Ice Fishing in Canada

Helpful Tips in a Successful Canadian Ice Fishing

Canadian ice fishing can be rewarding and exciting. It involves hard work and a lot of patience. In order to achieve your goal in this Canadian ice fishing activity, you must consider some measures that could greatly help you.
Firstly, identify the location where you can have the most catch. Try to observe where other fisherman has been able to catch some species. Follow the path or if you did not succeed use a depth finder to search for the best location.
Once you succeed in your location, make a hole that should be at least 6 inches in diameter. Do not make your hole too big because it might lead to some accidents.

Set up your fishing pole and prepare your bait and then wait for the big catch. Most common baits used in Canadian ice fishing are the minnows, chubs or the shiners. Raw meat can also be used as baits. You may also opt to have a whole nearby your ice hut for your convenient. 

Ice Fishing equipment

If you participate in the Canadian ice fishing activity, it is important to know what are the essential equipment needed in order to have enjoyable and safe winter fishing. The most basic requirement in winter fishing is to secure a license since most state policy requires it in order to participate in any fishing activities.
The most important thing in winter fishing is proper outfit to protect you from the freezing temperature. You must have thick and winter clothes to keep you warm and safe.
The most basic equipment needed for any fishing activity include:

• Stool or chair
• Sled
• Propane heater
• Flashlight
• Compass
• Fishing rod with line and reels
• Bait
• Buckets

In terms of Canadian ice fishing, there are more additional specialize equipment needed intended for such purpose. Such equipment includes:

• Spud bar – a tool that is used to measure the thickness of ice.
• Auger – a tool used in cutting holes into the ice. It is similar to a screw device.
• Skimmer – a tool for removing ice particles from the hole.
• Gaff hook – used to pull out fish from the hole.

Most likely, a need for shelter is required for longer period of Canadian ice fishing activity. Some of these shelters are portable and some are very large which come with complete amenities such as satellite TV, kitchen with stove and utensils, bathrooms and showers. There are various types of shelters used in Canadian ice fishing. Some are tents made up of aluminum frames and canvass. Some ice huts are made of wood or plastic which are readily available for rent.
These structures are commonly called fish house, ice shanty or ice hut. These ice huts are usually transported to the area by means of trailer truck or snowmobile. Ice huts are made of sturdy materials that are ideal to keep you warm and comfortable. During winter season, shops are open and offer rentals of ice huts, and snowmobiles and tow trucks.
It is important to choose which ice hut is ideal for you or your group. Sizes of these huts can be for small group or larger group that may require additional space to accommodate all the essentials of your group.

Species in Canadian Ice Fishing

There are various species of fishes that are being caught in the Canadian ice fishing. The Northern Pike is among these species that can be distinguished by its yellow colored belly with some black spots of its fins. This species can grow up to 150 centimeters long and usually weighs 25 kilograms.
Another species is the Walleye or the yellow walleye that is native to Canada. The name of implies the fact the fish has reflective eyes which makes this specie see on low-lighted areas to seek for it’s pray.
The walleyes can be identified with its color, combination of gold and olive. It has sharp teeth that can be very powerful in eating other species.
The yellow perch is another kind commonly found in Canada and the US. It is also a fresh water fish that are usually 4 to 10 inches long and weigh 150 grams. This species can survive as long as 11 years. The yellow perch are favored as one of the finest cuisines of many restaurants around the world.