — Have a great time!