Can You Use A Regular Fishing Pole For Ice Fishing?

Yes, absolutely – you can use a regular spinning reel for ice fishing

. Small spinning reel sizes from 1000 to 3000 are ideal for hard water fishing. You should use the smallest ones (1000 – 2000) for panfish, and the larger sized models (2500 – 3000) for bigger fish such as walleye, pike and lake trout.

Why are ice fishing rods so short?

Ice fishing rods are so small

because they are designed specifically for use in ice

. For ice fishing, you need to be close to the hole, so a standard open-water pole will be too long. You also need a more sensitive rod for ice fishing, so the small size of ice fishing rods helps with feeling the fish.

What kind of rod do you use for ice fishing?

Fast-action rods

are the best for ice fishing because you get alerted to every single nibble, and the rod has enough strength in the blank to handle larger fish. When you are shopping around, want to take the rod and bend it at the tip to see how it flexes.

What size rod is best for ice fishing?

That’s why we recommend ice rods in the

25-to 27-inch

range for fishing inside most portable fish houses, especially flip-overs. Longer 27-to 30-inch models can be great options in hub or the more spacious wheelhouses. The trend today is for ice anglers to fish longer and longer rods, and for good reason…

Is ice fishing better than regular fishing?

Ice fishing a great break from regular fishing

. It requires a totally different approach with totally different equipment and a totally different set up. There are also certain lakes that produce better results with desired game fish species in winter.

What equipment do you need to go ice fishing?

1. Jigging ice fishing rod and reel.
2. Live bait container stocked with live bait.
3. Terminal tackle such as line clippers, fish grabbers, pliers, hooks, sinkers, etc.
4. Ice fishing tip ups.
5. Ice fishing electronics.
6. Ice augur and skimmer.
7. Retractable ice pick (Just in case)

Do you need ice fishing line to ice fish?

No doubt, for maximum ice-fishing success,

you need a line that can combat the ice-fishing challenges

. Trilene Cold Weather and Trilene Micro Ice lines were developed with ice anglers in mind. Cold Weather line is blue, so it shows up well against the snow, while Micro Ice is clear, making it invisible below the water.

What bait is used for ice fishing?

For ice fishing live bait, try

wax worms (bee moth larva), maggots, spikes (fly larvae), wigglers (mayfly larvae) or minnows

. You can drop your bait and leave it alone, or you can slowly jig to attract the fish. Ice fishing jigging also works with artificial ice fishing bait.

How do you set up an ice fishing rod?

How do I choose an ice rod?

What is the most sensitive ice fishing rod?

• G. Loomis NRX Jig and Worm Casting Rod.
• St. Croix Legend Extreme Casting Rod.
• St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod.
• Fiblink Graphite Ice Fishing Rod.

Is ice fishing hard?

But with a little thought, planning and the right equipment,

finding and catching fish through the ice can be surprisingly easy

– and incredibly fun! Of course, ice fishing doesn’t usually find Mother Nature at her most hospitable!

Can I use regular braid for ice fishing?

Nanofil works great.

You can use it outdoors in sub freezing conditions

. Much better than any of the ice braids I have used.

Is ice fishing better than summer fishing?

Fishing through the ice may provide access to areas that are usually weedy or off-limits to anglers without boats during the summer.

Ice fishing may provide anglers a chance to catch different species

, as some deep-water species venture shallower and closer to shore during these winter months.

Can you use any fishing line for ice fishing?

Ice fishing tip downs are mostly used for smaller fish like perch.

Any line type can be used, but make sure it is suitable for low temperatures

. Beginners often use mono because it is almost invisible and easer to pull out with your hands.

Is ice fishing expensive?

A guided trip will probably run

$200 to $300

. For some people, a once-a-year guided ice fishing trip is enough.

What do you need for basic ice fishing?

• Ice Fishing Rod, Line, and Reel. If you’ve been fishing in warmer climates, you’re probably used to the longer fishing pole with the spinning reel. …
• Lures and Bait. The only way to get a fish to bite is with bait, a lure, or a combination of both. …
• Tackle Box. …
• Ice Auger. …
• Ice Shelter. …
• Warm Clothing. …
• Find Your Ice Fishing Gear.

Can I use regular mono line for ice fishing?

The best overall line used around the world is Mono.

You can use a monofilament fishing line for ice fishing and open water, and most other fishing types

. It handles really well in the extreme cold, offers incredible strength per diameter, inherently low-vis, and ices up less than other lines.

Can I use Nightcrawlers for ice fishing?

Nightcrawlers can be an excellent bait for ice fishing, depending on the fish species you want to catch

. They are one of the best ice fishing baits for all kinds of trout, and also work well for crappie and other panfish.

Can you use worms for ice fishing?

Can you use worms for ice fishing? Although worms are not the best live bait option for ice fishing,

an earthworm on a jig can catch crappie, yellow perch, bluegill, trout, whitefish, and even small bass

. If worms are what you have for bait, you can absolutely catch some fish using them.

How deep should you ice fish?

1. Stay off of any ice that is 3 inches or less thick.
2. Remember that a minimum of 4 inches of clear, solid ice is a requirement to support an average person’s weight.